Office Renovation Planning - Some Guidelines

If you want to renovate your office, there are a lot of things you need to think about. A true renovation is about more than a new lick of paint and some comfortable new furniture. Naturally, that is also a part of it, but with a real renovation, you need to think about walls being taken down and put back up, wires and pipes being moved about and more. A full renovation is disruptive and takes time. This means you have to plan for it properly. Let's take a look at some guidelines to make sure your project goes the way you want it to.

Think of the Reasons First

The very first thing you need to do is decide why you actually want to renovate or refurbish.

If you think about the 'why' early on, you're well prepared to identify the 'what' when you come to writing up your brief and discussing your new space with your chosen office refurbishment partner.

Some of the common reasons for renovating an office include lack of space, reorganization of your business, a need to upgrade your facilities, productivity and morale of your staff, legislation, environmental concerns, health and safety, and creating a new image for your customers. Each of these reasons, and any other reason that you may have for renovation, lead to certain aspects that absolutely must be included in your project.

Choose Your Contractor

The next very important step is choosing a contractor to work with. You have to find someone that is able to deliver on your needs, which means they have to understand you and be able to communicate with you about what is and isn't possible. Take your time to research the different contractors, such as www.apollointeriors.com, to see what they have to offer. Pay particular attention to what their previous clients have said about the quality of service that they have received.

Work With Your Contractor

Once you know why you want to renovate and you have chosen your contractor, the real work will start. You must be able to clearly communicate your needs to them and they will work with you to turn that into a reality. They will explain what sort of work will have to be done and how that will fit in your budget.

At this point, you will need to plan for the actual work. Renovation is work that cannot be done without at least some form of disruption. This is why you will have to decide how to best achieve its completion while minimizing its disruptive effects on the business. For instance, you could close your business down and have all of the renovation completed in one go. Alternatively, you could ask for the renovation to be completed in stages, which will take longer but means your business will continue to run during the renovation process, albeit with some disruptions.

Again, communication with your contractor is the most important thing at this point. For instance, if you still have asbestos materials in your office property, there is no way that you can leave your offices open during renovation. The health and safety of your employees and your clients have to come first after all.

Plan What to Do After Completion

The final item you need to think about is what to do after the completion of your project. Once your office has been fully renovated, you may want to consider having an office party to celebrate this. Make sure you invite all your staff, as a thank you for their patience while working in difficult conditions. Also, invite some of your closest networking clients and some customers, as this is also a form of advertisement. Finally, invite representatives from your contractor, as they often rely on word of mouth advertisement for getting new contracts.

When To Refurbish A Dental Office

Refurbishing a dental office is a very big step. A lot of things generally lead to the refurbishment project being put off, including the fact that it often leads to downtime and that it is expensive. However, there are many benefits that can be gained, some of which will lead to a significant return on the investment. Furthermore, there are a number of situations in which refurbishment becomes necessary, and the only other option would be to relocate.

Complying with Legislation

The first thing to take into consideration is that all dental offices and other offices have to comply with certain laws and legislation.

The government constantly introduces new legislation which can result in fines for companies that don't comply. The European Union's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was introduced in 2006 to encourage companies to reduce the environmental impact of their buildings. And as of January 2009, it became law.

This means that if your building is not compliant, you will have to make certain changes. Energy efficiency is a hot topic and looking into making your office greener and cleaner is also a good way to attract new patients and keep your existing ones happy. People are interested in renewable technology and sustainability, and if their dentist is committed to those issues, they will be more inclined to visit the dental office on a regular basis.

Creating an Impression

Secondly, you also need to think about the impression that you would want to make on your patients.

When you are hosting your clients or customers in the office, they will form an opinion about your business based on what they see in the building.

This is one of the areas in which you will be able to see a return on investment as well. If your dental office really looks good, it is likely that you will get more patients and those you already have will come for further checkups. An old and dated dental practice may leave a negative impression on patients. One of the additional dangers that come with an outdated office is the fact that people often talk with their friends and family members about their dentist and guess what - they are likely to talk about how the dental office looks. That will hardly be a good recommendation for the dentist. Once you feel like your practice has seen better days, the time to refurbish may have arrived.

Choosing Your Contractor

Meanwhile, although it is already clear that there are financial benefits to be gained from refurbishing your dental practice, it is also easy to see that there is a significant amount of funds that must be produced to get the project started. This is why it is so important that you find a contractor who will be able to work together with you to make sure you have as little disruption as possible. Downtime in a dental office is often unaffordable, and your contractor must be able to understand this and come up with a plan to make sure you are still able to offer dental services while the project is ongoing.

It is vital to consider refurbishment specialists, such as apollointeriors.com. What sets such companies apart is the fact that they work together with their clients, rather than for their clients. This means they will sit down with you first in order to determine how to best approach the job before they start working. They also focus on delivering on time and within the budget that you have specified, which means that you will know exactly what is happening and when. And since these types of companies have a strong focus on sustainability, you will be killing two birds with one stone in making sure that your office will be green as well.

Commercial Office Renovations - Environmental Aspects

Environmental issues are a hot topic. We all need to try to be greener and to use sustainable processes. If you are considering a commercial office renovation, this is perhaps even more important. It is likely that parts of your old office were true energy drains and that your carbon footprint is sky-high. However, did you know that by choosing to renovate and by taking environmental aspects into consideration, you may find that you will be create something greener than if you were to invest in a brand new building?

Contrary to popular belief, the benefits of reusing and renovating buildings outweighed the benefits of constructing new energy-efficient structures.

Indeed, the construction of a new building will require between 10 and 80 years to counter its negative impact on the environment when compared to an office renovation.

What Makes a Building Green? 

So what sort of things should you think about if you want to turn your commercial office into a green building? Essentially, it is a full package. The main thing is that it uses less fossil fuels, which means a reduction in energy (gas and electricity) and water. Furthermore, it is a building that increases the overall health of employees by thinking about the actual environment in which they work.

Materials that contain fibers such as fiberglass composite materials or insulation can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract when disbursed in the air and/or inhaled.

In ensuring that the actual environment is greener, employee productivity is also increased. This is true not in the least because there will be fewer incidents of sickness. Also, a green building reduces the amount of pollution that it causes. Hence, it should reduce the amount of wastes that are produced as well. There are numerous ways to achieve this, including using recycled or sustainable products in construction, and installing renewable energy sources such as wind turbines or solar panels. It is important to see the bigger picture and to view a building as something that will last for a long time.

A green building is a structure that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout its life-cycle. These objectives expand and complement the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.

The benefits of focusing on these environmental aspects are tremendous. It has a positive impact the planet as a whole through the lowering of carbon emissions. As stated, it also helps to improve employee health. Finally, it also helps with the economy, both on a large scale by working together with manufacturers of sustainable products and on a smaller scale, by improving the revenues of your own business. Indeed, because people are so focused on sustainability right now, businesses that can demonstrate their care for the environment tend to see a huge jump in profits.

A Green Contractor 

In order to actually receive all these benefits, it is very important that you work together with a contractor that has a commitment to sustainability and can demonstrate that they have the necessary experience to make this a reality. Look for contractors like www.apollointeriors.com/, for instance.

We acknowledge that the construction industry has a huge impact on the environment but whilst being a part of the problem, with knowledge and care we can be a part of the solution.

