How to Decide if it’s Time for a Retail Renovation

how to decide retail renovation - Headwaters Construction Inc Sacramento

how to decide retail renovation - Headwaters Construction Inc

How to Decide if It’s Time for Retail Renovation: 2021

Retail spaces tend to get a lot of foot traffic. As a retail store owner, you understand that your income comes from the number of customers who buy from you. Therefore, it is important to maintain your retail store in a way that allows anyone and everyone to feel comfortable enough to spend their time and money. A retail renovation project may be necessary for you if your store is a couple of years old. Renovation can increase the revenue of retail shops by a considerable margin. A general contractor will be in a position to spruce up your store and enhance the user experience. 

Starting a commercial renovation project is a lot of work to do. Here’s what our commercial builders think you need to consider before you commit to this big project.

YOUR BUDGET AND TIMELINE

Renovations cost both time and money. 

With this in mind, ask yourself whether you have enough money to carry out a full-scale renovation or the time to do it. At times, you may be forced to do a cosmetic touch-up or a facelift to make your store look even better than before. When it comes to your budget allocation, prioritize the things you need instead of the things you want. This will help you save money. 

Cosmetic touch-ups include repainting, replacing damaged displays such as wall paintings and shelves, professional cleaning, and replacing fixtures. 

A full-scale renovation might involve re-carpeting, adding or removing whole structures from the store, and working on electric fixtures, heating, plumbing, and anything that will require that you talk to a commercial renovation contractor. 

Decide whether you will be closing your doors until the renovations are done or whether you will carry it out in parts. Both require that you work fast to avoid inconveniencing your customers. 

FOOT TRAFFIC

Study how your customers move. By doing so, you will be able to renovate your store in a way that allows them to fully experience what you have to offer in your store. Remember, customers do not have all day to linger in your store, so the sooner they see the things they need, the better. 

Place your merchandise in counter-clockwise order. Most of your shoppers will be right-handed. They will automatically look to their right as soon as they walk into your store. Placing your products on the right side of your store so that customers can see them first will influence their buying choices. 

LIGHTING

Lighting influences the atmosphere of a place. It is why you will find a difference between the kind of lighting used in a spa and that used in a library. 

Decide whether you want to create a warm ambiance or a cool one depending on what you are selling. Putting extra lighting around your merchandise will also help attract shoppers to them. Our friends at Specialized AV, a commercial automation company in Sacramento, highly recommend installing smart lights. This will help you save energy costs and is extremely convenient when you’re away from the store. 

DECOMPRESSION AREA 

This consists of the first five to fifteen feet inside your store. It allows the customers to transition from the chaos outside and focus on your merchandise. Decide whether you want to make it more interesting by improving the lighting, fixtures, and color schemes. 

HOW TO DECIDE RETAIL RENOVATION

Retail renovation is an important decision that could boost your business. If you are looking for a commercial renovator for your space, look no further than Headwaters Construction Inc. We strive to make your retail space unique and inviting by delivering outstanding quality, communication, and service. For more information about our commercial building services, take a look at our projects gallery.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

 

Common Commercial Construction Mistakes

Common Commercial Building Mistakes

Common Commercial Construction Mistakes

Common Commercial Building MistakesEstimating is one of the most demanding jobs in the building industry. However, incorrect estimates will result in a considerable amount of money being lost. Part of the calculation relates to the design of the construction projects: each construction project is special. Estimators obviously cannot use a one-size-fits-all technique, leading to multiple factors taken into consideration during the estimation process. Even with the best estimators, there will still be a certain degree of ambiguity that can lead to common commercial construction mistakes.

Here are five of the more common pitfalls that could lead to Sacramento commercial construction estimation errors.

#1. Accurate or ambiguous architecture, plans, and specifications

If the design, plans, or requirements are wrong or incomplete, the stage is set for cost overruns. This also occurs when the design phase of the project hastens to launch the project. It could mean that the design team or construction personnel are not experienced, and there could be additional problems along the route.

If you’re not sure what the plans and requirements are asking for, there’s no way to determine a reliable calculation.

#2. Accurate material take-off (MTOs)

For the construction estimator, a thorough, accurate list of all the raw materials, equipment, and quantities required to complete the construction project is necessary. An incomplete or incorrect material construction take-off list can discard the construction estimate by a considerable amount.

The material form requires specification; it is not enough to provide a list of general materials and quantities. For example, costs can differ greatly between grades of steel, specific material brands, or type of electrical cable. If this information is missing or wrong, the cost estimate could be a long way off.

