Stay Open for Business Even During a Commercial Renovation
It’s important to try and stay open for business while remodeling. Yet, this can present many challenges! If you are considering staying open during your commercial renovation project, make sure that the company is able to accommodate both customers’’ needs as well as employees.
First, it’s important to assess the situation and consider whether or not remaining operational during renovations is reasonable. For example, restaurants can’t legally operate due to health codes so you’ll want to work around if this applies in your case as well.
If you’re committed to keeping your doors open while you remodel, consider the following factors:
1. Work Hours
Being picky about work hours can result in longer construction schedules and higher costs, but you have the right to make sure your business is done when it needs time off. While vetting contractors, ask if they cater unconventional schedule changes that minimize downtime for employees while renovations are being made- this will help keep things running smoothly as well.
2. Transparency
Memos are a great way to keep employees and clients informed about your renovation plans. In addition, memos can include the reasons behind any changes in store for them along with what measures you’re taking so that they don’t experience disruptions during this time of change. Feel free to ask questions or make adjustments as necessary- all while keeping everyone up-to date on their progress towards completion.
3. Construction Zones
To minimize the risk of infection, it is important that construction workers have access to a clean zone with limited traffic. To do this effectively, you should establish unoccupied areas between their work area and business zones so they don’t come into contact with dirty surfaces or people who may be infected by harmful substances like toxic dust while on site.
4. Containment Barriers
Construction can be a dirty business and if you work in an area that’s being renovated or refurbished, make sure to have proper air quality controls. Your HVAC unit may need adjustments so the particles from construction areas don’t contaminate your workspace; some rooms will also require pressurization for this purpose. An experienced contractor would know exactly what type of ventilation system is needed depending on where they’re working at any given time.
Staying Safe During a Commercial Renovation
Before construction begins, you need a safety plan. Below are some steps you can take to protect your employees and customers during renovations:
- Give your vendors the renovation schedule in case you need to make special accommodations for them.
- Post updated maps indicating which areas are currently under construction and highlight all evacuation routes.
- Designate someone to sweep construction areas every hour.
- Long extension cords stretching across your office or sales floor can be particularly hazardous, so try to limit their use.
- Give your employees protective gear if necessary.
- Create an emergency plan for safely shutting down operations in case your building becomes uninhabitable due to air quality issues or other unforeseen problems.
JeBailey & Co. can keep you in business during commercial construction and renovation. If you’d like to learn more about the commercial building process or speak with someone about your commercial project, contact JeBailey & Co. today at (407) 559-6412, or email us at info@jebaileyandco.com to learn more about our other services or request a quote!
