REFURBISHMENT OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES. PROJECT AND WORKS.

Refurbishing commercial premises is usually the first step when an entrepreneur decides to start up a shop or business. Of course, it is important that the premises adapt to the needs of the activity and become a sign of identity. However, there is a previous work of refurbishment of the commercial premises that requires time and economic investment.

The renovation project of a commercial premises includes administrative and bureaucratic work and the development of works in the space. It is true that it can be a complicated path full of conditioning factors. For this reason, it is always a good idea to have a professional team that can supervise the work and obtain permits.

At DESMON we take care of designing, directing and carrying out all the work required to refurbish a commercial premises. We have professionals who take care of the administrative procedures and deal with administrative bodies.

We also have expert bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and all the experts in the work itself. In addition, we take care of the supervision of the work and its correct execution. DESMON’s commercial premises renovation budget covers all areas of the project.

There are many areas of work that need to be controlled. With this article we want to give you an overview of all the tasks involved in the renovation of commercial premises.

As mentioned above, the main reason for refurbishing a commercial space is to adapt it to the needs of the business. However, there are other issues that affect the decision to transform the space.

A very important one is to increase the value of the premises. Some owners of premises decide to carry out a refurbishment that increases the possibilities of the space. In this way, its economic value for purchase or rent will rise considerably.

The need for more space is usually something common in commercial premises. For this reason, in many cases, works are carried out in order to increase the storage area. Similarly, the area can be redesigned to provide additional space for the storage of goods.

Since the appearance of covid19 , many commercial premises have decided to incorporate improvements to avoid contagion. For this reason, anti-contagion screens are now a very common element in shop counters. New health and safety conditions for customers and employees can therefore also facilitate the refurbishment of a shop.

A change of image is often a compelling reason to refurbish commercial premises. A facelift of image and facilities can attract more customers or broaden the buyer’s target.

Finally, the viability and future of the commercial activity must always be kept in mind. It makes no sense to invest money in a refurbishment for a business that no longer has an outlet or possibility of surviving.

The renovation of commercial premises includes work in different areas. It is not just a matter of knocking down walls and changing sockets. When requesting an estimate for the renovation of commercial premises, the professional has to deal with a number of different issues.

Of course, there is a lot of physical and building work involved, but there are also different procedures with the regional or municipal administration. Let’s briefly break down the whole process involved in the project.

When a request for an estimate is received for the refurbishment of commercial premises, a project is drawn up. This document must include the entire development of the work and who is responsible for it.

1. DESCRIPTIVE REPORT OF THE PROJECT

It should include the details of the developer, the designer, the project manager, the builder and the health and safety manager. Ultimately, all of these people will be ultimately responsible for everything that happens during the execution of the refurbishment.

2. CONSTRUCTION REPORT OF THE PROJECT

A description of the demolition work and the laying of the paving is required. The removal of furniture and toilets and the management of the rubble produced must also be included.

It should also include the work to be carried out and the new layout. It should also outline the materials, what the installations will be like and describe the conditioning systems. In addition, it should clearly state that the Technical Building Code is complied with in all the works. And do not forget to always take into account the Law on accessibility and the removal of architectural barriers.

3. GRAPHIC MATERIAL

Likewise, all plans of the premises and photographs of the old and new installations must be included.

4. BUILDING PERMITS AND LICENCES

When renovating commercial premises, it is necessary to apply for a building permit or licence. At the same time, it is necessary to make sure and provide documentation that accredits compliance with current national and autonomous community regulations.

Thus, it is necessary to apply for a building permit for major or minor works. It is also necessary to provide the activity licence, the accessibility licence and the fire protection compliance licence. Finally, the opening licence must be applied for.

The authorised inspection body must be informed of the entire renovation process. It is also necessary to have the town planning compatibility certificate required by some local councils.

We now move on to talk about the reform itself, that is to say, the building work that must be carried out in the reform of commercial premises. It is clear that each space requires different transformations. However, DESMON’s experience in this type of work has led us to identify certain tasks that will almost certainly have to be carried out.