Usually, the material take-off list is produced from the blueprint details and other design documents. Our retail renovation contractors explain that these records are incomplete or incorrect, the accuracy of the material take-off list would be compromised, further compounding the problem and making the material take-off list less likely to be accurate.

A less significant influence, but one that has an impact, is that an incorrect list of take-offs can result in employees not having what they need to do in the construction project. This can lead to commercial renovation companies to experience expensive delays and misappropriation of labor.

#3. Difficulty in calculating labor costs

Our commercial builders explain that the most costly building costs are labor costs. It’s also the toughest to correctly predict. In order to measure labor costs, the construction estimator must consider the degree of experience of each worker and the rate of pay and efficiency of each worker available.

The typical calculation guideline is to estimate how many hours each job will take. Using historical data from similar jobs can help, but every job is different, just like every work team.

#4. Not keeping up-to-date with business dynamics 

The cost of building materials is another major part of the construction calculation. Although historical data can be helpful in some cases, a cost-effective construction estimator would remain on top of the market factors that may influence the cost and supply of materials.

Perhaps the employees at the plant are on strike, or the price of oil, gas or coal is rising. These factors would increase the cost of processing and shipping raw materials, thereby effectively increasing the cost of raw materials.

It can take a long time from the initial estimate to the start of a construction project, particularly when it is big. During this time, the cost of materials could increase considerably. Staying up to date on what is happening in particular sectors, such as the timber industry. will increase the accuracy of the estimates of the construction estimator.

#5. Not Accounting for Risks

Danger is an important part of the building process. Construction estimation should always provide an assessment of the level of risk associated with the project. This helps management to decide whether to bid or move on a task. Other Sacramento companies urge to account for risk as well. Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, Sacramento HVAC company, says this is the best way to avoid making serious mistakes. Other factors to be considered in the risk evaluation which include the age and reputation of the project owner, whether the project pricing is set or adjustable, if the materials are custom or normal, or if the materials are subject to price fluctuations.

Make the estimation process simpler

Today, more than ever, direct cost estimation matters for a construction company. There’s so much riding about the precision of the building figures. Just the use of estimating tools is not sufficient to obtain the most efficient estimates and preserve profitability. Cost estimators can also use project management tools, such as eSUB, to provide the most reliable details. Both tools, used together will bring more peace of mind to your construction business.

Commercial construction should be left to the professionals. If you need a general contractor in California, contact Headwaters Construction, Inc. Our team is experienced in tilt-up construction, retail renovation, commercial planning, and general construction. Learn more about our commercial construction projects.

What to Consider Before Renovating Your Retail Business

What to Consider Before Renovating Your Retail Business - Headwaters Construction Inc

What to Consider Before Renovating Your Retail Business - Headwaters Construction IncThings to Consider Before Renovating Your Retail Business

As a property owner, it is your responsibility to keep your commercial buildings looking new for customers and potential renters. Whether that’s adding a new coat of paint or taking out a wall, simple modifications can make a big difference. Before you start any commercial renovation project, there are some things to consider. Headwaters Construction Inc., the best Sacramento commercial construction company, points out the key factors to keep in mind before renovating your retail business.

Your Reasons for the Renovation

Different retailers have different reasons for renovating, so first ask yourself why you want to renovate. Perhaps you want to expand the available space? Or you wish to rebrand the business? Do you want to modernize the property? Whatever your reasons, retail renovation contractors recommend that you develop a written plan that includes ideal timelines and details.

What Would You Like the Renovated Store to Look Like?

How do you envision your property to look? When consulting with a local commercial construction company, don’t be afraid to ask questions or share ideas. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a plumbing, and home-remodeling company in Appleton, recommend narrowing down the must-haves if you’re on a time-crunch. Establishing a complete design plan can take some time, so the sooner you have a general idea of what you want, the better. Regardless, Headwaters Construction Inc. can help. Our experienced construction team will give you their professional opinion and walk you through the construction process.

If you’re unsure about how you want to transform the space, our team can make recommendations. We also recommend that you ask employees, friends, family, or customers their opinion about potential design plans. These people, especially your employees, will give you practical suggestions since they are consistently in the space. This is also the time to work out any kinks so that we can finalize the renovation plan. 

How Do You Intend to Finance the Retail Renovation Project?

Once you decide on a scope of work, and receive several bids from potential renovation contractors, add up the likely costs that you expect to incur during the project. The experienced retail renovation experts at Headwaters Construction Inc. suggest that you add a cushion of approximately 15% to your budget in order to cover any contingencies that could arise during the project.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the additional cash available to do so. There are plenty of financial options out there.

For example, you could talk to your bank about a loan whose repayment is spread out over several years instead of using your credit card to finance the renovation (which would attract high-interest rates).

