4 easy steps for a successful commercial electrical fitout
Questions to ask to ensure a smooth process
Fitting out a new or existing commercial space looks quite a challenge at first glance. However, it won’t be a hustle and bustle as long as you do your homework in advance. From the look and feel of the office to its available facilities, you should take into account what will increase staff productivity and improve your company’s image.
Whether the electrical fit-out is part of a complete fitting or just by itself, this advice will help you in the planning process. As a business owner, you want to make sure the fitout process runs as smoothly as possible. By following these 4 simple steps, your office or shop will be ready in no time.
1) Ask yourself the 5 “W questions” for commercial fitouts
“Where do I need the commercial fitout?”
While the answer is obvious if you’ve owned the space for quite a while, this is a question for business owners that have just acquired or plan to acquire a site. So, first and foremost, find and familiarise with the commercial space you want the fitout for.
“Why do I need an office or shop fitout?”
Second, you should know the reasons why you plan an electrical fitout. Whether you design a new office, extend or renovate an existing shop, know your objectives too.
“What kind of electrical work do I need to be done?”
Next on your to-do list is to identify what electrical tasks need to be performed in the commercial space. Installing alarm systems, heating/cooling units, interior and exterior lighting are just the basics you’ll need for a commercial electrical workload.
“When do I need the fitout to be finished?”
Another thing to consider is to set a timeline for the entire fitout process. Depending on the size and complexity of your commercial fitout, we recommend you set realistic timeframes. By doing this, you can monitor the progress every step of the way.
“Who will perform the commercial electrical fitout?”
Last but not least, choosing a team of licensed and qualified electricians is vital in the whole fitout process. Not only will you receive personalised advice for your business, you’ll also have the peace-of-mind of getting quality work and excellent long-term results.
2) Implement efficient system designs
Basic systems like lighting and temperature control can be upgraded to more efficient and ‘smart’ technologies. So, if energy efficiency is a top priority for your commercial electrical fitout, then you might want to consider:
- Lighting: What types of lighting will you use? From overhead luminaires and desk lamps to energy efficient LEDs, there are a lot of options and solutions for your office lighting.
- Electrical equipment: Do you have enough power and data connections for every workspace? Are there enough safety switches to protect all of your staff?
- Air conditioners and thermostats: Where are the best points for their installation, and how will they be controlled? We recommend you make an efficient operation schedule so you don’t have to pay astronomical bills to your energy provider.
3) Think about how to keep your business running during its fitout
When fitting out your office, it’s important not to ignore your need for business continuity. This means that the fitout work should have minimal impact on staff productivity and customer satisfaction. In order to achieve this, think about:
- Leaving key departments undisturbed at important times during business hours. Also, you can choose to carry out your office fitout after business hours. This is extremely important when migrating your IT and telecoms systems to a new location to avoid disrupting communications.
- Make sure your clients are still able to contact you via phone or email during the design and construction phases of your new office fitout.
4) Know your legal obligations around electrical safety
Most of all, electrical safety at work should be your number one priority. The fitout plan should comply with the law if you want to avoid costly lawsuits and other legal problems in the future. This also includes getting a certificate of electrical safety for all electrical equipment, as well as providing fire services, smoke alarms and emergency exits.
That’s why, for your business and staff electrical safety, you must ensure only qualified, registered engineers and electricians carry out any electrical work.
Contact Jaric Electrical for commercial electrical fitouts
If you need help with your commercial electrical fit-out, contact Jaric Electrical for quick and efficient service and long-time results.
For an obligation-free quote call Jaric Group on 1300 452 742 or get in touch online today.
