Corporate Expansion: Renovation vs. Relocation (Part I)
As companies become more dynamic and globalized, corporate expansion is inevitable. Corporate expansion usually involves either the renovation of the workplace or relocation to an entirely new facility. Both corporate relocation and corporate renovation can not only allow a company to meet the growing demands of the business, it can also encourage the workforce to move forward and achieve their goals in a better, more suitable environment.
At D.J. McGauley & Associates, we are often asked by our transitional clients to offer advice on whether it is time to renovate existing office space or relocate to a larger corporate facility. While the choice is ultimately yours, and each situation is unique, it is important to look at both sides of the coin before making such an important and game changing decision. This is why, over the next two weeks, we will be looking at factors that might help you decide whether it is time to renovate or relocate your office space.
1. Are you planning to have an expanded workforce?
If you’re planning to expand and hire a number of employees and the floor area of your current workplace cannot possibly accommodate your target number of employees, then it’s time to relocate. Otherwise, your expanded workforce will have to cram themselves in a tight office space and your business will suffer from decreased productivity. It is also imperative to find the perfect potential new space that fits your budget and at the same time will allow all your employees to comfortably work in their own spaces.
2. Do you want to improve your operations and systems?
The workplace environment is a major factor in employee motivation. If your current workplace is shabby, poorly lit, and/or made of subpar materials, what you likely need is a redesign of your office space—in which case you might want to go for a renovation.
A renovation is also in order if you want to upgrade your furniture and appliances, as well as the systems and technology required to perform employee tasks. It is important to set clear goals and outlines in order to integrate new equipment and systems into your current office structure seamlessly and with as little downtime as possible.
3. Is location a primary consideration?
For one reason or another, you may not be satisfied with the current location of your office. Maybe it’s because the location is not accessible to your target market, clients or expanding workforce. Perhaps it’s not near to your suppliers. Another reason most businesses cite is that they simply want to be in the central business district. For example, if you started your business in a small plaza on the outskirts of Toronto but you’ve always dreamed about relocating to that downtown Bay Street location, it might be time to realize your dream instead of putting your money into a renovation. In other words, if location is a primary factor in your corporate expansion, then corporate relocation should be your choice.
Still haven’t made up your mind? Tune in next week while we continue this discussion with a few more important points to consider.
Corporate Space Planning & Relocation Advice 
January 30, 2013 at 7:14 am
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