Smart commercial property owners are always looking for ways to improve their spaces, whether they rent to local shop owners or run their own businesses. Improving the curb appeal and unleashing the inner beauty of commercial spaces doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. Check out these simple yet effective ways to improve commercial spaces to find some inspiration.
Add Amenities
Those who rented to commercial tenants will find that they are able to up their properties’ appeal by adding simple amenities. The amenities offered will necessarily vary depending on the property’s primary uses. Try adding free wireless internet for medical suites or outdoor courtyards for hotels or apartment buildings.
Property owners who operate their own businesses out of their buildings can still benefit from this tactic, as well. Owner-operated retail stores, cafes and restaurants can all benefit just as much from offering free WiFi to their customers as landlords can by setting up a guest network for their tenants and adding a play area for kids to a doctor’s waiting room will attract more families to the office. Feel free to think outside the box, as well, since most of these extra amenities are reasonably inexpensive.
Improve the Lighting
Landlords and business owners alike will be surprised at the difference some new lighting will make. Switching to LED lights, for example, will both maximize their light levels and reduce their energy consumption. Property owners or their tenants will then be able to benefit from reduced monthly bills on top of enjoying more appealing interior lighting.
Most commercial properties can benefit from the addition of extra outdoor lighting, as well. It provides extra security, reduces the chances of after-dark accidents, and makes commercial spaces look more welcoming even after dark.
Add Some Flair
It’s surprising how much of a difference a few carefully chosen photos or prints can make when it comes to adding a little bit of extra flair to a waiting room, hallway, bathroom, or just about any other room in a commercial building.
Commercial properties that are home to cafes, bookstores, and other spaces where ambiance plays a role in attracting customers and keeping them coming back can all benefit substantially from little, extra touches like framed photos. Don’t be afraid to get a little bit creative. Sites like www.posterjack.ca make it easy and affordable to create beautiful prints online.
Update the Landscaping
Gone are the days when the peak of luxury was to have a large, sprawling lawn. Today’s commercial property owners, whether they own multi-family apartment buildings, hotels, or restaurants, need to get a little bit more creative. Look into decorative plants, hardscaping features, or even adding a koi pond. When it comes to curb appeal, these kinds of small, personal touches can go a long way.
Add Security Features
The importance of security will depend largely on where a building is located and what kinds of tenants its owner rents to but generally speaking, most commercial properties can benefit from added security. Consider installing CCTV cameras, motion-activated lights, or even adding a gate, depending on the building’s unique situation and its tenants’ needs. The exact measures that will best suit any property will depend on who owns or rents it, but just about anyone interested in renting commercial property will appreciate feeling safer and knowing that their assets are secure.
Go Green
Modern tenants and consumers, alike, understand the value of eco-friendliness better than they ever have. As a result, going green and reducing a building’s environmental footprint can go a long way toward attracting new tenants, clients, or customers. Currently, commercial buildings account for nearly 40% of the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions, so there’s plenty of room for improvement.
Going green doesn’t necessarily have to mean spending a small fortune retrofitting an aging building. There are simple, affordable steps that can be taken to reduce that footprint, as well. Consider switching to a renewable energy source such as solar power, installing low-flow plumbing fixtures, or even switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs.
Make Exterior Renovations
When it comes to making larger changes, it actually makes more sense to renovate a building’s exterior than its interior. When customers, clients, or renters approach and enter a building for the first time, they’ll be far more likely to notice if its exterior paint is looking faded or its windows are broken than they will whether or not its interior fixtures have been replaced in recent years.
Given that full-scale renovations are one of the more expensive options on this list, property owners should make a point of investing money put aside for renovations wisely. Of course, if the inside of the property is absolutely falling apart, it might make more sense to spend some of it on a new coat of paint or replacing aging fixtures. Otherwise, though, consider external renovations first.
Upgrade the Signage
If a commercial building has been owned or rented by the same company for decades and the sign has never been changed, it might be time to consider an upgrade. This is particularly true if the existing sign is difficult to read, needs repair, or is hidden by bushes or light fixtures.
The benefits of a new sign extend beyond commercial buildings that are open to the public, too. Even multi-family apartment buildings can benefit from new signage. Giving a name to a residential property or a multi-use commercial building can make it seem like it has more character, making it more desirable to renters.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of ways for commercial property owners to improve their properties’ appeal without having to spend a small fortune. The most important lesson for property owners to take away from this article is that they should be paying attention to the little things.
It’s also essential that they view their buildings through their tenants, customers, or clients’ eyes and attempt to find solutions that will appeal to their unique sensibilities. The upgrades on this list will make even an aging building more appealing to just about any modern consumer.