Does your business outgrow your space? That's a great sign of progress! However, this also means that it's time for you to upgrade your space. You will be confronted with the challenge of deciding whether to start constructing a new building or remodeling your commercial space. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. It's crucial to weigh every aspect you need to make the right choice and benefit from it.

Every business presents uniquely different challenges. Building from the ground up is the best and safest choice for some companies. Building from scratch allows complete freedom to design and build your commercial space. However, several commercial buildings need only a makeover to improve their business. Being a top-notch commercial remodeling contractor in Nashville and Brentwood, TN, Modern Handymen helps business owners make the right choice from small to big ones.

*Fig. 1. Modern Handymen from small to large-scale commercial repairs and renovations*

When choosing to build from scratch or remodel your existing space, carefully consider the following factors:

7 Things to Consider in Choosing Between Commercial Remodeling vs. New Construction

1. Budget

Analyzing and maintaining your budget is essential for understanding the current financial position of the project. Whether new or remodeled, construction mainly involves cost as a driving factor of the project's continuity and success. Working within a tight budget may directly affect the project's timeline, quality, and even safety. In commercial remodeling, lower upfront costs are expected compared to new construction. In new construction, the building site is often included in the total running cost of the project. Indirect and hidden costs may bloat the project's expenses without you noticing them earlier, such as more considerable professional fees, workforce salaries, permit costs, marketing, clearing and grubbing, and total demolition cost of the existing building. However, some remodels may involve retrofitting costs to save the existing structural members and incur higher costs than building new structures from scratch. Cost allocation is one of the critical factors to consider when creating your business or commercial place.

2. Return on Investment (ROI)

New construction is not the only option for creating a new space for potential customers. Higher expenses in new construction do not mean higher returns on investments. Commercial remodeling offers a refreshing environment for customers, usually at a lesser cost, which may have added features to improve productivity, sustainability, safety, and quality. Like any business decision, whether to build a new building or remodel an existing structure must be carefully weighed in terms of its return on investments. Companies may remodel to sell the property or upgrade their business location to attract more customers. A remodel is deemed cost-efficient when ROI is maximized. A good investment return in commercial properties ranges from 5% to 10%. So whether this ROI percentage can be achieved by new construction or hiring the best commercial remodeling contractors in Nashville and Brentwood, TN, such as Modern Handymen, it is essential to make calculated decisions with a long-term goal in mind, such as an increase in property's value over the years and reducing maintenance costs. Remodeled space often requires less maintenance, saving businesses money on repairs.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

In new construction, everything may feel brand new. However, being brand new does not automatically mean being aesthetically pleasing. Effective space planning and design lead to a balanced aesthetic appeal that suits your target market's taste. Commercial remodels aim to create an open and inviting space for potential customers by enhancing and maximizing the only available space. Upgrading your commercial space means setting the stage for your future business success. An upgrade in building appearance through commercial remodeling can strengthen the company's brand image and enhance customers' and employees' satisfaction.

4. Functionality

A commercial remodel can be an adaptive reuse of a business space with an improved functionality in mind. It fosters an improvement in productivity and overall well-being of a business. Renovating the commercial building, such as improving lighting and revising partitions, can make product browsing easier. This allows customers to explore the products more and make impactful impressions with proper marketing. Office renovations upgrade the layout of spaces to promote innovations and collaborations. Changes in floor plans through commercial remodeling can also be implemented to align with the business' marketing strategies. Commercial remodels re-purpose spaces to serve their primary functions and advance end-users experience and building safety.

5. Permitting Process

Commercial remodeling has a smoother and shorter permitting process than a new construction. A rigorous list of permitting requirements must be complied with to avoid violations and penalties when constructing a new building. First, the design must comply with the local building codes and regulations before proceeding with the project's construction phase. All necessary permits and approvals must be acquired to avoid delays and legal actions during construction. This is also true for commercial remodeling. Proper permitting and standardized documentation ensure a continuous flow of construction activities without disruptions due to violations and penalties. Commercial remodels have streamlined processes to secure business continuity during the remodeling phase. Developing or hiring a team that can read blueprints, tackle permitting, and comply with local building codes and zoning ordinances is essential to ensure this streamlined permitting process.

6. Timeline

Construction of new buildings starting from scratch can take significantly longer, further delaying building occupancy and business opening. Commercial remodeling is generally faster than constructing a new building since most structural elements are already in place. However, there are isolated cases where structures need to be retrofitted due to pre-existing conditions. Aside from the additional costs this incurs, retrofitting may prolong the remodeling process. However, with proper timeline management of the project, realistic timelines for each phase of the remodel are established while considering potential delays in the project. This allows flexibility in the project schedule, making necessary adjustments to meet target schedules.

7. Location

The project's location and zoning may significantly impact your decisions in construction. Some zoning restrictions require the preservation of structures. Some local regulations limit certain parts of your commercial space, such as the height of fences, offsets, and shared spaces. Choosing a strategic location for your business does not automatically mean a strategic location for a new building. Some may only need a remodel, from minor to large-scale renovations, to strategically impact customers within your area.

Choosing the right partner in construction, whether for new buildings or remodeled ones, is crucial in achieving success in the project. Success starts from planning to execution. In hiring the right professionals, such as Modern Handymen, you will get a better point of view on whether to pursue a new construction or remodeled commercial space by communicating their pros and cons effectively.

*Fig. 2. Floor and Subfloor repair for the commercial project by Modern Handymen*

Modern Handymen is detail-oriented and proactive in offering tailored solutions to the challenges presented before, during, and even after the construction phase. As a leading commercial remodeling contractor in Nashville and Brentwood, TN, Modern Handymen offers expert advices and quality solutions for your commercial construction needs. Get reliable estimates for your commercial space upgrade through Modern Handymen. Call them at 615-200-8071 to help you sort your choices and make the right decision for your commercial space.

Commercial Remodeling vs. New Construction: What to Choose?