Statements of intent towards sustainability are very important in any contractor you choose to work with. Some, for instance, will even be able to give you a green seal of approval, which demonstrates that your commercial office is as green as it can be. The planet is decaying at an alarming rate, but it is possible for us to do something about it.

Home Renovations That Provide A Return On Your Investment

Before you decide to break the bank and get an extension on your property or a brand new kitchen, you have to make sure that you will be able to see a decent return on investment. You may not want to sell your property any time soon, but knowing how much of the money you spend you are likely to come back to you at some point is always an interesting question. Let's take a look at the home renovations that are the best value for money.

The Boring Things

Most of want to do home renovations because we want something new. We want that brand new kitchen or bathroom. We want our living room to be larger and in a different color. We want to have a bedroom worthy of the 1001 Arabian Nights. However, we have to think about the boring things, the things we can't see first. The first thing you should check, therefore, is your roofing.

Make sure the roof does not leak. If leakage is occurring have it fixed immediately. It's probably a result of flashing failure.

There are more of these types of things that you should check, including your chimney, your guttering, your walls, your foundations, your plumbing and your electrical systems. These things all add tremendous value to your home. However, although regular maintenance is absolutely necessary, if you don't intend to sell your house any time soon, you may want to postpone any plans for expensive replacements.

Your Kitchen 

Once the boring stuff is out of your way, you can start looking at those things that give you real enjoyment as well. One of the home renovations that give a high return is changing your kitchen.

The younger buyers, especially the baby boomers, want a modern kitchen with the cooktop stove and nice cabinets, not to mention wine coolers and subzero refrigerators.

Interestingly, if you only have a small budget available, even making small changes can make a huge difference. You do have to make sure you have this work completed by a reputable contractor. Search for companies like ApolloInteriors to make sure your job is completed on time and within budget.

Your Front Door 

If you want to renovate your home on a very small budget but achieve a big return on investment, often above and beyond what you actually spent on it, all you really need to do is change your front door.

The top-ranking home improvement? A new front door, which on average adds 96.6 percent of the amount you spent to the value to your home, according to Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2014.

You do have to make sure that you choose a front door that is popular on the market today. It has to fit with the house and with the overall street. It should also be insulating, with most people preferring UPVC and double glazed doors. This is all about curb appeal. When someone comes to view your property with the intention to buy it, the first thing they will see is your front door. They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this is true for your home as well.

There are various other projects that will give you a good return. Renovating a bathroom is one of them. However, other things will cost you a lot and won't show much of a return at all. A pool, for instance, is seen as a maintenance burden and may actually decrease the overall value of your home. There are many things to think about, and a good renovation company will be able to discuss all these issues with you.

Interior Remodeling For Commercial Establishments - Some Examples

If you have a commercial property, there will come a time when it is no longer fit for its original purpose. In this case, you will have to decide whether you want to sell and move to another property, or whether you want to do up the existing premises to turn them into something better. It is equally possible that you have purchased a property that needs significant work. Whatever the case may be, it is likely that you could use some examples of interior remodeling works that have been previously done to serve as your inspiration. Let's take a look at some ideas that are out there.

Ann Arbor Township Offices

Remodeling is all about keeping the old intact and blending it in with the new in order to improve on this. One commercial property that shows this really well is the Ann Arbor Township Offices. This project was completed by DP Development.

The exterior was remodeled to provide a uniform appearance to what was an assembly of unrelated additions that had occurred over the years. Interior space was remodeled and an addition was added to provide office and residential spaces for the fire fighters.

The building now looks like what it represents. The fire department is, of course, one of the most important community services out there and the building reflects this. It shows the unification between the various offices within the building, which gives the community an enhanced feeling of safety and security.

Lea Vale Health Ltd 

Another great example is found in Lea Vale Health Ltd. This was a project for a health clinic, which requires particular knowledge and expertise. It was completed by ApolloInteriors.com.

We had not used Apollo before but were given their contact details by the NHS dental department at Liverpool Road Health Centre who had used them and were very pleased with the work carried out.

This particular testimonial highlights an important issue, which is that you should only work with contractors that have an excellent reputation. There is no better advertisement than word-of-mouth and if you know a contractor has received numerous recommendations, which you can check up on, you know you have found one that is likely to deal with your project properly.

Springfield Surgery 

Springfield Surgery is an excellent example of a commercial renovation project that was completed by Stockport Kitchens.

A renovation of a Doctors surgery whilst they remained open. With our good planning and management whilst taking health and safety matters into account we completed the project on the forecasted day on predicted budget.

This highlights a number of important issues that you will have to take into consideration when you start to think about your own remodeling project. The first is that it can be very difficult to not experience any service disruption when you are remodeling and working with a company that has processes in place to avoid this is very beneficial.

The second and third issues are around timeliness and budget. Construction companies, unfortunately, are known to go over budget and to not complete jobs on time. Both of these issues can lead to significant loss of income on your organization. Although the usual recommendation is to always add 10% to your original budget just in case it really shouldn't make a massive difference. Timeliness is also hugely important, as the longer a job takes, the more disruption you will experience. Hence, whichever contractor you decide to work with in the end has to be one that has a reputation of delivering work on time and in budget and that they have a number of guarantees in place to ensure this.

Dental Offices - How To Refurbish In An Eco-Friendly Way

Being committed to sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint is something that all dental practices should sign up for. This is a very big reason to refurbish a dental office as well. After all, dated buildings with dated technology tend to use far more energy than is necessary. As such, although a refurbishment may be expensive, it is also a cost-saving exercise that could allow you to see a return on investment if done properly. So what are some of the things you could do in order to make sure you refurbish your dental office in an eco-friendly way?

Going Paperless

A key thing that you should focus on in your refurbishment is that it allows you to go as paperless as possible.

Not only does going paperless lead to increased efficiencies and a growing bottom line, it's also a great way for your practice to become more environmentally friendly.

This means your refurbishment project should include more modern technologies and systems that allow for paperless work. Any good refurbishment company will take this desire into consideration and come up with practical ideas to make it possible. Indeed, becoming eco-friendly is not solely about materials used.

Use Examples

Another great way to come up with ideas to make your dental office more eco-friendly is by looking at examples of what other practices have done. There are various different dental practices around the country that have made this commitment and can be used as inspiration. One example is the Trade Winds Dental.

We believe in the four Rs: Re-think, Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle. It is a common sense approach that results in a healthier office space for patients and team members.

This is a great example of a dental practice that has really looked into all aspects of green dentistry. They have added new technology that helps them to save on energy and that also wastes less water. Furthermore, they are even considering harnessing energy from sustainable sources in order to reduce their energy consumption even more.

Practical Ideas

There are also various practical ideas out there that you could implement depending on the needs and nature of your refurbishment. One option, for instance, is to use what can best be compared to over-sized Lego blocks to build your structure. These hollow plastic blocks are stacked into place before being filled with cement. They have amazing insulating properties, which leads to a significant reduction on energy bills.

Another idea is to change your roofs and windows.

When winter comes, having a southwest exposure will make sure the sun hits the windows, causing the place to heat up naturally and reducing heating costs.

Of course, you should also engage in recycling as much as possible. Old materials can be reused in innovative ways that allow you to save costs and make a positive contribution to the environment at the same time. Being green is all about being creative with what you've got.

