Rent, property taxes, and building maintenance are some of the biggest expenses for all kinds of commercial establishments. That said, it only makes sense that business owners want to maximize every square foot of space that they have, not only to get the most value for the money that they shell out but to also give their customers the best experience possible.
Learn about some of the best ways that commercial establishments make the most out of their building or property.
1. Awnings
Awnings, canopies, and other shade solutions are not new for commercial establishments, but more modern shading structures have proven to be as stylish as they are functional. Awnings not only shield the exterior and entrance of the establishment from the sun but also allow businesses to utilize their outdoor space. This is especially common for food establishments that offer al fresco dining, but businesses of all kinds are also hopping in on the trend.
The key, however, is to find a reputable commercial awning company that offers the solutions that the business needs, based on its objectives, building size, and budget.
2. Minimalism
It might seem counterintuitive, but adopting minimalism into architecture, interior design, and operations can help businesses make the most out of their space, especially for those with limited square footage to work with. For many commercial establishments, minimalism means limited decor, non-bold colors, smaller furniture, and sleek interior and exterior elements. Moreover, it can also mean having a minimal amount of stuff in the building, including office supplies, furniture, electronics, and even inventory.
Apart from making the business look trendy and stylishly contemporary, minimalism can also provide a positive effect on operations. For one, employees tend to be more productive, motivated, and happy when there is little to no clutter around them. Furthermore, it’s easier to direct customers’ attention to what’s important, such as the food in the case of restaurants or the clothes in case of retail clothing shops.
3. Vertical space
One tip that always pops up in organization strategies is to use vertical space for storage, and that’s because it is highly effective, especially in small spaces. Floor-to-ceiling storage options like shelves or bookcases are always a good idea, and so are filing cabinets and stackable containers. One caveat is that businesses have to ensure that these storage spaces are secure to eliminate the risk of someone getting accidentally crushed when they try to reach for something from the top shelf.
Using vertical space can also be applicable to decor. Instead of placing indoor plants around the office to brighten up the environment, the same effect can also be achieved by hanging plants on the wall without having to take up floor space.
4. Loft
High ceilings tend to be great for productivity since they get rid of the feeling of being ‘trapped’. A commercial establishment with high ceilings is also seen as more stylish and sophisticated by customers, especially in restaurants and bars. If a business wants to maximize its space or have to add floor space without building an extension, a loft is a great option.
Of course, building a loft is only applicable to businesses that own the building or are constructing it from scratch. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent option to consider when adding usable spaces for work, storage, or displays.
5. Unusable spaces
Previously unusable spaces can be made functional with refinishing or additional construction. Good examples of this are building basements, attics, abandoned storage rooms, and other parts of the building that are too old, dirty, or damaged to use. Instead of purging stuff to make more room or building an extension or loft, a business establishment can put their money into renovating the ‘unusable’ spaces that they already have.
6. Wall removal
Some walls are unnecessary and only serve to make the establishment seem smaller than it really is. The original architecture may have aimed to divide spaces according to the previous building owner’s needs, but the new owner may not have any use for these walls.
Removing walls is not always possible as they can serve as support for the roof or the floor above, but businesses can find out if they can remove the walls to maximize space by talking to an engineer or architect. If it is an option, wall removal is one of the best ways to open up space and maximize it at the same time.
Maximizing space is easier said than done, especially for businesses that have little to no time to spare for this endeavor. With these strategies laid out, however, we hope that commercial establishments can find one or two to apply to their own spaces.
