If your commercial real estate, such as a store or office building, needs to be renovated, you're looking at a major investment in the future of your company. It only makes sense to be smart about the project and plan ahead. Here are three of the most important steps in your renovation planning to make the project a success.

How to Prepare for Renovation

1. Prioritize Goals

Every commercial real estate renovation project should have a clear purpose, such as improving the flow of traffic through a building or widening a hotel lobby to accommodate more seating. Get input about what is needed from all project stakeholders, then rank goals according to urgency and importance.

2. Budget Thoroughly

Review budget and financials to verify renovation investment targets. Consider expected returns, including savings from operational efficiencies, before making a go or no-go decision. Once you’ve established a hard upper-limit for spending, allocate funds to different phases, with sufficient allowances at each phase for cost overruns.

3. Choose a Trustworthy Commercial Real Estate Contractor

Get recommendations from community residents and insiders regarding contractors and developers, and research and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Consider past projects and experience. Don’t neglect local reviews or write-ups from local journalists. Obtained itemized estimates from your short-listed candidates. After inspecting and comparing bids for comprehensiveness, quality, scheduling, and caveats, commission the contractor that offers you the best value and reliability.

To arrange building and renovation services for your commercial real estate project, choose APPRO Development, Inc. & CERRON Commercial Properties, LLC. Based in Lakeville, MN, and serving Dakota County, they offer a full range of consulting and construction services, including designing, building, leasing, buying, and selling. They hew to a "no surprises" mandate, with a reputation for finishing projects on time and on budget. To get started, call (952) 469-2171, or message them online.