The Big Why
Although remodels and adaptive re-use projects can seem daunting, and admittedly aren’t the simplest, when it’s all said and done the paybacks can truly outweigh the challenges. Some of those advantages include having a more efficient structure that sits in a prime location for far less construction dollars, all done in a quicker timeframe.
Additionally, by reusing buildings, we honor and preserve unique styles from the past. This allows future generations to learn about the stories of preservation and remember our heritage in many cases. It also encourages us to wonder about the historical reasons behind why specific buildings were built in the first place.
Value of Re-Use and Re-Purpose
From an environmental standpoint, keeping as much of an existing building and/or site goes a long way towards reducing waste and conserving resources, which creates a much lower carbon footprint. We are definitely in support of reducing what goes into our landfills.
Keeping the bones of a structure contributes to the reduction in urban sprawl, thus saving open lands for future generations. This approach to construction also reduces the number of new building stock, which allows needs to be met while also providing for great parks and wildlands to be installed within the heart of the city, thus creating a healthier and more vibrant place to live and work.
When you save major key components of a building, you reduce construction dollars, which positively affects the financial bottom line. Even if you’ve gutted most of the building, you can still put a lot of money back in your pocket by keeping even a few things.
Finally, renovating old buildings allows for shorter construction schedules, therefore giving you the opportunity to open your doors sooner. If you don’t have to excavate and install a new foundation or frame new walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs, you’re going to be ahead, even if you factor in time for the demo of old materials.
Phasing to Maintain Operations
One of the initial benefits of remodeling your existing facility is no matter the level of complexity, you can find creative ways to maintain operations while rebuilding your facility. Maintaining some level of functionality can have a dramatic effect on your bottom line as you are maintaining connection with current clients without the cost and headaches of either a short-term shutdown or re-training clients to seek a new location for your services.
What to Keep
In addition to the careful thoughts around phasing, it’s most beneficial to draw the line between what to keep and what to remove. In just about any remodel, there will almost always be something you wish you’d kept or gotten rid of; the key is to keep the bigger picture in mind and to be okay with the original character that comes with old buildings.
Anticipating the Unexpected
Anytime you get into re-purposing and renovations, there will be things nobody could anticipate, and that’s part of the challenge. Such issues can be addressed through maintaining an adaptable mindset while being aggressive about creating and implementing effective solutions. Going into the project knowing that there will be surprises helps everyone overcome such challenges quickly and as smooth as possible.
The End Game
Though it does come with headaches and surprises, I hope you can see that it is certainly doable, and most importantly, beneficial to your bottom line. If you’re thinking about a remodel, just remember that when it’s all said and done, the challenges are temporary, but the rewards can last decades. So, whether you decide to convert an old building to suit your needs or upgrade your current facility, there are real, tangible benefits sitting at your feet if you wish to accept the challenge. Being part of a transformation and coming up with creative solutions is one of our passions here at CWG.
– Jason Egeline, CWG Vice President