1. CONDITION OF THE PREMISES

First of all, make sure that the premises are structurally sound. It is key to ensure that it is not affected by any urban redevelopment and that its licences are not restricted. Also, it is important to know that, if the building has architectural value, there will be certain works that will be subject to the decision of the municipal authority and cannot be modified.

Finally, it is essential to check that the plans are correct and to draw up new ones if they do not match the physical premises. One last piece of advice: the minimum height must be 2.7 m and it is essential that there is a possibility of ventilation.

2. DESIGN AND IMAGE OF THE PREMISES

It is always interesting that the corporate image of the business, brand or company is visible in the commercial premises. The client will quickly identify the firm if the corporate colours and logo are clearly visible on the floors and walls.

3. FACADE

Work on the façade is essential when refurbishing premises. It is the first image that the client receives and it must be positive. During the refurbishment, the façade must be cleaned and holes and chipping must be covered. It will almost certainly be necessary to place a sign or brand sign and to fit out the shop windows with double-glazing and anti-glare glass.

4. INTERIOR SPACE

In the interior area, the customer service counter is essential. It should be visible, large and easily identifiable. The central area of the premises should be used for sales activity and, if there is a service area, it should be located on the sides.

5. FLOORS AND CEILINGS

Undoubtedly, floors and ceilings are areas to be transformed in a retail refurbishment. Above, it is important to install a false ceiling to hide the water, gas or electricity installations.

The tile system is quick to install and accessibility is guaranteed by simply raising the piece. Below, the best option is a raised access floor. Electrical and data installations will be hidden underneath.

6. WALLS

A good option is to opt for plasterboard partitions. They are cheap, easy to install and offer a good finish. If the decision is made to paint, in addition to the corporate colours, light and luminous tones should be chosen.

Finally, you can also include lining the walls with wood. With this noble material, a comfortable space is assured.

7. PAVING

Tiled floors are always an option, but in a shop there is a high level of foot traffic.

For this reason, a resistant floor such as vinyl flooring is recommended. They can imitate different materials and there is a variety of colours. Besides, walking on them is very pleasant.

8. ALUMINIUM CARPENTRY

Aluminium doors and windows are always a good choice. They have a very long life span and you can play with many colours. In addition, the opening system is simple and allows quick and easy opening and closing.

9. WASHBASIN AND SANITARY AREA

The renovation of the commercial premises is sure to include the renovation of the toilet area of the business. DESMON’s advice is undoubtedly to install phenolic sanitary cabins.

The phenolic material is highly hygienic, does not allow the growth of microbes and is very easy to clean. In addition, it resists daily use, impacts and does not burn.

10. ELECTRICAL AND CLIMATE CONTROL INSTALLATION

The electrical installation is a very important job when refurbishing commercial premises. In these spaces, sockets and light points are always necessary in case the distribution is changed.

Both the false ceiling and the raised floor will make it easier to hide all the wiring. Last but not least, it is advisable to contract the appropriate power for the type of activity.

Similarly, the air-conditioning and ventilation system must have sufficient power. This will ensure a healthy and fresh atmosphere inside the premises. A good temperature, optimum humidity and optimum recirculation are always essential.

11. LIGHTING

When designing the lighting, energy efficiency must be taken into account. In this sense, it is advisable to use LED lamps, which will also reduce the electricity bill. Automatic presence detection systems are interesting because they deactivate the lighting in areas where there is no presence.

As has become clear, there are many variables to manage when it comes to refurbishing commercial premises. Therefore, DESMON’s advice is to ensure a good execution by using good professionals.

At DESMON we offer you a whole team of professionals who will be in charge of carrying out the refurbishment. In addition, our design and decoration staff will give the final touches with the best furniture to achieve an attractive result.

If you are thinking of refurbishing your premises and you need more information, contact us and ask for an estimate for the refurbishment of commercial premises. We specialise in customised solutions and optimising space.