Hiring the Right Company

In order to have a truly green dental office refurbishment, you need to work with a company that is experienced in delivering this and has an equally strong commitment to being green. One example is apollointeriors.com, who are highly committed to sustainability.

We acknowledge that the construction industry has a huge impact on the environment but whilst being a part of the problem, with knowledge and care we can be a part of the solution.

Only by working with a company that is as committed to being green as what you are will you see true results. Take some time to look into the various providers that are out there to get the best possible deal. Going green isn't boring, it is creative, fun and hugely important.

Some Examples Of Eco-Friendly Home Renovations

Every year more and more people are becoming increasingly aware of the environment and how everything they do can have a definite impact on it. This is also true for each one of us. Perhaps in the past, you were content with all of the popular amenities that usually come with a standard home, but now that you've learned about your environmental footprint, you might want to make a few changes. When it comes to renovating your home you may find yourself thinking in much the same way as the designers from Freshome,

You've decided to renovate your home not only to perk it up but to better accommodate your current needs and lifestyle. If you haven't thought to do so already, you might want to think about some environmentally savvy ways to renovate your home.

Taking the time to consider the environment in your remodeling plans will be making conscious steps towards protecting the world we live in. Here are a few things you can do:

When Choosing Building Materials

When you're ready to buy materials for your renovation project, consider buying locally whenever possible. This provides opportunities to reduce the environmental and health impacts of our home. Choosing local products to clean, light, furnish, and renovate our homes cuts back on the amount of energy used to make, ship, and use products and this drastically reduces the amount of emissions that result from their transport from a distant location. With reduced waste and more energy efficient products, your home project will be much more eco-friendly.

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

The difference between how much energy consumption appliances have can be drastic. When choosing appliances for your home make sure that you choose those that have EnergyGuide labels so that you will be better able to determine which models are more energy efficient. These labels are designed to compare the model with other similar appliances as to how much energy and water consumption they are required to use.

Select Non-VOC Products

The term VOC stands for volatile organic compounds that are usually found in pressure-treated building products like formaldehyde. The compounds can with time, leach out and eventually pose a health hazard to those who suffer from prolonged exposure to them. These products can be substituted with safer products that do not contain these volatile compounds. Rather than using these pressure-treated products, consider using materials like untreated, kiln-dried lumber, steel studs and joists, and plastic-impregnated wood-composite planks instead.

Use Recycled Materials

Many home exteriors can be finished with recycled materials or green products to conserve natural resources. To manufacture many of these products using recycled materials will require less energy and at the same time emit fewer pollutants into the environment. Depending on the type of renovation you may need for your home you may find reusable materials like slate-style shingles, driveway pavers made from recycled rubber tires, and masonry veneers made from pulverized-stone chips.

It is clear that making smarter building choices when you're renovating your new home is an important way to protect the environment. It also means that your everyday decisions about household products can give you a greener lifestyle. When it comes to choosing the right eco-friendly products for your home renovation, there is much to learn. It would be best to keep in mind the insight given from the US Environmental Protection Agency for those who are looking to be more eco-friendly,

Keep in mind that sometimes it takes a little work to make the greenest choices. Different green goals may conflict with one another, and just because a product is advertised as "green" doesn't mean that it really is the most environmentally friendly choice.

If you take the time to do the research, the more you learn and the more questions you ask, the better equipped you will be to find greener products. For more information on how to go green in a remodeling project, visit sites like www.apollointeriors.com/. Choosing to renovate your home in this way not only will help your local environment but also help you to be eco savvy in your every day life.

Home Renovations - Some Examples To Minimize Costs

Home renovations are expensive. They tend to go above and beyond a new lick of paint or a few rolls of wallpaper. Unfortunately, most of us aren't made of money, and although it is sometimes possible to borrow money, this tends to be difficult and hugely expensive. Luckily, however, there are things to do that can help you minimize costs as well.  

Get the Right Contractor

When you get involved in a home renovation, you will always need a good contractor to do the work for you. You need to find someone whom you can actually work alongside with and who has your best interest at heart. You should also make sure that your contractor has a reputation for being on time and within budget in their deliveries. Consider contractors like ApolloInteriors, for instance. One important thing about working with a good contractor is that they go over the project with you line by line.

Most contractors will meet with you to go over the construction schedule and break down all of the costs. This is a great opportunity to save! Sometimes, contractors will assume you want things you don't, and you can often find elements of the project that you can do yourself or put off until later, when you have more money on hand.

You have to remember that you and your contractor are partners in this endeavor. You must work together and you must make sure that you get the best deals wherever possible. This is about taking ownership of the contracts as well.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

When you start on a home renovation project, you should also consider how many things within your current property can be reused, reduced or recycled. You don't have to purchase new materials if you already have them. This is one of the best ways to cut costs.

With a renovation project, consider using -- or reusing -- the materials, appliances and fixtures already in your home. If it's in good shape, there's no reason that a bathroom sink couldn't be reused (same with a toilet or hot water heater). Or, consider moving an older kitchen sink to the new laundry room.

Of course, it is nice to have everything new. However, if you have to watch how much you spend, then there are certain things you will have to make concessions on. You could always replace the used sink with a new one at a later stage when money is a bit less tight.  

Do Things Yourself

You should also consider how many things you are able to do yourself. You are working with a contractor and although they are obviously better at the work they do, this doesn't mean there aren't a few things you can do yourself. Do you really want to pay extra money for them to paint your walls or place your furniture in your property once it is completed? As you go through your estimate with the contractor, you should really pay attention to all the things you are comfortable doing yourself.

But don't dive into DIY just to save money. While it may sound like a great idea if your budget is tight, it has its pros and cons. Remember, even though trades and other building professionals cost money, their work should stand the test of time. Make sure they are insured and fully qualified.

These are but a few of the tips to keep costs of home renovations down. There are many others, but they all revolve around being creative with what you have and only paying for what you don't have. Additionally, you must be realistic and understand that renovations will always cost some money.

Commercial Office Improvements - Legal Issues

If you wish to improve your commercial office, be that through building a new one or renovating and refurbishing an existing property, there are a number of laws and other legal issues to be aware of. Because these issues are in place, you should only work together with contractors who are aware of these rules and know how to uphold them, like ApolloInteriors.com, for instance. If the rules are not followed, then the chances are that it will all have to be done over again, which will come at great expenditure. Some of the laws that are in place are in terms of protection of the safety of the building; others are beneficial to you as the property owner in terms of your taxes and deductions.

Listed Buildings

The most important thing to work out is whether or not the commercial property is a listed building.

Compiled by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport, with the help of English Heritage, the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest includes castles, cathedrals, private houses, milestones and drinking fountains.

If the building on which work needs to be done is listed, regardless of the reason for renovation, special consent has to be obtained. This is for any work at all, even something as small and insignificant as changing the guttering or putting in double glazed windows. If you do not know whether or not your building is listed, local libraries have files on this that can be referenced to.

Capital Allowances

Another very interesting piece of information for commercial office improvement is whether there are any capital allowances to assist you. Of course, there are numerous conditions that must be met before the tax office will agree to these capital allowances. It is generally recommended to look into these before starting building work. One capital allowance of particular interest is that given to developments in disadvantaged areas.

Capital expenditure on the renovation of business premises in certain 'disadvantaged areas' may qualify for the Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA).