How Will Your Renovation Project Affect Your Business?

As you plan the renovation project, think about the different ways your business will be affected. For example, what benefits do you plan to reap once the renovation is completed? Ensure that your expectations are realistic so that the cost of the renovation can be justified.

Adding a dressing room to a new clothing section can be a good way to generate more sales, for example. However, doubling the space allocated to an existing section in the retail outlet may not necessarily double the sales that you have been making.

Now is also the time to consider any temporary drawbacks that could result during the renovation. For instance, will you need to close the entire place or some sections can remain operational during the renovation? If you plan to close during the renovation, think of ways to create a buzz around your newly renovated premises so that you attract lots of customer traffic as soon as you reopen.

Have You Considered Your Competition?

Aim to offer a fresh shopping experience to your customers so that you are steps ahead of your competition. When your commercial renovation contractor does an exceptional job during the renovation, clients and competitors get an unspoken message that you are confident about the future of your business, and that inspires trust in your customers.

If properly planned and executed, commercial retail renovation projects can boost your business and position you as a leader in your industry. We at Headwaters Construction Inc. are available to help you during every stage of the renovation, so contact Headwaters Construction today!

New Year, Time to Renovate

time to renovate - commercial construction company

time to renovate - commercial construction companyStart Your New Renovation Project

Change can be good, and it can also be great if it is implemented in the best way possible. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we believe that making changes to your commercial property is a great way to kick start the new year. Now is the best time to put together a plan to renovate your commercial premises, whether they be an office, an industrial complex, or anything in-between. We are aware that taking on a commercial renovation project can be intimidating, so we have distilled the key steps that you need to follow for your new renovation project.

Set Your Budget and Select a Contractor Who Will Respect That Budget

One of the biggest fears that keep the owners of commercial properties awake regarding renovation projects is that some contractors disregard the budget and overshoot it, putting a strain on the finances of the project owner.

At Headwaters Construction Inc., we know that money is a finite resource for which there are many competing priorities. We, therefore, make sure that once a client sets his or her budget for a renovation project, we do everything in our power to stay within that budget. We’ll even find ways to save on some of the costs planned for.

Our commitment to respecting a client’s budget is one of the many reasons why we have become the go-to commercial builder in Washington, Oregon, and California.

Have a Detailed Design

Commercial renovation becomes less intimidating once you’ve done a little research. For example, would you like to alter the layout of your manufacturing plant so that machinery can be lined up seamlessly? Or, would you like your shopping complex to have a more modern feel?

Whatever it is that you would like to achieve, have it on paper. If design isn’t your strong point, no worries, our design team will be more than happy to fine-tune all the details you hope to have. 

As a commercial renovation contractor with lots of experience under our belt, we know that the project design can be modified at any time during the renovation. So, we are always ready to work with you to see how these changes can be implemented cost-effectively.

Communication, Communication and More Communication

At Headwaters Construction Inc., we are firm believers that things can only happen once they are communicated. We, therefore, place a high standard of communicating with all our clients so that we can fully understand each client’s needs and use that same communication to ensure that the client is on the same page with us during every step of the retail renovation or any other kind of commercial and industrial renovation.

The emphasis that we place on communication with our clients and within our teams has helped us to incorporate last-minute changes to project designs without affecting project timelines and budgets. Rest assured, that once you decide to work with us, there will be no communication problems that leave you frustrated at any stage of the renovation process.

No need to go back and forth about the idea of a commercial renovation in 2020, get in touch with Headwaters Construction Inc. If you haven’t started the planning portion of your renovation, our team can help you with consulting and planning. Regardless of what stage you are in the process of we can provide you with our expertise. Start your New Year the right way with Headwaters Construction! For more information on our commercial services, view our projects or contact us today.

Planning a Retail Renovation Budget

planning retail renovation budget - headwaters construction

planning retail renovation budget - headwaters constructionRetail renovation is an important activity for anyone running a retail store. Renovations allow you to fix, replace, or simply improve the face of your retail store. This makes it easy for your customers to relate to your store and enjoy the shopping experience. 

While renovations are an important part of your business cycle, they require money. As a store owner, it is important to have the right budget before embarking on any renovations. This prevents you from getting stuck in the middle and having an unfinished store. 

Here are some of the things you need to know when planning your retail renovation budget. 

Design 

Design, or more specifically redesigning your store, can cost you anything from a few thousand dollars to a whole lot more. The more extensive the redesigning process, the more money you are likely to spend. 

Additionally, if you plan on hiring a designer, make sure to set aside at least 20% of your entire budget as their fee. You can choose to perform slight design changes such as changing fixtures and repositioning certain items around your store to save on costs.

