Written by Oladotun Michael Olusola , (DOTRubik Associates)
How to choose an office space
Choosing office space can be very challenging as is the dependent factor on which employee’s performances strive. Here are a few things to consider when selecting an office space in Nigeria. Let start with shape. Triangular shaped = potential problem. There are many offices in Lagos and elsewhere in Nigeria that are odd shaped. Commercial office space with acute corners (less than 90 degrees) can create some real issues with spatial planning. There is not a lot you can do with tight angled corners, so the area just gets wasted unless you really think about the fit out design. Circular offices also offer a similar problem, but you can get around it with some clever planning. Let’s face it Squares and Rectangles work best, think of your own homes and the furniture in them… you don’t have a triangular desk and a hexagonal coffee table do you? |
20 Steps to a Successful Office Fit out
Oladotun Michael Olusola , Associate at DOTRubik Associates Ltd, said: The key to any successful office fit out is in the planning. There is a tendency to overlook project planning in an office fit out and rush forward to get on with the job. However, this can be a false economy both in time and money. Many problems are solved at the initial planning stage. To help you achieve a successful office fit out we have put together a step by step guide that will be available in the downloads section of our website soon, below is a brief summary. STEP 1 2 – 4 weeks: Do you actually need to move or are you better of renegotiating where you are? STEP 2 2 – 3 days: Assemble your relocation team. STEP 3 1 week: Work out which area would best suit your operation. STEP 4 1 week: Establish how much area you will need. STEP 5 3 – 9 weeks: Start talking to real-estate agents in the area, but more importantly get your relocation team to do their own research, STEP 6 2 – 3 weeks: Ask your preferred office interior designer (us no doubt) to start showing you some spatial concept plans. STEP 7 4 – 8 weeks: Once a site has been selected it is time to negotiate your lease. STEP 8 2 – 4 weeks: Whilst step 7 is underway you should take the opportunity to sit down with your office interior designer and finalise your design and a scope of works for quoting. STEP 9 3 – 12 weeks: Get your chosen office design to your building manager and into council if required STEP 10 2 weeks: Obtain comparable quotes on your chosen office design from selected fit out contractors. |
STEP 11
3 days: Award the office fit out to your chosen contractor, STEP 12 1 day: Take photos of the site and conduct a dilapidation report. STEP 13 2 – 3 days: Get your relocation team to start contacting service providers. STEP 14 4 – 8 weeks: Commence the office fit out. STEP 15 2 weeks: During the office fit out process get your relocation team to start modifying your current OH&S office policies. STEP 16 1 week: Organize your door key system for your office. STEP 17 1 – 2 weeks: When the office fit out is complete apply for an occupancy certificate, STEP 18 2 – 3 days: Once the site has reached occupancy and is spotlessly clean it is time to move in. STEP 19 Keep all of your office fit out documentation together. STEP 20 Make sure you keep up to date with all of your scheduled maintenance. A successful office fit out is accomplished when all the steps are successfully completed in order and in a timely manner. Planning and preparation is the key to almost everything in life and office fit out is no different. |