Allowances also exist for a number of other things. These include fixtures in buildings, integral features of the building itself and thermal insulation. Do take the time to study each of these, although a good contractor should be able to do this work for you.

The Green Deal

One final important legal matter to consider is the Green Deal. There is a strong government commitment towards making properties more energy efficient. Because of this, it is also now obliged by law to display an energy certificate on every building that has been completed, be that a new build or a renovation. In order to receive a better energy rating, there are various allowances within the Green Deal that allow properties (domestic and commercial alike) to become more efficient.

The Green Deal is a policy introduced by the Energy Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) to help fund energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings. The policy has the potential to boost the market for energy efficiency and micro-generation and involve companies and organizations of all sizes, from multinational banks and major retailers to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This is why it is important to work not just with a contractor that understands the various legalities and other legal issues, but also one that is itself committed to increasing energy efficiency. By doing so, there is a potential to significantly reduce the cost of your overall commercial office improvement. Furthermore, it will assist in making sure that the running of that office once completed is far more affordable, due to a significant reduction in your energy bills.

How To Minimize Expenses For Dental Renovations

Dental renovations can be incredibly expensive. Naturally, the work itself is expensive, but it also generally means the clinic has to close, or can't open yet, while work is taking place. Hence, when working on a renovation, it is very important to understand how you can minimize expenses without compromising on the quality of work. So how is this achieved?

Only Work with Excellent Contractors

The first thing to do is to make sure you only work with highly reputable contractors. You should consider companies like apollointeriors.com, who have a clear commitment towards making sure that a job is finished both within budget and on time. Although this is not necessarily a way of minimizing expenses, it is the best way to make sure you know exactly how much the work is going to cost, so that you can actually budget for it.

Understanding the Cost of Running a Dental Practice

Running a dental practice is a very expensive business, even if dentists earn a very reasonable amount of money. It is important to be aware of this and of the fact that banks are still very reluctant to lend money. Before approaching a bank, you should understand exactly what sort of costs are involved in the running of the office itself.

Dental practices across the United Kingdom are experiencing a sharp rise in costs and a squeeze on profit. Collectively, dental practices face costs equal to around 67.6% of their total income leaving little room for profit for business owners.

The cheapest way to finance a renovation, besides paying for it in full, is through a loan from a bank. Outside financing sources are almost always more expensive, charging higher interest rates or having less favorable terms. Hence, in order to minimize costs, you should work out whether the time to renovate for your business is now, or whether you should wait a little while longer.

Understanding Taxes

Another thing to look into is taxes. A number of renovation projects are tax deductible, which means you will get them at a much lower rate. Additionally, there are often tax relief options or grants available if you undertake work that is green or otherwise sustainable. This is why it is very important to work with a contractor that has a commitment to sustainable materials and also has an excellent accountant on board.

One of our key roles is to help our hardworking professional clients save money and maximize their wealth while helping them to remain compliant with the law.

In order to save money on your dental renovations, you should start by approaching contractors to receive a number of quotations on the work that you want to be done. This should then be taken to your accountant. Your accountant is generally in the best position to say whether or not the renovations are affordable at all and where they can be used or improved in terms of taxes.

A lot of people will tell you that the real savings are in the materials. This is perhaps true for home renovations, where you could choose cheaper laminate or wall tiles, but in the renovation of a dental office, the situation is slightly different. You cannot afford to cut corners and effectively compromise on quality. You have a moral and social responsibility to ensure that your co-workers and patients are comfortable and safe within your dental practice, which means opting for things that are simply cheap is not an option. However, as you can see, this doesn't mean that there aren't some ways out there to make sure that you don't accumulate ridiculous expenses either.

Office Improvements - Scheduling Them To Minimize Business Disruptions

One reason that many dentists put off the renovation of their offices is not because they don't feel that it is needed but more likely because of scheduling issues. When you see that your office is ready to be brought in line with the rest of the world you have a lot of decisions to make. Putting it off can cost you far more than you may realize.

Still, many dentists cannot reasonably afford to shut their office doors for two to three months while renovations take place. According to Shelby Stevens of Dental Town,

You might think you're saving money or being "economical" by keeping your office and its decor as it was when you first opened... but the truth of the matter is that you might actually be losing clients and preventing new ones from coming in.

You have to be able to balance your scheduling issues with scheduling your renovations so that you don't lose out on what's important, your patients.

Time Is Money

When you're discussing the new design features of your new office with your contractor don't just limit yourself to the work to be done. Discuss openly with them the scheduling issues that you'll have. As a matter of fact, when you are getting bids from the various contractors to do your work this should be a major factor that you should evaluate. A professional contractor will ensure that your office is closed for a minimal amount of time and if possible, not at all.

Consider Your Patient's Needs

On average a renovation project can take anywhere from one week or more depending on the amount of work that needs to be done. If you have patients that may not be able to forgo treatment for that length of time, reach out to other dentists in the area that can accommodate your patients in the interim. Another option would be if there is another office you could work out of during that time. The main point is that you consider your patients' needs and have a plan to accommodate them before the project begins.

After Hours Construction

You can also consider after hours construction which means that the contractors work after office hours. Some contractors are willing to have several teams that can be available 24/7 if need be. This will allow you to shut down your business for the least amount of time.

Consider Different Phases

A final option you can consider is doing the renovation in different stages. While this may be the least efficient way of getting the job done and it will most likely take longer to complete, you can guarantee that your work scheduling will not be interrupted in any way. If you can afford to take the extra time and spend the additional money your practice can remain undisturbed for the entire length of the project and neither you nor your patients will have to be without.

The fact is that many dentists will put off making necessary changes to their office environment because of the fear of disrupting their practices. The Wolgast Corporation explains the key to the solution,

Because a dentist practice can't survive very well without actively seeing patients, determining a schedule and a plan prior to construction makes it possible to avoid a detrimental office shutdown.

It doesn't matter if your renovation is for a new office about to be opened or an already bustling business. The key to your success and keeping your business afloat will be in scheduling and flexibility in all areas. For more information about how these can be applied to your renovation project, you can contact renovation experts like apollointeriors for some helpful guidance.

Renovations For Commercial Establishments - Various Factors To Consider

More and more companies are deciding to renovate their existing properties rather than move into a new one. This is due to a variety of factors, one being cost. It is often - although not always - cheaper to renovate than to sell one property and find another one, not in the least because it can take time. Another important issue is the green factor. Renovating means there is no need for a new building to be constructed, which means carbon emissions are lowered as well. Additionally, by renovating, a structure can become greener.

However, there are many factors to consider when renovating a commercial establishment, not in the least because it could affect the structural integrity of the building itself. This is why it is so important to work with a company that is fully qualified to do so. You could start your search online by looking for companies like ApolloInteriors.com and others, and reviewing what services they offer.

Information Gathering

As soon as you have chosen a company to work with, they will start to engage in information gathering. It can be recommended to do some of this yourself, as this will shorten your contractor's time spent on the paperwork. Additionally, it will help you create a better understanding of what your own needs actually are, and whether or not your building is able to accommodate those needs.

Before starting on any building, a designer needs information about the ground on which the building is to be built. This is gathered through a survey, a topographic map and a soil test.

These pieces of information are vital, as it will determine what space is available and what can be done with it. One of the main dangers with buildings, particularly older ones, is subsidence, which must be tested as well. If you are experiencing subsidence, it may be easier to simply find a new property.

