Where Any Office Renovation Should Begin
In today’s world an office is the calling card and face of a company, so organising the workspace deserves a responsible approach. This is the place where ideas are born, products are developed and strategies are formed — which means every team member should feel as comfortable as possible. Successful companies aim to make their office both aesthetically appealing and practical, and that is exactly why the right office renovation start matters so much.
A mistake at the start is expensive: rework, missed deadlines and budget overruns almost always trace back to rushed decisions. Below we break down where any office renovation should begin, so that you get a predictable result.
Why the office is the face of the company
The workspace works on two fronts at once. For clients it’s an indicator of reliability and the level of the business; for employees it’s the environment where they spend most of their day. A well-thought-out interior boosts productivity, reduces staff turnover and strengthens the brand. So an office renovation is an investment, not an expense — and it should begin with a clear plan.
Partner Create delivers turnkey office spaces with its own team, so the sequence below is based on the practice of real projects.
Step 1. Audit the premises and set the tasks
Any office renovation begins with an audit. Specialists assess the condition of the premises, talk with management and clarify the key points: the field of activity, the brand philosophy and the vision for the future space. Based on this data, the technical brief is drawn up.
At this stage it’s important to answer these questions:
- how many employees will work in the office and whether headcount growth is planned;
- which functional zones are needed;
- what level of interaction between departments is required;
- what corporate standards the interior should reflect.
A clear brief saves time and money, because changes “on paper” are always cheaper than reworking finished structures.
Step 2. Choose the type of renovation: designer or standard
The next step is to decide on the type of renovation. It can be either designer or standard.
A designer renovation makes the interior match the brand — the best way to underline the value of the company’s products and services. The standard option is cheaper and faster but does little for image. The choice depends on the goals of the business and the budget, and it’s best made before the estimate is drawn up.
Step 3. Plan the renovation budget
Sound renovation planning is impossible without a realistic budget. At the start it’s important not only to count the cost of the work and materials, but also to set aside a reserve for unforeseen expenses — usually 10–15%.
To estimate the renovation budget correctly, you need a design project: with it you can send the scope of work out for pricing to different contractors and compare offers on equal terms. Without a project, comparing price lists is almost impossible — different companies put a different scope of work into the same wording. A professional contractor will point out, as early as the estimate stage, where you can save and where cutting corners will cause problems.
Step 4. The design project as the foundation
Before finishing work, a design project is drawn up. It’s the foundation that determines functionality, style, comfort and the final cost. A full project usually includes:
- layout solutions and zoning;
- a 3D visualisation of the interior before work even begins;
- working documentation with a full set of drawings;
- specifications for materials, equipment and furniture.
More about the service is in the Design and Engineering section, and examples of finished interiors are gathered in the office spaces portfolio.
Choosing the office layout type
Depending on the number of employees, the specifics of the work and the level of interaction required, one of three layout types is chosen:
- Closed — small offices along a corridor. Less distracting noise, but also a lower level of interaction with management.
- Open (open space) — a large room where employees from different departments work. Maximum communication, but more noise.
- Combined — mixes open space with separate offices and rest areas. The most flexible option for most companies.
The final choice depends on many factors and is discussed individually.
The psychology of colour in the office
The right choice of colour is an important aspect, since psychologists have long proven the effect of shades on emotions, mood and productivity. For example, in companies where employees do monotonous work, bright accent zones are created to help break up the routine. At the same time the palette should correlate with the brand — this reinforces recognition and works for the image.
Compliance with sanitary and fire-safety standards
An office renovation differs significantly from a home renovation, because it faces high requirements for sanitary and fire-safety standards. Specialists take into account the quality of lighting, the required volume of fresh air, thermal energy and many other factors. The choice of materials matters separately: they must be eco-friendly and hard-wearing. Ignoring the standards at the start later turns into fines and rework, so this aspect is built in at the design stage.
Work schedule, contract and insurance
Once the project and estimate are ready, a work schedule is drawn up and a contract is signed. We recommend entrusting the work to professionals who know all the nuances of design and delivery — ideally inviting a company to act as the general contractor, so that one team is responsible for the whole cycle.
In today’s realities an office renovation can even be insured, obliging the contractor to meet all the terms and guarantees. It’s an extra safeguard that protects the budget and the timeline.
In brief: where to begin an office renovation
- ☑️ Audit the premises and set the tasks.
- ☑️ Choose the type of renovation — designer or standard.
- ☑️ Plan the budget with a reserve for unforeseen expenses.
- ☑️ Develop the design project.
- ☑️ Choose the office layout type.
- ☑️ Align the colour palette with the brand.
- ☑️ Check compliance with standards.
- ☑️ Work schedule, contract and, if needed, insurance.
Frequently asked questions
With an audit of the premises and setting the tasks. First the specialists assess the condition of the site and clarify the business goals, and only then draw up the estimate and project.
A designer renovation is subordinate to the brand and works for the company’s image; a standard one is cheaper and faster but has little effect on how clients perceive the office.
Usually 10–15% on top of the estimate for unforeseen expenses. The exact figure is easier to determine after the design project is developed.
A closed layout reduces noise, an open one increases communication, and a combined one blends the advantages of both. The choice depends on the number of employees and the specifics of the work.
Planning an office renovation?
The right start is half the success. The Partner Create team will guide the project from audit and budget to turnkey handover.
You can view completed projects in the portfolio, find more useful articles on the blog, and to arrange a site visit and estimate, leave a request on the contact page. Call us: +38 050 388 24 49.
We also recommend the articles How We Renovate Offices: Our Process and Don’t Start an Office Renovation If…— they complement this material and will help you prepare for the start.