How much should you spend on medical office renovation?
Investing in medical office renovation Toronto gives you a chance to open up space for more business and facilitate growth. You probably have a vision of where you dream your medical practice is heading and you can begin by transforming the space to accommodate your growing needs. Renovations can be simple or complex depending on your goals. Basic steps to revamp a medical office such as applying a fresh coat of paint or adding modern furniture can be less costly.
However, if you are looking to go all the way and transform the medical office into an epitome of beauty while maintaining the calming atmosphere, be prepared to spend a lot more. The cost is usually given per square foot. You can spend as little as $40 per square foot or up to $100 per square foot on a renovation project. Let’s look at the main areas you are likely to spend on during medical office design and construction.
Hiring an architect or designer
Architects and designers are experts at bringing your unique ideas in form of a plan that contractors can use to build the space. Expect to spend an average of 20% of your total renovation budget on this. A designer can help you decide on the overall look and feel of the medical office. The architect, on the other hand, will ensure that every aspect of the design is up to code, industry-specific and ideal for your unique needs. For instance, you may need custom examination rooms, wheelchair accessibility and sizeable workspaces in the medical office. An architect will take care of all these.
Lighting and electrical expenses
Your medical office will need proper lighting and electrical systems to look the part and also run efficiently. Lighting is very important in areas such as the examination rooms. You can also use lighting in the reception area to give clients the best first impression of your clinic. Lighting is not just for the rooms, consider the emergency exit signs and other forms of lighting in the medical practice.
Invest in impressive finishes
Finishes for medical practices need to be carefully selected. For instance, you have to consider using slip-resistant surfaces to ensure your clients are safe. Don’t just think about the look of the finishing material you choose. Consider whether it’s practical for that environment. You can spend up to $90 per square foot on finishes.
Fire protection
If you are leasing the building where your medical practice is located, fire protection systems could already be in place. If not, you will have to invest in proper systems that will ensure your medical practice is up to code. A basic sprinkler system can cost you $200 per sprinkler head. You will also need a separate budget for drawing the permits and conducting inspections.
Most importantly, you have to set aside an adequate amount of money to pay for labor. Most medical office contractors will charge 10% of the total budget. However, this depends on your geographical area and the type of contractor you choose.