Consider Equity Building

When you renovate your commercial building and you start to consider the actual design, there are two main things you need to think about. The first and most important thing is your own needs. You have to make sure that the building, once completed, is fit for your purposes and for your staff and customers. It has to reflect the vision of your organization and help people become more productive and deliver better customer service. In addition, it is also about equity.

Think about it - where others may see a run-down property, your business may be able to occupy a prime piece of commercial real estate for a fraction of the cost.

There may come a time when you want to sell your property, and having it renovated will greatly increase its value. Since a renovation isn't cheap, this is an important factor as you will want to see some sort of return on investment in the future. Through good renovation, this should be possible.

There are many other factors to take into consideration, but most of these will be done in conjunction with your contractor. For instance, there has to be some site preparation, the structure has to be inspected and the roof may need to be checked. All of this is before the interior is even taken into consideration. Naturally, interior design is hugely important, but that is the cosmetic element, the part that hides the very ugly, but absolutely vital construction of the building itself. You should only employ a contractor that fully understands both of these elements and is able to cohesively bring these two together. This is what will create an end-result that is beautiful, functional and completely safe.

How To Determine When To Renovate Your Dental Clinic

When people think of dental offices or other medical offices it can be difficult for them to think of such as businesses. Such establishments are there for taking care of patients' health and dental needs but many people don't realize that without regular patients and money coming in such clinics would not be able to offer such services. Without these patients and the money coming in not only will they not be able to offer the medical services but also on the surface they will struggle to keep the premises looking as professional as they should. For this reason it can be hard to know when a dental clinic should be renovated and so the first place to start looking for information regarding this should be commercial interior designers and specialists who renovate medical and dental settings. You can click on this to give you a good starting point on your search for information. Here are some signs that it might be time to renovate your clinic.

Outdated

Your premises look outdated if the walls that haven't been painted or papered in years, the flooring is in need of replacement, the furniture belong to a different decade, and so on. It that is so, then it could be time to replace and renovate. Modernizing your office will help to bring in more patients to your clinics and the more people that walk though the doors, the more revenue you make. Old and outdated decoration and furniture will only turn people away meaning you lose money in the long run.

Structural Damage

This is a biggie, because obviously if there is structural damage to your premises such as cracks in the walls, holes in the roof or floor, ceiling tiles missing and so on, then you are in desperate need of a renovation. Aside from the fact that a property like this will give off the impression that you are cheap, poor and don't care for your patients you will also need to consider the safety of patients, clients, staff and anyone else who enters your building. A small problem may not seem like much but small problems which are ignored lead to bigger and bigger problems and you end up completely out of your depth. When it comes to structural damage, you do not want to wait.

"Now a small roof leak is obviously easily repairable. But without the proper professional, you could easily mistake a big problem for a small leak that you think at that time is only in one place. Poor construction, building leaks in roofing, siding, and other areas, and various other things can play into this"

Eco Friendly

A lot of the focus nowadays is on protecting the environment and making the world a healthier place for future generations. In order to do this, many residential, commercial and health based settings are taking steps to become more eco friendly. Recycling and reducing the amount of paper used is a good start. Placing recycling trash cans in your setting will show patients that you care about the environment, as well as using the energy saving light bulbs, fixing solar panels on to the roof and placing lots of plants in all the rooms in your dental office. Ask patients to make sure the taps are turned off in the restrooms to conserve water too. All these tips are very good for the environment.

"Use natural lighting wherever possible. Lighting from open windows will not only save on your electricity bill but it will also draw patients' attentions towards the windows. Natural lighting is brighter, and patients adjust to it better."

At the end of the day it is always good practice to think about when to refurbish a practice's premises.

Does Renovating Your Home Make Sense?

As people lead more and more busy lives they are finding that they cherish their time at home much more. Rather than going out for a busy evening after a hectic day they prefer to relax, socialize, and enjoy their evenings in the comfort of their homes. Professional designers like ApolloInteriors also believe that renovations can improve real property value for resale if you make wise decisions. Good renovation decisions that can help you to create a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional are not always easy to come by. For that reason, many people may be asking the question if this kind of investment is really worth it? According to Family Home Improvements,

"Renovation offers tremendous opportunities to create a home that reflects the way you like to live and contributes to your enjoyment of life."

The secret to a successful renovation project requires working directly with a professional renovator that can provide you with a quality result based on their knowledge and technical expertise. This can give you a home that will be able to support not only your personal preferences in style but also a way to enjoy your new and progressive lifestyle. Depending on the room you're considering, a smart renovation project will consider its practicality along with its beauty to create a new space that will fit its purpose in a number of different ways.

The Kitchen

You might want to start with the kitchen. Probably the most informal place in your home is the meeting place for family and friends. A smart renovation project will consider getting the most out of your available space and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. If your kitchen is small and cramped, opening it up to the rest of the home will give it a more spacious feel that will flow into the rest of the house. Larger kitchens could have a cozy little dining area with a breakfast nook for the family to have casual meals together.

That Spare Room

If you're an empty nester or you just have an extra room in your house it may be time to give that room a purpose. Creating a home-based office would be a very smart renovation idea, especially if you're planning on selling the house. More and more people are working at home these days and the added office could bring in much more appeal than an extra bedroom. Installing a built in office center complete with bookcases and file cabinets can help you to get the most out of your available space and stay practical. Make sure that you have prewiring all set in for office equipment as part of your project. It will help to prevent unsightly cords running through your room and keep everything neat and orderly.

Your Bathroom

Whether you're planning to sell or not every bathroom needs a complete overhaul every now and then. Old and cracked toilets can be unpleasant for anyone. Your bathroom should be eye-catching and functional. A well-designed bathroom will build special features into recesses making the room look more spacious and accommodating. Simple features like natural lighting, re-glazing the bathtub, and new flooring can do wonders for the look of your new bath.

For those who are planning to sell their homes a well thought out renovation will make perfect sense. But keep in mind that not all renovation ideas are smart. It is best to consult with a professional designer to make sure that what you're investing in will be worth your while. According to MSN Money,

"It's smart to put your best foot forward when you're selling your house, but not all improvements will help make the sale."
If you're looking to renovate your home either for sale or for your pleasure it would be wise to consult with professionals for some solid advice that will make sure that your renovation project will make sense both financially and aesthetically.

What To Consider When Upgrading Your Commercial Office Space

Upgrading and renovating an office space is something that you as an office manager will need to consider more than once in your career. It can be difficult knowing exactly how to do this and several things need to be considered if you are to extract the absolute best from your environment. When considering your initial design you need to pay extra attention to the functionality of the space. Any business will only be as good as the people who work there so if you want the maximum possible level of productivity then you need to ensure that they have an adequate working space. It needs to be properly lit, well ventilated, uncluttered and be able to provide convenient work surfaces and storage. Here are some ideas on how you can achieve this.

Painting

Nothing brightens up a tired looking office like a fresh coat of paint on the walls. However, you need to pay attention to the colors you choose. Dark colors may look nice but they have the ability to make any space look small and enclosed. You will want to choose a brighter shade so as to open up the room a little. A bright office area will be much more appealing to employees and clients, therefore, improving on productivity and revenue. Sometimes adding little extra touches to the wall can be a great idea too.