Flooring and Ceiling  

Flooring and Ceiling are likely to be your landlord’s responsibility. Your lease should have detailed information on who is responsible for flooring and ceilings between you and your landlord. 

However, if you are planning to add any cosmetics on the floors to match the mood of your store, you will incur costs. 

Plumbing 

This mostly pertains to the bathroom. 

Does your store have a bathroom? 

If no, does it require one? 

If yes, do you need to change the position of the bathroom? 

You are likely to spend less money if you have a bathroom and do not need to move it. In this case, a fresh coat of paint will do. If you need to add a bathroom or move it to a better position perhaps for the benefit of you and your customers, then you will incur greater costs. 

Set aside some money to hire different professionals such as a structural engineer and plumber to make sure that your bathroom is made or moved the way you want. You can also employ the services of a commercial renovator to handle everything for you. 

Electrical 

This is yet another avenue where your expenditure depends on your preferences. If your retail renovation involves altering the lighting structure and making additions for more intricate lighting to fit the mood of your store, then prepare to spend more money. 

You can cut costs by using existing wiring and fixtures. However, this might not work in all instances as some stores need specific lighting. Finally, take into account any power load increase that will happen after the renovation. This is likely to be caused by the addition of more equipment using more power in your store. 

Millwork

This entails any woodwork such as doors, flooring, wall paneling, crown molding, etc. The material, quantity, and space required for your millwork will determine how much money you spend on your renovations. The more intricate and detailed the designs, the more time and money you are likely to spend on renovations. 

Now that you know what you need when planning a retail renovation budget, you can take the next step. Retail renovation is a great step towards making your store look better. Make sure to involve a general contractor or commercial construction company like Headwaters Construction Inc. for professional services.

How Strip Malls Are Being Renovated

How Strip Malls are being renovated - Headwaters Construction Inc

How Strip Malls are being renovated - Headwaters Construction IncStrip malls are generally characterized by a collection of retail stores in a row. Shopping centers or shopping plazas, and strip malls have existed in America for decades. Thanks to an increase in commercial construction over the years and a growing population, there are more strips malls in the country than ever before. 

These strip malls brought some level of convenience to shoppers by bringing everything into one location. They have also increased accessibility to consumer products in residential areas.

Technology, however, has been causing a lot of problems for strip malls. By making it easier for you to buy anything you want on the internet and have it delivered to your home, it robs strip malls of the convenience they once provided. Additionally, it has also threatened to affect a significant portion of its traffic.  

Despite this, strip malls are not going down without a fight. They are reinventing themselves through commercial renovations that bring them back to their past glory. This allows them to keep their traffic. 

There are three types of strip malls. They include community centers, neighborhood centers, and strip centers. Each varies in size and the number of people they can serve a go. 

Here are several ways in which business owners are renovating strip malls to make them relevant to the modern shopper.  

Offering Mixed-used Spaces 

The modern strip mall is designed to allow as many people as possible in both size and diversity. You are now most likely to find gyms, spas, bowling alleys, office spaces, and residential spaces within the strip malls. Gilmore Heating and Air, an HVAC company that offers air conditioning repair in Sacramento, agrees that this increases traffic which, in turn, helps increase revenue. 

Integrating Public Transport 

Initially, strip malls were designed with parking lot spaces in the front. This is changing as commercial renovators are redesigning them and allowing space for public transport.

Modernizing the Retail Experience

One of the most important objectives of retail renovation is in creating a better experience for shoppers. It helps beat competition with online shopping avenues which offer better flexibility in terms of user experience.  This means increasing services that will enhance user experience and make them want to come back by offering in-demand services such as restaurants and organic groceries. 

Including Medical Facilities 

Strip malls are increasingly adding medical facilities in order to make healthcare more flexible to shoppers. Contractors are now creating medial facilities that go beyond the conventional healthcare system. This includes having specialized medical services such as dialysis clinics and pharmacies. 

Creating Entertainment Spaces

Modern technology has increased the number of entertainment channels for users. Not everyone has access to this technology. Also, some of these technologies require large spaces which make it impractical to have in individual homes. This has seen strip malls including entertainment centers such as virtual reality gaming facilities. Now, players can converge and enjoy gaming features such as multiple players, tournaments and so much more. 

Strip malls offer a convenience that is yet to be fully exploited by landlords and shoppers alike. It is likely that they will be around for a long time. However, to beat their competition, they need to stay relevant to the consumers. For information about our commercial construction services, contact Headwaters Construction Inc. or check out our projects to see our latest work.