Build outs can transform your space, but they’re also costly and time consuming. To help you decide if a construction build out is right for your Virginia-based business, we gathered some signs it’s time for a build out as well as success stories from other businesses who completed one.
What is a Build Out?
Before we dive into the signs, what exactly is a build out?
One of the biggest crimes in the construction industry is keeping the meaning of the term “build out” quiet. We get so many questions about what a build out is and we get it. Build outs are confusing, especially when the definition is not what it seems.
While it would be logical to think a build out means building a new construction project, it’s actually all the other stuff. Build out refers to the process of transforming an already built space into an improved space for a new purpose.
Build outs are a common interior construction process, but companies can approach these projects differently. At Carlton Building Services, a build out starts with a walk through to understand the layout and your vision. We ask questions about why things are in specific locations and take notes on how to transform the space.
Then we think about your purpose for the space and how to not only make the space functional, but inviting and modern. By the end of a build out, your workspace will excite you, your workers, and clients and customers.
Types of Build Outs
By now, you probably have a basic understanding of a build out, but what industry types benefit from them? While they can be used across industries, build outs are often the most impactful in healthcare, retail, and commercial spaces.
Healthcare Build Outs
Let’s say you just leased a new healthcare practice–but the building used to be rented by an accounting firm. You can hire a commercial contractor to build out the space to look more like a typical medical office.
Commercial Build Outs
So you’ve found a great office space and signed the lease…but the closed off offices and drab interior don’t exactly reflect your company’s collaborative culture. With the help of a commercial contractor, you can transform that space into YOUR office, ensuring optimal productivity for your employees. Buildouts can also be completed by landlords leasing to businesses or families and individuals. A build out can expand a property to add more apartments or redesign the space so it brings in more rent money.
Retail Build Outs
If your business is expanding to its second location and you just signed the lease or you feel like your current retail space isn’t all it could be, a build out may be more. Retail build outs attract customers, make them feel at home, and inspire extra shopping and eating along the way!
5 Signs It’s Time for a Build Out
Build outs transform a space, but they are also pricey. Here are five signs this is the right investment for your business.
Modernity is in your future
As a leading jeweler in Virginia Beach, Adele Diamond was ready to modernize their storefront in the Lynnhaven Mall, but they couldn’t have predicted the transformation of a Carlton build out. This wasn’t their first build-out, but it was the most transformative. The build-out made the space an inviting, luxurious jewelry store rooted in the 21st century.
Your space isn’t in the best shape
When Ruff House Stay and Play searched for a contractor, they envisioned them taking on a few small repairs. However, there were so many building code violations with their space, it was a wonder the building still stood. Fortunately, they worked with a contractor who could make their building look better than when they first moved in. And they did this during their slow season and within budget.
It’s time for a new tenant
Newport Commercial Complex is a premier location for businesses in Newport News, Virginia. Yet with so many tenants renting out spaces for different business types, they needed a partner for commercial construction projects, including renovations, remodels, and build outs. They found a consistent, trustworthy partner in Carlton Building Services, and can call on Carlton’s expert insights whenever renovating or building out a space between tenants.
You are a new tenant
You just rented a new space and are excited to open up shop, except the layout is all wrong for your business. This was the case for Kawaii Corner, who wanted to build out their space so it had a more open concept and felt more spacious and inviting to customers. The space is now one of the most popular in Lynnhaven Mall, thanks in part to the build out capturing the store’s essence.
The space will serve a new purpose
Warriors for Life helps rehabilitate veterans through hockey. To do so, they needed an ice rink. Their physical space, however, didn’t have one. Fortunately, they were able to work with a local contractor to build out a hockey rink in the space.
If your business grows or you rent or buy a new space for your business, a build out can help transform the space so it meets your business’ needs.
Choosing a Contractor
Think it’s time for a build out? If so, your next step is to contact a few contractors to get an estimate and project proposal. When evaluating, consider the contractor’s price point, communication, and track record.
While choosing the contractor with the lowest price may seem like a good idea, a low price is often too good to be true. Instead, choose a contractor with a reasonable price point AND a great communication style. This contractor should also be able to articulate why past projects were successful.
If you’re in the Hampton Roads, Tidewater area and are looking for a contractor with great communication and a great track record, consider Carlton Building Services. Our team can discuss how we will stay on budget and on time for your build out – and build the future of your business. Contact us to learn more.