"Contact local artists about painting a wall mural on the walls. A wall mural sets a positive mood for the working environment. Using local artists is a great way to improve the design of a small office space."

Furniture

You wouldn't think it but choosing the type of furniture to have in your commercial office space can also be the most difficult task of all and for something like this it may be worthwhile searching some of the many websites, which offer tips and advice, such as ApolloInteriors. When it comes to furniture you should be looking for smart and clean items which all match as nothing looks worse than a mismatched office. You could also improve the functionality of your office by purchasing desks which have built in storage space. This ensures that you will use up minimal amounts of floor space and that your employees can store everything they need with in them, therefore improving productivity also. Another similar option is to purchase corner desks, which is a particularly good idea if your space is limited.

Lighting

How you light an office area has a big impact on the feel of the surroundings for clients and employees. A poorly lit office is going to cause workers to have to strain their eyes when completing tasks. Natural light is the best option so try to add as much of it as possible by using large windows and/or installing a skylight in the ceiling. If you are not in a position to be able to do this then ceiling lights are the best option as they take up much no floor space and can be hung above every single workspace to ensure that they are sufficiently lit, combine this with desk lamps for extra light.

"Lighting throughout the workspace is no longer uniform, but fits the individual needs of the tasks being performed and even of the workers. Some of the ways to place individual lights are to use can light fixtures, spotlights and lamps in various work spaces."

Of course, there are many other design ideas which could be implemented in your commercial office space when upgrading. It is recommended that you consult with an interior designer before taking on any of the projects yourself, especially if you have no previous experience in this particular field.

Step By Step Guidelines For A Commercial Space Refurbishment

Refurbishing a commercial space of any kind can be a complicated matter. This is in part due to the fact that, most of the time, some of this space will continue to be in use. However, there are a number of things you can do to make this process as painless as possible. Let's take a look at some step by step guidelines for a commercial space refurbishment project.

1 - Why Are You Refurbishing?

The first thing you have to do is have a really good understanding of why you are engaging in this process.

"Identifying the reasons for refurbishing your office space is critical in ensuring that the finished result meets all of your company's needs. If you think about the 'why' early on, you're well prepared to identify the 'what' when you come to writing up your brief and discussing your new space with your chosen office refurbishment partner."

For instance, you may find that your old office had insufficient light, or too much storage space. Once you know that you will be able to make sure that your new commercial space is actually fit for purpose. This is the first and most important step you will have to complete.

2 - What Is the Building's Condition?

Once you are clear on why you want to refurbish, you need to figure out what you want to refurbish as well. This has to start with determining what sort of condition the building is actually in. If it is in very poor condition, it is likely that you will have to close the whole thing down for the duration of the refurbishment. However, the opposite is also true. Hence, spend some time inspecting your building by getting an expert to help you.

"The first stage of any renovation project is to get a detailed assessment of the current condition of the property. Those buying to renovate should always commission a chartered surveyor to undertake a building report which will identify any essential repairs needed and will recommend further investigation by specialist surveyors into any other aspects that arouse suspicion."

Additionally, this report will highlight the materials that have been used in the construction of the property itself. This sort of information is very important for contractors, who will determine their costs and workload based that info. You may also require a measured survey of the property itself.

3 - Interview and Select Your Refurbishment Partner

Once you have completed these steps, it is time to enlist the help of refurbishment experts. Spend some time reviewing the various companies that are out there for more information. It is recommended to always have at least three independent quotations, which should be without obligation. This will give you a greater opportunity to truly compare the market and find out which company is best for you.

It is generally recommended to have an in-house refurbishment team as well, who should be able to go over the quotations you have received. As a commercial property, it is likely that you have a large staff group as well. They should be included in these types of decisions, because it will affect them greatly as well. Having this team together means you will be able to understand the needs of everybody across the board, which also means that your refurbishment will be far more likely to be a success in terms of functionality.

4 - Your Budget

Finally, you have to consider your budget. Refurbishments are never going to be cheap, and they shouldn't be either, since you should be looking for quality. However, you do have a budget to stick to, and you must work with a company that is able to work within those constraints.

How To Manage A Cost Effective Refurbishment For Your Dental Office

        It's easy to forget that a dental surgery clinic is as much a place of business as any of the stores we see in our towns and cities. Okay, so it's not quite in the same context but still, a dental surgery needs patients, customers and/or clients on their books who come in regularly for treatment. The clinic needs to pay for the salaries of employees, the materials used, etc., in order for it to keep doing what it does. Just like a store with no customers would have to close, a dentist with no patients would also need to close. In days gone by, many dental offices would choose to move to different premises instead of refurbishing the one they are in but this has all changed recently.

"However, although in theory this should be the more cost-effective option, any potential savings will be wiped out if you fail to plan for the disruption caused by the refurbishment."
So anyway, a large part of gaining those clients is by attracting them to your surgery over all of the competition and one of the best ways to do this is by keeping up-to-date with refurbishments and making sure everything looks clean and professional. At the same time, you need these refurbishments to be cost effective, that means ensuring that you get enough of a financial return to make the initial costs of the refurbishment worthwhile.

"The definition of cost effective is something that is a good value, where the benefits and usage are worth at least what is paid for them."

Obtaining Quotes

When looking into refurbishments for your dental office it can be easy to just take the first quote which comes your way but if you want to be cost effective you should search for and review as many quotes as you can. Doing this will help you to find the absolute best price, not the cheapest price as often the cheapest option is not the most cost effective. Instead, the best all round price is one that covers everything you need for a reasonable price without sacrificing the quality of the work.

Shop Around

In the same way and for the same reasons that you obtain more than one quote for the work, you should also shop around for the different materials that will be needed for your refurbishment and any furniture and decoration that you wish to add. Sourcing these items for yourself could actually save you lots of cash and work out to be much more cost effective than if you let a designer or project manager do it for you.

Don't Be Tight

Many people often assume that being cost effective is all about saving cash and doing everything as cheaply as possible but this is not true. You could save yourself a lot of cash in the short term if you carried out any refurbishment works yourself but these works would probably not last more than a few years at best. Whereas if you spent a little extra cash in your initial outlay to pay for someone professional to carry out the work for you, you would be looking at double and possibly even triple the life time of the project, therefore saving yourself more money over a longer period of time.

Get Some Advice

If you aren't sure about any of the financial aspects of a refurbishment, then the best thing you can do is to get the advice of an accountant or financial advisor. These are difficult economical times and many businesses are struggling to stay afloat so it would be completely understandable and probably very beneficial for you to go through everything with someone who can answer any or all of your financial questions for you. 

For more information on this, you can visit apollointeriors.com.

Use Your Home As A Canvas For Your Life

Our lives are always changing and as these changes take place, so do our wants, needs and personality along with it. We may find that certain things that were once perfect for us no longer fit the bill, such as our homes. However, moving to a completely new house is an unnecessary cost. It can be very easy to just think about upping sticks and start afresh but if you think of your own house like a blank canvas you won't need to do that. You can use this canvas to express your own personality in your home as well as design it to fit your exact needs and specifications.

Painting

A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into any tired looking home and there are literally thousands of colors and shades to choose from. You might be put off by thinking that the painting is dull but you can make full use of different brush techniques as well as color mixes and much more. The old days of single colored walls with a straight brush technique are over.

