Ultimate Guide to Office & Commercial Renovation in Singapore

Are you considering taking on a commercial or office space renovation project in Singapore? Perhaps additional and alteration works (also known as A&A works)? Whether you are looking for an extensive overhaul to modernize your commercial building or workspace, or seeking a refresh, this ultimate guide about commercial space renovation (including office space and retail shops) in Singapore will help make the process as smooth and successful as possible. From the initial planning stages before the renovation starts (including planning the design that you want) through to the completion of the renovation work, this guide will have all you need to know to prepare in advance and navigate between what you want for your new space and the obstacles (e.g. office disruptions) you’ll need to address along the way.

We will also cover the different renovation services you can consider and tips on choosing the right commercial or office renovation company in Singapore for your project. If all goes well, you’ll be able to make informed decisions for every aspect of your renovation project and be that much closer to your dream space or new office space in Singapore.

The Different Types of Commercial Renovation Packages to Consider

Renovation is a process of executing alteration to an existing structure, or to a part of a structure, which disturbs painted surfaces. If you are thinking of making your space more beautiful or practical, there are many different types of renovation services that are noteworthy for improving the functionality and aesthetics of your space.

Blinds and Curtains

The installation of curtains and blinds is a great way to add style and privacy to any room in your commercial space or full office and can be done quickly with the appropriate tools and supplies. Between the decorative and practical designs, there are plenty of options available that help with achieving the look your desire. Additionally, factors such as light control, insulation against climate elements, noise reduction, and personal preference for style come into play during the installation process. Before that, it is essential to measure the space accurately for both width and length to ensure that the window treatment of your choice can fit in properly.

Hoarding Works

Hoarding works involve temporary structures that are used as barriers surrounding the perimeters of the renovation. They protect passersby from injury due to falling debris or tools and also keep dust and noise contained within the area. Hoarding works are necessary and must be installed by a professional to comply with safety regulations and proper safety while the work takes place. When hiring professionals for hoarding installation, it is crucial to check if they have experience in the type of work and can offer evidence of their qualifications.

Electrical Works

Another package would be installing electrical works. It is a crucial element of the entire renovation process. There are different types of electrical work such as wiring and rewiring existing circuits, adding lighting fixtures, running new cable lines for audio/video systems, and installing switches and outlets. For most of us who have no background in electrical work, it is important to find the best electrician who is experienced in the field as you will consult with them on the best possible layout for your commercial space or office. Having everything set up correctly is one thing, but a seasoned electrician will also look out for anything that hasn’t been keeping up to code or standards as well as perform routine checks like cable testing for any damages.

Metal Works

Another service is metal works which tie form and function together. Metal works extend across siding, roofing, gutters, and more – each requiring skill and precision to ensure the proper installation of the material. Concerning this renovation service, you must assess factors such as climate and local building codes. Metal works are robust and durable, contributing structural integrity of a building or area by supporting sections that require additional stability. This allows proper installation of materials to ensure any harsh weather conditions while still abiding by the regulations of the vicinity. For top-notch metalwork services, you’ll be looking at years without needing to replace or repair parts of the renovated space. Skimping on this aspect of the renovation will not do you any good; it pays to have it done right.

Telecommunication Service

Telecommunication services have become an essential component of the renovation process. Building owners rely on telecommunication utility services to access landline and broadband internet connections, television, and radio signal reception. Any disruption toward any of the aforementioned services can be problematic during the process of renovating your office. Therefore, anyone looking to make changes to their space must be aware of how it will affect these utility services so they can plan to work around the problem. Speaking with your telecommunication provider is the best course of action to safeguard your services throughout the renovation period.

Water

Similar to telecommunication service, you should be vigilant of how the renovation period will affect water utility services and from there, take precautionary steps to prevent any inconvenience. Determining if the commercial space or office’s water service line is adequate for the planned renovation is a good starting point. In the case of new plumbing fixtures or the addition of new appliances, the current space’s existing lines may not be able to support them, and putting a larger line may be necessary. Aside from that, you should verify if the local water utility can supply sufficient pressure and volume for the renovated space. If alterations are needed, you will need to check in with the local government or utility firm on if permits are required to conduct the changes.

Sewerage

When it comes to commercial renovation in Singapore, overlooking the sewerage service can be extremely common. Sewerage service ensures that wastewater and sewage are disposed of properly and safely. It is a non-negotiable part of any building’s infrastructure, with it playing an important role in preventing contamination by microorganisms or other pollutants. If disregarded, existing lines may need to be moved – a costly and time-consuming process.

Before the project begins, it’s important to inspect the current sewer line’s condition and make any necessary modifications such as pump servicing. Failing to take this into consideration could lead to blocked drains and other costly problems further down the line. Finding a certified professional with experience in managing sewer lines for commercial renovations will also be a boon for you and the renovation plans.

