Signs it's time for an office renovation

Spending 40 hours a week in one location can make us blind to the shortcomings of the space, leading us to believe that everything is fine. Of course, this isn’t ideal. Sometimes, you simply have to accept that it’s time for an office renovation.

Some telltale signs that your office needs refurbishment are more obvious than others. For instance, if the door to your office is barely hanging on by its hinges or if all of the office equipment is broken, these problems are easy to spot. More subtle indicators that your office is no longer meeting the needs of your business may be less noticeable. For example, if your break room is too small, cramped, or underutilised, this might not be immediately apparent. Employees may hesitate to voice their concerns out of concern for appearing difficult. In short, there are numerous reasons why your office might need refurbishment.

If you’re unsure whether your office needs a renovation, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. As the home of the Destination Office we’re no strangers to transforming tired offices into something spectacular. Here are some telltale signs it’s time to pull the trigger on that office renovation.

Visual deterioration of facilities 

Visual deterioration may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. Everything has a lifespan, and even if it’s not always acknowledged, the same applies to your office. If your office begins to show hints of wear and tear, it may be time to reconsider that renovation project.

Some visual signs of deterioration include worn carpets, peeling and chipped paint, and broken furniture (like chairs missing wheels). Other signs may include leaks, potential mould growth, and cracked wall plaster. These problems not only create a poor impression on employees and potential visitors, but they can also hinder employees’ ability to carry out their daily tasks. For example, if a meeting room has a leak and is deemed unsafe to use, this could prevent employees from holding meetings, potentially impacting business operations.

Investing in your office environment is essential. A modern, updated aesthetic with functional facilities can help retain staff and project a professional and caring image to potential customers and clients.

Inaccurate brand image 

Your office should reflect your company’s values, your desired public perception, and your brand identity. When a customer or potential client steps into your business environment, that environment effectively communicates your brand message and helps them gain a clear understanding of your company. However, if your office conveys outdated information, designs, and working practices, it’s likely a sign that you need an office renovation.

Need for more storage solutions 

Both home and business owners know that storage space is often insufficient. The difference is that while homes need to store smaller domestic items such as clothes, toys, and tools or household equipment, work and commercial spaces must accommodate larger items. Offices may need to store monitors, desks, chairs, employee belongings, and more. If your current space lacks storage solutions, it may be time for an office renovation. 

Business growth

One of the better reasons to need an office rebrand is if your business has undergone substantial growth. If your business has grown, you will either need to refurbish your space or move in order to accommodate the extra staff. 

Substandard office appearance 

You should take pride in how your office looks and how it represents your business. While some may accept that their office isn’t in its best condition, a substandard office appearance is an indication that an upgrade is necessary.

Outdated layout and finishes 

Customers, clients, and partners often judge a business’s professionalism and success by its appearance. If your office design, layout, or fittings are outdated, it’s likely that both potential and current clients have noticed, which could affect their decision to do business with your company. Remodelling your office can mitigate these problems by allowing you to begin anew. You can design an office with practicality and efficiency in mind, meaning potential clients who may have had second thoughts due to your office layout will have no choice but to reconsider snap judgments. 

Dropping productivity

Productivity levels can be challenging to measure. However, over the last three years, many UK companies have reported an approximate 6% drop in productivity. While there could be many reasons for this, outdated or ineffective office designs are often cited as contributing factors.

Research shows that a well-designed and furnished office can increase productivity by around 20%. This boost is partly due to how the office is designed to promote efficiency, but it’s also been noted that employees tend to produce higher quality work when they feel the company cares about their environment.

Unhappy employees

If employees are unhappy or dissatisfied at work, it may indicate that your office environment fails to meet employee expectations for comfort, functionality, or visual appeal. The design and decor of a workspace play a crucial role in boosting employee motivation, which in turn drives business success. To make office renovations effective, focus on creating an environment that employees are eager to be in every day. An effective strategy for improving staff morale through office redesign is to ask employees what they need or want, and then incorporate those elements into the space. If your employees aren’t happy, it may be time for a renovation.

Empty desks

One of the more obvious signs that your office needs a renovation is rows of empty desks. Numerous unused or barely used desks may indicate that you have too much space or that your space is being poorly utilised. Having the right amount of office space is crucial. In 2019, collaboration spaces took up an average of 10% of overall office space; in 2024, this figure had increased to between 35% and 45%. If your office has an imbalance of desks and collaboration spaces, employee performance may suffer. In such cases, you should strongly consider refurbishing your office.

High utility bills

If your office is outdated, it’s likely that your energy system is also outdated. Old offices are often plagued by inefficient lighting, poor insulation, and suboptimal heating and cooling systems. With the cost of living crisis making it harder to keep up with ever-increasing bills, the last thing you need is an energy-inefficient office. If your utility bills are unexpectedly high, it may be a sign that your office needs refurbishment.

Health and safety issues 

Having appropriate health and safety in the office isn’t an optional extra, it’s a legal necessity. Workplace safety should always be a priority. If your current health and safety systems are starting to look dated — whether it’s a malfunctioning fire safety system or a broken stair tread — this is a clear indicator that your office needs refurbishment.

Lack of storage solutions

No one wants a disorganised and cluttered office space. If your office is inherently messy, it may not be because of a lack of tidying effort on your employee’s part; it could be due to a lack of storage solutions. A refurbishment can help add extra storage to your space, making it easier for employees to keep their workspace organised and tidy. An organised and tidy workspace not only makes employees feel better about their environment but also presents a cleaner and more professional image to visitors and associates.

Poor acoustics 

One of the often overlooked drawbacks of a dated office space is poor acoustics. Offices are hotbeds for important meetings where confidential information is shared, and the last thing you want is for the whole world to hear private conversations between employees. Additionally, a noisy office can quickly become distracting, potentially leading to a reduction in productivity.

The good news is that you don’t have to completely redesign and refurbish your office to correct this (although, in some cases, a complete refurbishment may help). You can install acoustic baffles or ceiling rafts to reduce background noise and add a design feature at the same time.

Time for that Destination Office transformation?

If your office is any of these signs, you and you’re team are in need of a Destination Office. 

At Claremont, we have years of experience in transforming offices for some of the countries most recognisable names. Don’t know where to start? Our Workplace Consultancy team can help you best understand your office, team, and business culture. Whether it be office fit-outs, technology, workplace furniture or something else entirely, we will have a service to help you. Contact us today to begin your office transformation. 

Looking for some inspiration? Visit our YouTube channel and see some of the office renovations we’ve completed!