"The cheapest and easiest way to give your house a facelift is to use paint on the interior and the exterior. There are many new colours that will create a special ambiance in your house. Paint techniques are varied and exciting and need not be dull or predictable."

Wallpaper

This is another way to brighten up the walls in your home and this is found to be slightly more appealing due to the varied range of colors, patterns, textures and styles that are available. A popular idea at the moment is to create a feature wall, which is a single wallpapered wall in a room that stands out from the rest.

Flooring

Replacing the flooring in a house is a popular choice for updating and renovation. The type of flooring that you will choose will depend on the area of the house, but many people are opting to get rid of hard to clean carpets in favor of wood flooring. An alternative to this could be vinyl, laminate or tiles.

Lighting

The way a room is lit up has a direct effect on the overall look and feel of the environment. Lighting does not have to be expensive but it can be instrumental in renovating a tired looking house so be sure you get good quality products and that they are fitted correctly, you do not want to take the risk with the electrics.

"Lighting is for ambiance, aesthetics, tasks, and seeing better in your home. Think about your home and if it has all the lighting qualities you would like."

Altering the Layout

As I said above, our needs are changing constantly and so what was once a perfect layout in our house could now be completely unsuitable. In cases like this, it may be desirable to alter the layout. This could mean adding or knocking down interior walls, adding extensions onto the side of a house or even something as drastic as adding a whole new storey. Works such as these are much different to any do-it-yourself tasks that you might have undertaken so you will need to employ the relevant contractors.

"There are certain steps, though, that one should take if they're serious about changing the whole look of their house. By planning out carefully how the remodeling project will go will benefit any homeowner in the long run as opposed to simply making up ideas as they come."

If you want the absolute best in all things to do with home renovation and remodeling then visit www.apollointeriors.com.

Why Might You Need To Refurbish Your UK Medical Or Dental Office?

Managing any kind of property, be it commercial or otherwise comes with the responsibility of upkeep and regular refurbishments, is just part of the package. Medical and dental offices are no exception to this and if anything the need for these refurbishments is more intense due to the nature of the visits that people will make to the premises. A tired and rundown looking facility is going to do nothing but send out a message of poor quality to any prospective clients or patients and no one is going to want to visit what they presume to be a poor quality medical specialist.

"Indeed, doctors, dentists, attorneys, architects, engineers, and the like recognize that the appearance of their offices can be a significant component in their overall success. With competition up and reimbursements down, a medical office that's shabby, impedes productivity, or can't accommodate expansion plans can be a big liability."

Nervous Patients

Regular refurbishment can do a lot for a patient's state of mind during their time in the dental or medical office. Many patients become anxious at the thought of visiting a medical professional, particularly a dentist and a poorly taken care of office might have them running for the door. To relieve anxiety, nerves and tension medical and dental premises need to be well taken care of, clean and emit a calming feel. The less medical it seems the more comforting it will be so it's a good idea to look into the best sort of interior design for relieving anxiety in patients.

Business Rivals

Let's not forget that medical and dental offices are also business enterprises; they need customers to bring in money so they can afford to keep going and just like other businesses there is a lot of competition from rivals. In order to stay on top of this competition and make sure that clients continue coming to your office rather than any other establishment it is important to send out the right impression. A building which is in need of serious repair and redecoration is only going to turn people away and your company will become reputable for all of the wrong reasons. Yes, refurbishments are expensive and will make a dent in any net profits. However, the longer a problem is left untended before being sorted out, the more it will cost you in the long run, not only from the expense of the repair but also from the revenue lost because of clients who were given the wrong impression.

"The goal for most physicians is to represent their practice well, at the best value for the money. First, consider your patient base and the image you want to project to those patients. Physicians who are running a clinic, for example, do not require an upmarket location and costly furnishings."

Growing Needs

It is very possible that the need for refurbishment becomes evident due to an increase in the number of patients or clients coming into the office. Small cramped waiting rooms or consulting or surgery rooms that are cluttered with equipment are not going to give a very good impression so sometimes expansions are needed to allow for the extra needs that come with an increase in the number of patients. It is always possible to relocate your medical office rather than to renovate it but you will run the risk of actually losing business as patients may have difficulty in getting to the new office space.

Refurbishing any dental or medical office in the UK can be difficult but there are many companies and websites that are full of advice and information. So, why not take a look at Apollo Interiors for the very best and most current help and support.

Remodeling Your Home In London To Increase It's Value And Suitability

With the current state of the economy, it has been very difficult for homeowners wishing to sell their property to make any kind of profit at all. Many have found themselves stuck in their current houses regardless of it's suitability, so they start looking for other ways both to increase the value of the property and to make the house more suitable for their current needs. The most popular solution for this is to look at remodeling the house and adding extra rooms, space or facilities. There are many home remodeling ideas in London and indeed in other areas of the world, it's just a case of knowing where to look and whether to complete the work yourself of hire a contractor to do it for you.

Move Or Improve

There are several ways you can remodel your house in order to increase it's value, whether you are planning to sell or not, most people choose to create more living space as this tends to be what is most in demand with potential buyers. It is also usually the main reason that a house becomes unsuitable for it's current occupants. The most popular option for creating more living space is transforming any storage space you have. This is usually a garage or more commonly, an attic which can be converted to create an extra bedroom and bathroom which will add several thousands of dollars to the sale price of your house.

"A huge proportion of the UK's housing stock has three bedrooms but few have four. A fourth bedroom extension will be sought by buyers looking for a property suitable for older children or elderly relatives."

Extra Storage

In contrast to creating an extra room or two, another good and somewhat less expensive idea is to try and create a little extra storage space. This can be a good move if you do not want to sell your house straightaway as it gives you space to clear away the clutter which in turn creates a little extra living room for you and helps to make your house feel like a home again. This can be particularly beneficial in the kitchen area.

"Whether your kitchen is large or small, ample storage is always a selling point. Take advantage of unclaimed wall or corner space with open shelves to keep dishes, spices, and cookware within easy reach."

Keeping Up Appearances

For you to feel happy in your home and also for it to appeal to any potential buyers it is extremely important that you keep it clean and well kept, this means if any of the areas are starting to look a bit tired or old then you should redecorate to freshen everything up again. You don't need to spend a fortune on paints and wallpapers; some times just washing down the paintwork and adding new accessories can have a similar effect. There are also certain tricks that you can employ to make your house appear larger and lighter.

"Hang more mirrors, even in places that are above eye-level (like over a fireplace). This increases the light that shines through the house. If you can hang two mirrors in the same room, put them on opposite walls; this will give the impression of a larger room."

There are many things and many things that you will want to consider and many ideas which may seem like a great one until you do your research. It is possible for you to find lots of information by using a search engine and also certain websites which you can use to help you, such as this one.

Advantages Of Renovating Your Commercial Property

There can be many reasons why a company may choose to renovate their commercial property. Every business owner must look at his or her property as another instrument for increasing productivity and attracting new businesses. For that reason if you feel that your corporate environment is not bringing the advantages that your company needs it is important that you seriously consider an interior revamp. You'd be surprised at how the look and atmosphere of your property can impact your bottom line. According to a study performed by Michigan State,

"Buildings that incorporated LEED practices into their renovations had employees who missed less work and put in almost 39 hours more per person annually..... Fewer allergic reactions and reduced stress increased productivity in the range of $69,601 to more than $250,000 per year."

