Office reinstatement poses some challenges. For a start, you have a limited timeframe to complete all processes. In addition, extensive work could be required (depending on the specific conditions listed in your lease).

Choosing a reliable office reinstatement service is the best way to handle all of the essentials. Still, you may want to do a bit of preliminary planning. Having an office reinstatement checklist will help you keep track of progress and evaluate the scope of work that will need to be done.

Check Your Lease First!

There aren’t universal office reinstatement checklists that apply to every single commercial tenant in Singapore.

The reason for that is very simple. Landlords often have very specific requirements when it comes to returning the space back to its original condition. The length of the occupancy and the adjustments carried out through the years will also be determining for the amount of work.

Before engaging in any other kind of preparatory process, do check the lease terms and conditions. This document is the one that will point you in the right direction. Chances are that you’re underestimating some procedures or that the scope of work is more extensive than originally anticipated. Doing z thorough documentation review early enough will give you the time to prepare, to hire the right professionals and make sure that the reinstatement is completed within a reasonable timeframe.

A Basic Singapore Office Reinstatement Checklist

While there will definitely be distinctive renovations to handle, most office reinstatement processes can be performed following this checklist:

• Removal of all temporary fixtures: all the stuff you added to the office needs to go first. This way, you will go back to the original state of the premise and you’ll get to execute more extensive renovation works upon necessity.
• Removal of electrical components: this one doesn’t need a lot of explanation. Electrical components that you added to the venue need to go before hacking commences. That’s a safety procedure you need to complete early on.
• Removal of partitions: if you’ve added some masonry work or additional partitions to the office, these will have to go. Hacking work will obviously be involved, which is why this happens to be one of the first processes you need to plan and execute.
• Restoration of original components: did you do modifications to the original plumbing plan? How about the HVAC system, safety fixtures, lights, fans, etc.? All of these need to be returned to their original positions and original condition. Floor plans and other diagrams will be very helpful for the completion of this step. Do dig out all documentation that can be helpful in advance.
• Window treatments: did you add blinds, curtains or other kinds of window treatment? If so, you will need to de-install that new product and go back to the original window treatment.
• Removal of signage and branding elements: before you can tackle the walls and the floors, returning those to their original condition, you’ll have to get rid of any kind of branding you’ve done through the years. Most often, that process will involve the removal of signage.
• Painting: the walls, ceilings and floors have to go back to their original condition, just like the rest of the office. Often, you’ll have to restore tiles, strip off a new floor finishing or repaint walls and ceilings in original colours. While these may seem like minor processes in comparison to the other work you’ll need to do, such details cannot be overlooked.

This checklist highlights most types of work that need to be completed before your occupancy ends.

Needless to say, however, an office could have undergone much more extensive modification through the years. If that’s the case, you’ll have to get started with the office reinstatement much earlier. Also, your checklist will have to include a bigger number of steps to address every single detail.

Come Up with a Reinstatement Deadline, As Well!

Once you have your office reinstatement checklist, you’ll gain some realistic insight about the scope of work.

Based on this information, you can also come up with a realistic deadline for the completion of all procedures. If you’re clueless about the amount of time that a comprehensive reinstatement will take, consulting professionals will be beneficial. The SORDC office interior design and renovation company can guide you through everything that needs to happen, providing a realistic timeframe for the completion of all steps.

Do understand the fact that every single detail matters and you cannot underestimate the importance of the reinstatement. A landlord will do a comprehensive walkthrough and an inspection of the premise. If they’re not satisfied with the condition of the office, you will need to do additional work before the landlord takes over.

You need to get started with your checklist creation at least a few months in advance. This is also the time when you should start seeking out professional assistance. While office reinstatement can be disruptive (especially if you haven’t found a new office yet), the process falls under the obligations that you cannot discard.

Office reinstatement can be an optimised and cost-efficient process if you put enough effort in the preliminary phases.

Don’t hesitate to contact the SORDC team if you need some guidance an help with checklist creation. We can plan, manage and complete the reinstatement on your behalf. SORDC has decades of experience with office renovation services that includes office reinstatement services and an excellent reputation we’ve maintained through the years. If you want a seamless, headache-free process, we are the professionals for the job.