The Different Stages of Renovation

Renovation is an exciting process that can transform an office or commercial space into something entirely new and progress is vital for achieving the desired outcome. Thus, the time needed to plan out the whole process is long but necessary. To complete a successful renovation, it is important to understand the various stages involved.

Planning

Prior to anything else should be the planning, making room for a smooth run of the project while abiding by the budget costs that you’ve already allocated. Assessing the part of your space that you are looking to improve and creating a list to jot it down will give you a better grasp and idea of what you want to have done collectively. You will also need to plan out your renovation or design ideas and check if there are any office requirements. In this stage, you would also need to ask yourself whether to consider hiring an office interior design and renovation company to help with the office design or decor.

A renovation company will be able to help identify potential problems such as faulty wiring or outdated plumbing and will provide you the much-needed head start with other similar issues taking up a lot of time and work to resolve. Isolating the research materials and supplies needed for each task is also something to look out for. After having more of the logistics aspect settled, you should be able to develop a timeline of the work that needs to be done, allowing you to keep track of the project’s pacing and prepare for any unexpected delays.

Budgeting

Renovation budgeting is critical for staying on track and getting the most out of your full space renovation or basic renovation. First, it’s best to create a list of all the alterations you want done. For each project, a price range should be assigned to remain within the spending limit when shopping for products and services. Office renovation costs in Singapore vary depending on the size of the project and the space which is calculated per square foot (per sqm). Once you have a general idea of the different costs, calculate the total amount you are willing to spend on the renovation. All expenses should be accounted for – this includes labour costs, office appliances, supplies, hiring an interior designer or contractor and materials needed to complete the job. Make sure there is some room left to make adjustments if case of any unforeseen extra budget during a renovation process is required.

Demolition and Construction

If you’re looking to do a major makeover, demolition is a necessary step of the overall plan. It involves the removal of existing structures and infrastructure to make way for something new which requires meticulous proficiency. That said, safety has got to be a priority in the process. Before any demolition begins, utilities must be disconnected with the area cleared of hazardous materials such as gas lines or asbestos. On-site personnel should also have protective gear like safety goggles and hard hats on. The demolition will usually be done using bulldozers or excavators to tear down the walls and floors and also depending on the type of space whether its a big industrial warehouse or a small office space in Singapore. For more delicate areas, hand tools are utilized instead.

Before construction, the building has to be definite in its stability. Structures that are not stable will be identified and provided piling or foundation stabilization to retain minimum risk throughout the duration of the renovation. In the construction phase, flooring, wiring, and plumbing will follow suit after the structural body of the building has been finished, after which they’ll be concealed by plaster. The installation of sockets, switches, office appliances, and office furniture comes in the stage after. At the end of construction, the new space will undergo painting and varnishing or have its tiling done to polish everything up.

Clean-up

Once all the work is done, you will have to tackle the mess made along the way. It does take a bit of effort, but if you want to get your place back in order, the clean-up is mandatory. The clean-up process involves clearing away debris, wiping down walls and windows, mopping floors, and cleaning up any spills or stains that may have occurred during the renovation, just to name a few. Residues left over in your place could cause potential damage or health problems over time, making it a point to have the clean-up done as soon as possible. Additionally, if you had any contractors working onsite during renovations, they will need to perform their clean-up before they leave.

Tips to Hiring a Contractor for Your Office Renovation Project

Hiring the best office renovation contractor in Singapore to renovate your space brings tons of benefits including bringing your dream office to life by enhancing the personality of your space. For retail shops or offices, this eventually will enhance the productivity of your staff because of the new live office environment. Office renovation process takes time in Singapore, usually three to four months, thus hiring a good renovation firm can fulfill your dreams of what you want for your space and ensure the process goes smoothly.

If you are looking for renovation contractors, you should always take the time to do your research. It’s necessary that you can be comfortable with whomever you hire as there’s a need to see eye-to-eye when they’ll be playing a huge role in the construction journey of your new space improvement project. Don’t forget to factor in getting a renovation contractor that is licensed and insured is one step of the way.

However, getting recommendations from family and friends would work best as you’ll have a reliable reference point to work with. If you resort to searching for a contractor online, reading reviews on social media platforms about the renovation company is important as it does give you a good insight into how they work and their scope of work. These tips are also applicable if you are finding a suitable interior design company for your home renovation project.

Whether it’s giving your new place a different appearance or having to find an office reinstatement specialist to restore your facility to its original state when the lease or rental reaches its deadline, we hope that this guide will help provide you with a better understanding of a commercial renovation project from beginning to end. We have shared everything you need to know about renovating an office or commercial space and tips to help choose the best contractor or interior designer for your project that can meet the needs of your business.

The cost of commercial renovation depends on the size of the space but the average cost would be around $45, 000. Of course, these are just estimates and the actual cost will depend on the specific details of your project including the cost of hiring contractors and interior designers. If you are looking for a commercial renovation contractor in Singapore to build a perfect space, check out Mega! They have done many successful office renovations in Singapore before.