Description

 

When we offer office renovation contractors services in Nairobi, we independently perform all the work necessary to update the interior – prepare a design project, carry out dismantling, capital, and finishing works. Our staff of such includes designers, architects, construction specialists, decorators, electricians, and plumbers. We can also purchase

building materials. However, this is not enough for a complete renovation of the office.

In addition to construction services, during a comprehensive office renovation, the customer often requires the creation of exclusive decorative elements and brand elements. To prepare for work, it is necessary to purchase furniture and household appliances. Wallpaper Kenya can prepare your office from A to Z: if desired. We will even purchase kitchen towels and dishes, and make a reception desk, signboard, and partitions. This is what Wallpaper Kenya calls a comprehensive office renovation.

Types of office renovations

Office renovations vary greatly, from simple updates to complete overhauls. Cosmetic renovations refresh aesthetics with new paint, flooring, and lighting. Functional renovations optimize space by reconfiguring layouts, adding partitions, or building collaborative areas. Technological upgrades integrate modern systems, including enhanced Wi-Fi, audio-visual equipment, and smart building technology. Sustainability-focused renovations prioritize eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.

 

 

Finally, comprehensive renovations combine multiple aspects, transforming the workspace to meet evolving business needs and employee expectations.

Who pays the rented office renovation contractors?

When renting an office, you need to sign a contract. It specifies the obligations and rights of the parties. The nuances depend on the type of premises. For example, if you want to rent a class A office, it may already be in good repair. In this case, all that remains is to install furniture and office equipment. Sometimes it is necessary to carry out repairs, and in this case, the problem arises: who exactly should do it?

Nuances of contractual relations

 

There are two types of repairs – major and cosmetic. In the first case, everything is changed thoroughly: communications, partitions, and other structures. Cosmetic repairs affect only changes in decorative finishing.

Accordingly, the tenant is responsible for cosmetic renovations, and the landlord is responsible for major repairs. However, these are very general concepts, so it is better to specify all the details in the contract. For example, who is responsible for changing the entrance doors, and who is responsible for painting the walls? This will help avoid conflicts.

Cosmetic renovations include the elimination of minor faults. Their presence does not affect the operation of the premises. For example, replacing cracked floor tiles or patching a chip in the wall. The tenant’s task is also to maintain communications in good condition. If a faucet leaks, it must be replaced. The same applies to lamps and other small things.

Major renovations are the landlord’s responsibility. If he refuses to do so, there are several options. For example, carry out the work at his own expense and demands compensation for damages in court. But this works only if the major repairs are caused by urgent needs. For example, if it is impossible to work on the premises.

You can demand a reduction in rent. In this case, the contract is amended. Another option is to terminate the contract and compensate for damages.

The best option is negotiations. If the landlord demands a lot, then refuse to cooperate with him. Otherwise, you will spend too much money.

Hiring a team instead of office renovation contractors?

 

If you need to find reliable, responsible office renovation contractors who will perform the work efficiently and on time, we are. The task is difficult – hundreds of organizations and construction teams operate in Kenya and the Nairobi region. Let’s figure out how to choose a contractor among them.

A team of jacks of all trades, who promise to handle electrics, tiling, and plumbing won’t work. The price of services is minimal, but their quality will not be high. You can hire a team only if your budget is very limited, if you are ready to monitor the work and material consumption every day, you can independently assess the quality of the finish, and the correctness of the application of technologies. Even in this case, no one is responsible for the result. And if a defect is discovered after several weeks or months, there will be no one to claim to.

Is the contractor’s company more reliable?

 

Not all office renovation contractors are reliable. You need to evaluate how the work is organized, check the contractor’s permitting documentation, and see what kind of contract it offers to conclude. Several points are worth paying attention to.

Fixed price

It is quoted for the renovation of one square meter of an office without having inspected it first and without agreeing on the scope of work. This is a scam. Either the price quoted to you will constantly increase, change, and be reviewed, or you will be quoted the most inflated amount.

How do we do it? First, Wallpaper Kenya sends our specialists (engineers, designers, foreman) to the site. The employees inspect it and discuss the planned repairs with the customer. After that, an approximate amount can be named. It is determined based on the fixed cost of work and services. The exact price of repairs for a specific site is calculated in the estimate documentation. The estimate lists all types of work, their volume, materials used, and all associated costs. It is compiled based on design documentation.

Evaluate the documents

 

At the beginning of cooperation, the contractor enters into a contract with the client. Separately, they approve and sign an estimate for the office renovation, a resource sheet (list of construction and finishing materials), and a schedule for the renovation. The estimate must be detailed: it indicates the composition of the work, prices, footage, final cost for each stage, and the entire scope of work. The schedule is checked, paying attention to the technological deadlines: the plaster must dry for 3-7 days, the self-leveling floor must have time to gain strength, etc.