There are a number of additional benefits that can be received by renovating your commercial property.

Increases Value

Remodeling allows you to maximize the potential of your property throughout its life. A carefully planned office can increase its value by bringing your facility up to date so that time and money is not wasted on outdated equipment or furnishings. When your business objectives are carefully considered in the renovation you'll be better able to fulfill your goals and deliver on your promises.

Increases Productivity

When the focus of your renovation project is to increase productivity it will more than pay for itself in the improved level of efficiency. Analyzing workflow patterns and communication demands will help in choosing the right office tools that will allow employees to work more effectively.

Ergonomic seating, softer lighting, and quality furnishings can create a healthier environment where workers will be less fatigued so that they can stay on a task longer, which can contribute to better productivity. Workers who are comfortable are less likely to have accidents or call in sick; a common problem for businesses with poorly planned surroundings.

Studies have shown that when employees are comfortable in their workplace atmosphere their morale improves and that in turn, helps to motivate, attract and retain employees over the long term.

Keeps Up With Changing Technologies and Work Styles

As technology continues to improve the way businesses are run, a property renovation can give a business the needed flexibility to adapt to the constant stream of advances introduced every year. When a business considers not just their immediate needs but also anticipates future needs it can keep the company in the forefront for a much longer period of time.

Advanced technologies can also allow for different types of work situations as well as new trends in the market. Allowing employees the freedom to work from home or work in teams or any other work style can easily be accommodated with the right office design.

With the right combination of furnishings and technologies, your business property can last much longer and provide a much better atmosphere that would be more conducive to a smooth and profitable working environment.

If you are considering renovating your business property it will require you to make a number of decisions. Using the services of a professional renovator like ApolloInteriors can be very instrumental in helping you to make the right choices. As explained by the Thomas Interior Survival Guide,

"Whether to move or remodel at all is a tough decision.... To turn this challenge into an opportunity, you've got to plan profitability and productivity into every aspect of your new space - from the first blueprints to the final art prints on the wall."
This will require taking advantage of professionals who can help you to see not only your immediate needs but also the future challenges that your business might face. When your plans include the present as well as the future your renovation project has a better chance of creating a space where the office environment works for you rather than just becoming a place where you work.

Reaping The Benefits Of An Office Redesign In The UK

Refurbishing an office can be a bit of a nightmare. It doesn't matter whether you are doing it for personal reasons or professional ones. There are lots of decisions which need to be made and this can lead to a few stresses and worries. However, it isn't always this way and most of the time things run very smoothly. There are a lot of benefits when choosing to refurbish your professional or business space, particularly for offices and this is the same all over the world. It doesn't matter whether you are in America or in the UK. You will still reap the same benefits from the redesign.

"In the business world, there's nothing more influential than the image of your office space. Clients, vendors, business partners and future employers will first be drawn by the general aspect of your company."

Benefits

Let's take a look at the many benefits when choosing to redesign your office space regardless of your whereabouts in the world. Changing the design can really raise the morale of your employees. A drab looking working environment is going to make them feel bored and frustrated, so that they may be slow at completing tasks. However, if you have a nicely decorated office which has the right sort of decor and accessories, this will make them feel much happier while they work and can even increase their productivity. Having a change around is also a great way to ensure that you get the full use of your available space and this will likely also appeal to customers or clients who will then pass on that information to others, therefore, raising your business reputation.

Decisions, Decisions!

There are a whole host of different choices to be made when it comes to choosing designs for your office space and making the wrong ones can have a very negative impact and achieve the opposite of what you are looking for. In the UK, there are many different companies and contractors who can provide advisers and interior designers who will be on hand to help you make these very important decisions. They will be able to steer you in the right direction and away from the wrong choices as well as giving you the best examples of office furniture and other decor that you will want and information on the best places to purchase them from.

Feng Shui

Once you have chosen all of your office furniture, you then need to make decisions about how the various components should all be positioned. The way you present your furniture and accessories is just as important as the decor itself and has a direct effect on clients, employees and the general look and feel of your office. You need to position items so as to allow maximum use of the office space and make sure that everything is conveniently located for ease of use. Decorations such as plants and paintings all help to give the area a homely feel which will appeal directly to anybody who comes into the office.

"If you spend many hours at the office, you just have to find a way to make the office energy work for you. More often than not this is a challenge, especially if your office has no windows, but good feng shui even in this office is not an impossible task."

Choosing to redesign your office space is the first decision you will make on a road of many. There is so much to think about and do but there is also a lot of information to be found on the internet and if you want to find out more then this is the place to start.

Controlling An Environment Using Interior Design Psychology

It's not often that you hear the words "design" and "psychology" in the same sentence and if you did you might possibly think the person who said them was talking gibberish but there is in fact a psychology involved in interior design. Technically speaking, interior design psychology is the study of the relationship between an environment and the social, behavioral and psychological effects this can have on anyone who inhabits the space. The aim of the study is to ensure the maximum possible positive benefits of any home or work place are being achieved. This is done partly by making the best use of any available space, therefore improving the well-being of an individual. Psychoanalysts, such as Sigmund Freud and other professionals in the field, have proven with various studies over decades that using psychology in design can make it possible to control the environment, behavior and relationships of those who inhabit it.

"You may have heard that yellow has been associated with feeling happy; but it's also true that more marital fights happen in yellow kitchens than in kitchens of any other color."

Proximity

Proximity or proxemics, which plays a large part in design psychology, is the study of how much personal space (this is the space between themselves and others) a person needs as well as what they consider to be their own personal territory. Incidences of personal space can be seen when you look at a crowded train or bus. Those people who need larger amounts of space between themselves and others will choose to stand over sitting in a seat next to someone they don't know. This also comes into play when designing a room for someone. You need to make sure that they can have enough space for themselves while still fitting the room out according to their specific needs.

Perception

Everyone has a different perception of space and bodily awareness. In addition to this, there is also a vast difference in opinions around aesthetics and symbolic meanings to space. Part of the psychology of interior design is to determine the different needs of each customer and help them to create a room or living space which fits those needs perfectly.

Object Placement

Believe it or not, this type of psychology even stretches as far as which items you choose to place in your home and where they go. Obviously, placement comes under the spacial awareness heading but when it comes to objects and furniture there is a distinct order which is followed. First comes the functional items such as pens, chairs and telephones. These items are of significant importance due to how often they are used. Next comes valuable items but this depends on how you define value. If it is monetary then items like expensive paintings or piano's can be placed but other items will need to be removed to avoid overcrowding. If it is sentimental value that you find more important, then things like family pictures or priceless heirlooms will be placed instead. After value comes items which are seen to be symbolic, jewelry which symbolize a birth date or other such items will be included. Lastly, there are the labelled items, that is, items which show a persons worth such as family crests.

"Interior design accessories add to the aesthetic value of a room, and should be representative to the designer's (or homeowner's) personality and tastes. They may include things like wall art, throw pillows, antiques, sculptures, keepsakes, collectibles and memorabilia."

Simple Terms

The simple truth is that choosing to have your home decorated by an interior designer is going to be full of benefits for you and if you choose a trusted and reputable company such as Apollo Interiors to carry out the work for you, you can be sure to receive the highest possible standard and professional treatment.