Commercial Renovation vs. Remodeling: What’s The Difference?
If your office space needs significant work, you probably need remodeling or renovation services. If you’re unsure if a commercial renovation or remodeling project is best for you, continue reading to discover the key differences between these services and get answers to common questions, such as:
What Does Commercial Renovation Mean?
Simply put, commercial renovation involves updating spaces in your building. In a renovation, the most significant difference is that you begin with a completed space, and then add or remove fixtures to achieve your design goals.
Renovation projects are mostly cosmetic, which means you only update design elements instead of changing the internal structure of your building.
What Is Construction Remodeling?
Remodeling also revolves around upgrading your current space, but typically involves much more complex design considerations, as well as numerous construction, electric, and plumbing expenses. While commercial renovation tends to “revive” your current space, remodeling work is much more invasive, essentially “remaking” your current space.
Four Key Differences Between Commercial Renovation and Remodeling
While both renovation and remodeling can improve your current office space, the two types of projects are distinct with their own set of benefits and considerations.
Let’s take a look at a few key differentiators to help you nail down the project that best suits your needs:
1. During a Remodel, the Structure Is Altered
Remodeling is the process of changing the functionality and the design of areas in your office, often involving:
- Tearing out multiple walls
- Reconfiguring current layouts
- Implementing new amenities
In the most simple sense, if the initial purpose of your office area has been altered, it’s considered a remodel.
2. Remodels Cost More Than Renovations
Since remodeling involves changing the physical structure of a building, it’s often necessary to reconfigure the wiring, plumbing, and ductwork, which makes the project more complex and pricey.
The invasive nature of commercial remodels means the labor and the material costs are often higher, since many remodeling projects involve building new additions.
While the final cost comparison depends on the scope of the project and the quality of the materials, remodels require detailed budgeting.
3. Renovating Occasionally Requires a Permit, but Remodeling Always Does
Permits ensure that proper building codes are followed during the construction process. Communities set their own rules, but it’s common for a local building authority to require a permit any time structures are changed, including new additions or tearing out and reconfiguring interior walls.
Simple renovations, such as painting and installing new carpeting, usually don’t require permits. However, it’s important to check with your local regulatory organization to confirm your building upgrades are feasible.
4. Renovation Offers a Better Return on Investment (ROI)
Since renovating costs less, property managers will often see a higher ROI on renovation projects when it comes time to sell their building.
Remodeling Magazine publishes an annual cost-vs.-value analysis for common improvement projects and notes that renovation work nets anywhere from a 50% to 98% ROI.
Are you looking for a holistic, cost-saving construction process? A full-service provider just might be the perfect option for you.
How to Find a Quality Provider For Business Office Remodeling in Denver
Finding a trusted company to handle your commercial renovation or remodeling project can seem like a daunting task. To avoid getting stuck with a subpar build, take the following actions to narrow down your prospective providers.
Read Online Reviews
When searching for general contractors, online reviews are a great place to start. Create a list of your potential companies and read their reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Because these are the three major review platforms, you’ll get a good sample of various customer experiences.
However, it’s important to note that no company delivers perfect service—mistakes happen to everyone. Even the highest-rated construction companies in Colorado have the occasional customer unhappy with the service they receive.
Don’t get too hung up on a bad review; instead, look for patterns. If you see multiple poor reviews noting poor service, that’s when you’re probably correct to assume that quality is an issue this organization needs to work through.
Ask About Case Studies
One of the best ways to find a reputable commercial renovation service is by partnering with a company that has loads of experience working with businesses similar to yours.
General contractors who’ve worked with other local businesses already understand your city’s unique codes and regulations, and they’ll know precisely how to deliver a successful project.
Ask your potential provider for case studies or a project portfolio from past jobs. This helps paint a comprehensive picture of what the company does, and, more importantly—how well they do it.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Commercial renovation providers in Denver should work hard to earn your business. Reach out to local contractors in your community and schedule a free consultation.
Ideally, they should offer a free assessment and estimates. If not, it may be because their prices aren’t competitive in the industry. If they’re not willing to provide you with a free consultation, that’s usually indicative of poor overall service.
Calahan Construction: Your Trusted Provider for Commercial Renovation, Remodeling, and Everything Inbetween
For nearly eight decades, Calahan Construction has delivered high-quality construction projects throughout the Front Range.
Are you looking to revamp your office space? Partner with the best. Reach out to the experts at Calahan to get started.