Even if you do not have any immediate plans to sell your facility, it can be a good idea to keep your buildings upgraded to increase their value and improve the efficiency of your operations. Consider adding one or more of these eight upgrades to your facility.
1. Energy Efficient Appliances
Upgrading the appliances in your facility can both save you money on utility bills and increase the resale value of your property. Modern appliances can also make your operations more green, which can be a selling point for customers and potential buyers. In areas where water conservation is a particular concern such as California, having a water heater company in Woodland Hills upgrade your facility to a modern, energy-efficient water heater can pay big dividends.
2. Eco-Friendly Upgrades
Buyers and customers alike are increasingly interested in eco-friendly buildings. Consider utilizing environmentally friendly energy sources, such as solar power, building with recycled materials, increasing insulation, upgrading your HVAC system and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs. There may be tax incentives available for some eco-friendly upgrades.
3. Fast Internet
High-speed internet has become vital for most businesses to efficiently operate. If slow speeds are hampering your employees’ productivity, consider researching higher speed options in your area, investing in faster modems, bridges and routers and possibly upgrading your computer equipment. Because many employees now use devices such as smartphones and tablets to do their work, it may also be worthwhile to add USB ports to your outlets, so that employees can charge their devices at their desks.
4. New Lighting
One of the most inexpensive ways to dramatically improve the appearance, utility and energy efficiency of your buildings is to install new lighting. Energy-efficient LED bulbs use 25-30% less energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs. Recessed LED bulbs can be used to increase lighting in a space, without affecting sightlines. Be sure to choose the right bulbs for your space. LED bulbs with kelvin values between 3500 to 4100K are best for office common areas, while bulbs between 5000 to 6000K are best for office workspaces and production facilities.
5. Interior Paint
Painting your interior walls is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to improve the appearance of your facility. Shabby looking walls can leave a bad impression on customers and even lower the morale of your employees. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for both productivity and first impressions.
6. Curb Appeal
Whether you are thinking about selling your business or want to make sure you make a good first impression on your customers, the curb appeal of your facility is important. Be sure to regularly clean, maintain and landscape the exterior of your building. Upgrades to consider include a new paint job, repairing or replacing damaged walkways and driveways, upgrading the parking area, installing new exterior lighting and upgrading any exterior signage.
7. Entryway
The entryway of your business sets the tone for clients and employees alike. If your entryway is drab, uncomfortable or run down looking, refreshing the paint, adding attractive decor and comfortable furniture can make your facility much more welcoming.
8. Doors
The doors in your building can have a big impact on both the aesthetic appeal of your property and its functionality. You may be able to refresh the appearance of your doors simply by cleaning and painting them. However, if the surfaces are cracked or warped or the doors do not open, close or lock properly, you may need to repair or replace them. If the doors have not been upgraded in your facility for some time, you may want to investigate new models that come with enhanced security features.
Upgrading your commercial facility can increase its value, save you money on utility bills, increase the productivity of your employees and leave a better impression on your customers. These eight upgrades can help you improve both the function and appearance of your commercial property.
