An office is usually a room, building or other designated area where an organisation’s employees carry out administrative tasks in order to facilitate and realise objectives and objects of the organisation. The organisation may choose to have a single main office or several different offices spread over various locations. The term ‘office space’ is used to describe a room, suite or building which has an assigned office for each employee of the organisation. The term ‘site-based’ describes a facility that offers services such as a cafeteria, washroom, meeting rooms and telephone numbers.
Having decided on the type of office that will be constructed and how it is going to be run, next comes the decision about what sort of a building should be built. Deciding whether to buy an existing building or to construct a new office depends on several factors. Firstly, whether the location is strategic enough to support any future growth plans of the organisation and whether the current office is suitable for the needs of its staff. In some cases, for example if there are already several offices on the same site then it makes sense to buy an existing building and utilise its facilities. Otherwise, starting from scratch will require substantial financial resources.
After determining the size and shape of the office that will be constructed, the next step is to decide what furniture is needed. It is important to have appropriate furniture that will match the style, design and function of the office. The office will also need electrical accessories and space for computers and telecommunications equipment. All of these items need to be bought before starting work so that they can be delivered when the construction is completed.
After making all of the necessary arrangements, it is time to consider the actual structure of the office. This includes the layout of the office, what rooms and spaces will be created and the configuration of windows, doors, partition walls and desks. It is vital to ensure that the layout will be feasible for the employees, clients and other members of the organisation. It also needs to be cost-effective and efficient while catering for the needs of each individual within the organisation.
Once the layout of the office has been finalized, it is time to choose the office furnishings. Office furniture will include office desks, chairs, tables, cabinets and shelving. Depending on the volume of usage, different types and sizes of furnishings may be required. Office fitouts will also vary depending on the number of employees in the workplace. In a large office the number of personnel may exceed that of desks, while in a small office the number of employees may be substantially less.
Once all of the necessary office furnishings have been purchased, it is time to make the necessary arrangements. It is essential to ensure that the correct measurements have been taken and that the positioning is logical and functional. The interior decor of the office needs to complement the office environment. Therefore, colours and textures need to be carefully considered and appropriate arrangements made for them.
As office refurbishment is often carried out in-house, it is very important to have a clear understanding of the ongoing running cost of the project. Office fitouts can be an expensive process due to the high level of expertise needed and materials required. Therefore it is critical that budget is adhered to in order to minimize costs.
One way to lower costs is to hire professionals to carry out the fitting work. This will prevent you from having to bear the expenses all by yourself. However, if you are not confident with your ability to carry out the required alterations or you do not have the right expertise, it may be wise to outsource this task. Whatever your decision may be, it is important to remember that office fitouts are very much a part of making an office successful. A well-fitted office will reflect positively on your reputation both with current and potential clients and it will also lead to more business being generated within a shorter period of time.
