When you are designing a new business space, it’s important to keep finances in mind. While you want the best possible environment for yourself and your staff, you also need to make sure you’re staying within your budget. Luckily, there are ways to save money as you design your new business space. Here are some tips to get you started.
Downsize
If you haven’t officially bought or rented your space yet, consider how much room you actually need. Do you need a massive office or will a smaller space work just as well? If you get a smaller office, it will cost you less money upfront. It will also save money in the future since your utility bills will be less. Look at your staff and your needs and be honest about how much room you need. If it turns out that you do need an enormous commercial space to keep your business running, then you’re making the right financial decision from the start. If you can work just as well out of a smaller office, consider going that route.
Prioritize Energy Efficiency
Not only is energy efficiency good for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet. More environmentally friendly materials tend to use fewer resources. This means that many are cheaper from the start. Those that are an investment early on can save you money in the long run. For instance, Grand View Research states that installing awnings over your windows can save you money on your energy bills. This simple step cuts solar heat gain by 65% to 77%. This will provide a lot of savings over the years. Look for energy-efficient options from the start so that you can reap the savings as soon as possible.
Hire Contractors
It can be tempting to do things yourself in order to save money on your business space. While this can work, it can also backfire if you don’t know what you’re doing. In many cases, it is cheaper to hire a contractor. You’re paying for their expertise, so you know the job will get done the first time correctly. Then you won’t need to pay for unnecessary repairs later. A contractor can also help you choose the options that will save you money on energy costs later. For instance, choosing the right materials for your roof can decrease your building’s energy needs by up to 30%. So even if you’re paying for a contractor, they can help you save money in the future.
Replace Old Fixtures
When you move into a new business space, you should check for any necessary repairs that need to be done on the fixtures already there. Things like bathroom fixtures can end up costing you a lot of money if they are old and neglected. Once you’ve moved into the space, go through and update any kitchen and bathroom fixtures that you can afford to replace immediately. A low-flush toilet can save up to 18,000 gallons of water per year. If you’re paying for water, taking this step will help you save money that would otherwise be thrown away. So take some time to go through the new business space and see where you need updates. Even if you can’t get to all of them immediately, gradually working through them will help you save money over time.
When you’re moving into a new business space, you need to be conscious of your budget, both now and in the future. If you take these steps during the initial planning and after you move in, it can help you cut costs significantly.
