You’ve just signed a lease on a new commercial space, or maybe you’ve been in your current spot for a while, and things are feeling a little… dated. Luckily, you can easily start a much-needed tenant improvement project.
Tenant Improvement, or TI, can elevate the building you work in to become your company’s home. These projects let you customize a leased space to fit your brand, your workflow, and your people without having to build a whole new structure from scratch. Here are 7 common improvements that can help your business get more value from your commercial space.
1. Updating Layouts for Modern Workflow
Remember when office spaces were just rows of high-walled cubicles? One of the most common tenant improvement projects we see is reconfiguring interior layouts to match how teams actually collaborate today. This might involve:
- Demolishing non-structural walls to open up the floor plan
- Installing glass partitions that offer privacy without sacrificing natural light
- Creating communal areas where employees can easily gather to collaborate
- Adding quiet rooms or booths for private work
2. Building Better Collaboration Zones
Speaking of working together, the traditional boardroom is getting a major makeover. Companies are moving away from one massive, formal conference room and opting for multiple smaller “huddle rooms” or flexible collaboration areas. These spaces often need specific electrical upgrades for video conferencing tech and soundproofing for privacy.
3. Restroom Renovations
Nothing dates a building faster than an old restroom. Updating restrooms is a huge priority for many tenants, for aesthetics and compliance. This is the time to ensure everything is modern and fully ADA-compliant with grab bars, wider stalls, touchless fixtures, and water-saving toilets.
4. Break Room and Employee Lounge Upgrades
The break room shouldn’t just be a dark corner with a microwave and a folding table. To attract and retain talent, businesses are investing heavily in employee lounges that people actually want to use. Consider adding:
- Custom cabinetry
- Upgraded plumbing for kitchenettes
- Comfortable seating areas
- Charging stations for electronics
- Snack and beverage options
5. Lighting Improvements
If your office is buzzing with the hum of flickering fluorescent lights, it’s time for a change. Lighting improvements are a game-changer for both energy efficiency and employee comfort.
Swapping out old fixtures for modern LED lighting not only lowers your utility bill but also reduces eye strain for your staff. Many tenant improvement projects now include smart lighting systems that adjust based on the time of day or occupancy sensors to save even more energy.
6. HVAC and Mechanical Updates
It’s not the most glamorous part of a renovation, but it might be one of the most important for comfort. An outdated HVAC system can lead to hot and cold spots that have employees battling over the thermostat.
Updating mechanical systems ensures better air quality and consistent temperatures. This often involves rerouting ductwork to fit a new floor plan or installing smart thermostats that give you better control over your environment.
7. Flooring Upgrades
Flooring takes a beating in commercial spaces. Whether it’s stained carpet or cracked tile, worn-out flooring makes your whole business look tired.
Replacing old flooring with durable, commercial-grade luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or polished concrete is a standard tenant improvement project. These materials withstand heavy foot traffic better than residential options and are much easier to keep clean.
What Doesn’t Count as a Tenant Improvement Project?
It’s easy to get excited about renovations, but keep in mind that not every construction project falls under the “tenant improvement” project umbrella. Generally, TI refers specifically to the interior space you lease. Projects that usually fall outside of this scope include:
- Building Envelope Changes: New roofs or exterior structural walls
- Exterior Site Work: Parking lot paving, landscaping, or outdoor lighting
- Common Areas: Renovations to building lobbies, elevators, or shared corridors that are the landlord’s responsibility
Start Upgrading with Arnell-West
Customizing your commercial space is a big step, but it’s one that pays off in productivity and pride in your workplace. You need a partner who understands the specific needs of commercial construction and can deliver on time.
Arnell-West has been helping businesses across Utah make their spaces their own since 1986. Whether you need a simple refresh or a complete interior build-out, we’re ready to help you get started on your tenant improvement project. Let’s chat!