Now that you have spent so much time sequestered in your home, you probably have a pretty good idea of what works for you and what doesn’t. Perhaps your home features a beautiful office and other amenities where you “wouldn’t change a thing.” For many of us, that simply isn’t the case. Life may be returning to some semblance of normal but chances are for now and the foreseeable future, you’ll be spending more time at home than you did prior to 2020.
COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down, putting us on an emotional rollercoaster. The news often discourages us, but we know in the long run everything will be alright; we need to keep moving forward. I certainly understand, for I’m feeling the same way.
This is the time for compassion and to support each other while adapting to a new lifestyle. Many of us have found that we need to work at creating some alone time, and a quiet place in order to accomplish the work we’d have normally done at our place of business. If this period of domicile containment has you looking to make a change in your home environment environs, here are 6 ways we can move forward with a renovation or new building.
#1 Keep a diary about likes and dislikes in your home.
Now is an excellent time to create your wish list. Make notes about what works and what doesn’t in your kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces — things you want to improve. Save images of spaces that will make your home better suited to you and your family. When you’re ready, you can review these and decide what you really need and want.
#2 Re-evaluate your business strategy.
At this moment there is a limit to the number of people who can come into your restaurant to dine, so it might not be the right time to expand your seating areas. But as one of our clients pointed out — his pizza delivery business has increased by 50%. It’s time for him to rethink how to enhance his carry out for now and into the future. After all, things have changed and they aren’t going back 100% to the way they were before.
What can you do to revitalize your business? Let’s take care of today’s needs, while keeping our eyes looking toward the future. Investigate your options. You didn’t get to where you are today by being short-sighted. It’s time to move forward with a renovation or new building.
#3 Investigate the building codes and zoning.
People want to expand, but let’s take this time to evaluate the building codes and zoning to see if you can. This will eliminate any surprises and give clarity to your project. Our Design Discovery Review will ensure what you want to do is feasible and more importantly, permitted.
In the past, you may have been in a rush to finish, but now you have time to think more clearly and really concentrate on different possibilities. Let us help you review your options so when you do get to the end of construction, you’ll find a more successfully completed project.
#4 Take things at a slower pace.
Everyone has their own level of comfort — don’t let this pandemic freeze you. This is not the time to stop your life, but rather to anticipate the future. You can still do what you want to do, only with a different timetable. Let’s take slower steps and stretch things out to meet your needs.
Businesses that have the foresight to know this shutdown won’t last forever can take advantage of their business plan and envision future projects. Maybe you won’t be as aggressive as you were in the past, but now’s the time to take inventory on what’s important and put a plan in place.
#5 Embrace technology.
There’s nothing that truly can replace a face to face meeting, but technology provides us with comprehensive tools to continue working. Zoom meetings allow us to share our designs and communicate much better than we thought.
People can work from home and even after the pandemic, probably will. What a great benefit to employees to work a few days from their houses instead of coming into the office. You don’t need to work from your closet. Isn’t it time to consider the perfect working space in your home?
#6 Take advantage of available resources.
There’s focus on providing financial resources to keep the economy going. Low interest rates are a big win for everyone — residential and commercial. If you have solid financial footing, it’s the perfect time to move forward with a renovation or new building. Contractors are available and can work in open tenant spaces and non-residential buildings. It’s a great time to take advantage of these opportunities provided to us as a result of this situation.
Remember, once you get busy again, this may all go on the back burner. Now’s the time to take action and plan for your future.
We can help. We are operational and eager to help you transform your existing space or create a new one. We aim to provide our clients with exceptional design where you wouldn’t change a thing. Visit our website for additional information and contact us to discuss your particular situation and how we can help.