Too short a time frame may indicate poor quality work. In addition, the construction company provides the client with copies of the design project and technical documentation with calculations. Wallpaper Kenya recommends asking the contractor for a sample contract in advance to study it carefully. When signing a contract, estimate, and other documents, the customer must have enough time to study them; the company’s employees should not rush him or put pressure on him.

Check the numbers

 

Office renovation begins after signing the contract and making an advance payment. Its size and terms of payment are specified separately. Usually, the customer makes a 50% advance payment for services, and a 100% advance payment for building materials (for the entire scope of work or the current stage). Some contractors draw up a payment schedule under the phased implementation of the renovation. The contract must specify penalties for the contractor. Usually, this is 0.2-0.6% of the cost of work that was not completed on time, for each day of delay.

What else should you pay attention to?

 

Is there a designer on the office renovation owner’s staff? If yes, it’s good—he/she will evaluate the capabilities of the contractor’s engineers, builders, and craftsmen better than an outside specialist. Such a designer will offer beautiful and practical projects and select materials that will last a long time.

Is there a guarantee? It is better if its term is not less than one year. If there are defects on the object, they will be revealed during this period.

How many partners does the contractor have? It is convenient if the construction company cooperates with companies from related fields and can recommend specialists in installing plastic windows, installing electronic systems, and supplying engineering equipment. Some contractors independently conclude contracts with related companies. This is often profitable: such partnerships involve discounts.

How is quality control and acceptance of work organized? A good indicator is if the contractor is ready to report on each completed stage of repair and does not restrict the customer’s access to the office where the finishing is being done. Acceptance must be confirmed by documents. For this purpose, the relevant acts are drawn up and signed.

Office renovation contractual documentation

 

At this stage, many decisions have been made and many options have been explored. It is time to tie up loose ends and answer as many predictable questions as possible. Communicate in words, plans, and 2D and 3D images all the information necessary for the construction of the project.

Contract documentation involves the following tasks:

• Create the necessary documents to obtain bids from contractors from whom they will build the project and the necessary building permits.
• Finalizing details for floor plans, elevations, cabinet and finish specifications, lighting plans, door and window schematics, etc.
• Review and coordination of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical details according to the scope of the project.
• An architect or engineer may review the plans depending on the complexity of the project and whether structural elements require modifications.

Office renovation contract administration

Contract administration is the phase where all the dust flies and the project comes to life! Contractors are bid and hired. Lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and furniture are also selected, purchased, and installed.

These stages are an industry-standard method for taking a project from conception to completion.

 

Understanding Office Renovation Contractors’ Payments

 

Office Renovation Contractors’ payments refer to payments made to freelancers or independent contractors who are engaged by a contract. Unlike salaried employees, contractors have varied payment terms that may include hourly rates, project rates, or retainers. This diversity requires a flexible approach to payment management, accommodating different currencies and methods depending on the contractor’s location.

An important aspect to understand is that contractors are considered self-employed, meaning they handle their taxes and benefits. This distinction affects how businesses process payments and report them for tax purposes.

Benefits of Hiring Contractors

 

Hiring office renovation contractors offers numerous advantages for companies, especially in today’s fast-paced market environment. One big benefit is the flexibility it provides. Companies can scale their workforce up or down based on project needs without the long-term commitment associated with full-time employees.

This agility allows companies to respond quickly to market changes and project demands. Another advantage is access to specialized skills. Contractors often bring a high level of expertise in specific areas, allowing companies to leverage these skills without investing in extensive training for permanent staff.

This is particularly beneficial for short-term projects that require niche knowledge or skills that the existing team may not possess. Additionally, hiring contractors can lead to significant cost savings. Since contractors are responsible for their own benefits and taxes, companies can reduce the overhead costs associated with full-time employees.

Keep in mind, however, that while there are cost benefits, it is important to ensure that contractors are fairly compensated for their work to maintain a positive and productive relationship.

Improving Contractor Relations Through Timely Payments

 

Timely payments are a crucial factor in maintaining strong relationships with office renovation contractors. When contractors are paid on time, it demonstrates respect and appreciation for their work, which can lead to increased loyalty and motivation. Keep in mind that a positive payment experience contributes to a positive overall relationship.

One way to ensure timely payments is by using automated payment systems that streamline the process and reduce the risk of delays. These systems can be set up to automatically process payments once a job is completed, ensuring that contractors receive their funds promptly.

Additionally, clear communication about payment schedules and expectations can help manage contractor relationships effectively. By being transparent about payment processes and addressing any concerns promptly, companies can build trust and foster long-term partnerships with their contractors.