So, you’ve decided you need to expand your current business space – either by extending your current building or by constructing a new one.
The key questions you’re likely to face are what kind of structure do you need and what is the best way of getting it built efficiently and cost-effectively
When you find yourself in that situation, here are some hints and tips to help you to arrive at the best solution for your particular business.
1. Decide what you want from your building at the outset
How is the facility to be used, and for how long What does that mean in terms of space allocation Heating Lighting Storage The better your idea of how the space is going to be used, the better your chances of ending up with what you need within the agreed timeframe and budget.
A firm specification will also help you to decide exactly what kind of building you require. Nowadays, the choice isn’t simply between a temporary building and a permanent one not when steel-clad temporary structures can last 50 years or more and are significantly cheaper to construct than their permanent brick counterparts.
2. Be aware of the pros and the cons of the building options open to you
A re-locatable temporary building can be an ideal “instant” fix, with flexible hire terms, no capital outlay, no ground preparation needed and the speed with which the building can be erected, dismantled or altered.
The downside They depreciate and deteriorate over time, with a maximum ten-year lifespan. They are not as secure as a steel-roof building; have low fire retardancy values thanks to the PVC and aluminium used in their construction; and can be costly to insure or can even be uninsurable as a result, depending on site specifics. They also have minimal insulation values and can be costly to heat. There’s also the risk of potential water ingress around the perimeter at the base.
Steel-clad temporary structures have a very low cost compared to conventional buildings, can be supplied in a variety of cladding colours and are as secure as any other conventional building. They are 100 per cent watertight, can have clear roof light panels installed to minimise the lighting requirement and can be specified to meet the latest Part L2 building regulations covering the conservation of fuel and power.
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Parts and cladding warranties can be up to 50 years; the buildings are fabricated to the customer’s exact size requirements and comply with all insurance requirements as well as building control regulations. Because the building is not demountable, it can be financed through a mortgage and is regarded as an asset.
Being a more substantial, longer-term construction means that steel-clad temporary structures require more detailed project planning and project management, have to be set on a level concrete or tarmac base and will incur time and cost applying for the necessary planning and building control permissions. Depending on size, they may also be subject to the HSE’s Construction (Design & Management) Regulations.
Once you’ve decided on the role and longevity of your project and have taken all the building type pros and cons into consideration, you’ll be in a position to make the right decision on the way forward.
3. Decide how you want to proceed
It may be that an extension or new-build project provides a welcome distraction from day-to-day business. However, it isn’t very often that we come across business owners who want to replace revenue-earning activity with the delays, complications, frustrations and disappointment that can come from any kind of construction.
The latter may involve working with architects whose experience with the practicalities of your requirements is secondary to their desire to justify their fees with the creation of award-winning and costly designs. It could entail engaging a planning consultant without the expertise in design that could help to speed up the process of obtaining planning permission.
Taking on the tender process and project management can also create significant headaches measuring up each proposal against the others and working with a range of sub-contractors who are more focused on shifting blame than they are on delivering a quality solution for the customer.
Working with a business that can provide a turnkey solution – from initial brief to final handover – removes much of the hassle and enables you to focus on your core business.
Antony Hunt is MD of Smart-Space.
