Over the last several years, the idea of ‘flipping' buildings and houses, or restoring them to their natural beauty has become exceedingly popular. But, there is no hard rule that suggests you need to turn around and sell a building when you’ve put in so much hard work. If you’re looking for a place with character to set up your new office space, or you’re starting a new business and want the location to reflect your personality, old buildings are a great place to start.
By Team Savant
Image: Scott Walsh
Workspaces aren’t what they used to be. Cold, drab office buildings are becoming a thing of the past, and many people are working from home. But, there’s something to be said for having an actual physical location for your business. If you can transform an old building into a place full of life and character, it will set the tone for what your brand really is and how your business will run.
With that in mind, let’s look at a few helpful historic building restoration tips so you can transform your new office space into something beautiful.
1. Be Cautious When Tearing Down
Depending on the shape of the building, you might need to replace drywall or even parts of the ceiling. When you’re doing any kind of tearing down, however, be aware of what you could find. One of the things you should be cautious of is how to manage asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos was used in buildings and homes until the 1970s. Unfortunately, exposure to it has been linked to everything from minor respiratory issues to lung cancer.
It’s also important to pay attention to things like lead paint or faulty wiring if you’re doing any kind of ‘remodeling’. While these things can be replaced and updated with safer solutions, protecting yourself while you’re tearing down is essential.
2. Maintain Character
One of the biggest differences between an older building and newer construction is the character and history. That might even be what drew you to the building, in the first place. If you’re going to remodel a historic building, make sure you don’t cover up its charm and character in the process.
Of course, you will have to upgrade some things to make sure the building is appropriate for the 21st century. It needs to be able to handle modern amenities. It’s also okay to choose modern decor, furniture, and an open layout. But, make sure you’re not completely stripping the building of its history.
Instead, use that old charm to your advantage to create a unique space that makes your office stand out. One of the best ways to do that is to talk to local historians or visit your area library to find out the actual history of the building, and how you can use that to further your remodel.
Architecture used to be different, as well. By maintaining as much of the building’s original structure as possible, you’re showing respect to whoever may have designed it, and keeping the charm of building design work that no longer exists.
3. Understand Building Codes
If you’re using an old building as an office, one of your top priorities should be to ensure the safety of everyone who steps foot into it. So, it’s important to understand building codes and safety regulations. You may not know much about them, which is why working with an expert as well as local officials can help you to understand what’s acceptable and what isn’t.
Working with both code authorities and preservation efforts will help you to make sure your building is safe while still keeping its integrity. Code experts will cover any potential risks that could occur from fire and smoke concerns to the structure of the building, itself.
Should You Invest in an Old Building?
With so many office spaces on the market and the ability for many people to work remotely, is making this kind of investment worth it?
Truly, it depends on the kind of business you want to run. Think about how you feel when you step into a restored historic building. There is a sense of comfort, charm, and beauty that you can’t deny. You can learn a lot about a business from its location. So, it all depends on how you want your business to be viewed.
Is investing in an older building a large endeavor? Yes. Will there likely be hangups along the way, especially if you’re trying to reconstruct its character? Absolutely. But, if you want to showcase your business and brand as something unique and innovative, taking the leap and making this investment can certainly be worth it.