The commercial property remodeling market has more than doubled since 2011. In 2019, US businesses invested over $35 billion in facility remodeling projects.

As time passes and businesses grow, remodeling projects are inevitable. Sometimes, all that is needed is a new coat of paint to keep appearances fresh; however, remodeling jobs can quickly get out of hand when more extensive work is required. Any job, big or small, comes with its challenges.

When is remodeling necessary?

There are many reasons your facility may require a remodel or a refresh. Remodeling tends to involve moving walls and replacing fixtures, while a refresh project may be more limited to painting and other cosmetic updates.

Safety and Accessibility

Safety and accessibility are always paramount. To avoid lawsuits from customers and employees, ensuring that your facilities are up to date on all ADA regulations and accommodations is essential. This can come in many shapes and sizes. Still, some examples are restroom and breakroom accessibility and proper access to goods and services.

New Tenants

Remodeling may also be necessary if a new tenant requires an alteration of the space. For example, extensive remodeling will be needed if a fast-food restaurant moves into a former office goods supply store. Large jobs require cooperation on many levels to prevent mishaps and ensure compliance with as little downtime as possible.

Cosmetic Upgrades

Businesses can appear outdated over time, and consumer preferences change.  Refreshing facility appearances with a new coat of paint or a fresh set of tiles can make a massive difference in attracting customers and employees. While refresh projects such as these are typically less intensive than remodeling projects, they still keep facilities looking current.

Why Remodel Projects Present Challenges for Facility Managers

Although many remodeling projects seem relatively straightforward, they all come with unique challenges and setbacks, which can be difficult for even the most seasoned facilities managers. Some of the top challenges that facilities managers face include:

Managing and Communicating with Different Vendors

When multiple vendors work on a job, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, you must consider how each job impacts the other when scheduling it. Choosing the best vendor and coordinating the work can significantly affect the time it takes to complete a remodel and how well it is executed.

Safety

The more complex and heavy-duty a remodel job is, the more dangerous it can become. Keeping track of safety protocols for various subcontractors can be difficult, and forgetting about the slightest thing can result in OSHA violations, fines, and potential lawsuits if someone is injured.

Lack of Experience

Even the most seasoned facilities managers can find large-scale remodeling projects with broad scopes daunting. In these cases, it’s best to leave things to professionals who can maximize time and energy and work as efficiently as possible to get your business up and running as soon as possible.

 Business Continuity During Renovations

Some large-scale renovation projects can’t be undertaken while customers and employees are in the facility. However, closing down ultimately can be costly and inefficient. In these instances, renovations must be performed during non-business hours so normal day-to-day operations can continue.

These are just a few challenges that must be addressed during remodeling. How can outsourcing your remodeling projects to a facility management partner alleviate them?

1. Provide expert project management of every aspect of the project – from start to finish.

2. Vet, hire, and coordinate all the subcontractors (plumber, electrician, drywall, paint, etc.)

3. Deliver consistent, predictable pricing based on their experience, fewer unexpected costs, change orders, etc.

4. Reduce downtime (less time that a facility will have to be closed due to the remodel)

5. Ensure a safer environment for workers, employees, and customers during the project – OSHA-certified workers.

6. Support compliance – permitting of the project.

How Lakeside Project Solutions Can Help

As you prepare for your next facility remodeling job, consider outsourcing your project to Lakeside Project Solutions, a partner with vast experience. We understand the intricacies that accompany even the most straightforward refresh projects and are ready to provide you with the highest quality service regardless of the job. Whether that comes in the form of providing the best, pre-vetted subcontractors or providing guidance on health and safety regulations that must be followed during a remodel, Lakeside Project Solutions is ready to help.