The decision to renovate a practice is a very important one. So how do you go about making the right decisions? In part one of our renovation series, we spoke to the experts about choosing the right property and initial considerations.
Sam says before you start considering design and construction, it is important to ensure you have the right property. “Are you leasing or are you buying?” Sam asks. “The deal is only going to be as good as the lease you take on so if you are leasing it is very important to negotiate a long tenure. The longer the initial tenure, the better incentive the landlords will give you.”
If you are considering purchasing a property, Sam says it is important to consult a business like Medifit to access it to ensure it is fit-for-purpose. “You need to ensure it is going to comply with council requirements,” he explains. “Whether you are leasing or purchasing a property you have to do some initial council liaison to ensure the use is going to be approved by council. You need to check the current designated use of the property, and check things such as if there is going to be enough parking, all before you start thinking about renovating.”
He says doing your research when it comes to choosing a building company for design and construction is equally as important as choosing a building. “At the moment we have an overheated property market coupled with tight subcontractors availability, therefore it is imperative you choose a builder that has had a long tenure in the dental industry with continuity of experienced trades. You want someone to do it right the first time, which will mean less problems and less variations.”
Once you have the right property (whether leasing or purchasing) Sam says Medifit provides the clients a schematic to see whether their brief will fit into the space. “From that, we can give an opinion of probable cost, which is not a quote but is helpful for budgetary purposes and procuring finance approvals,” he explains.
Sam adds there is not much difference whether you are renovating a leased or purchased commercial property (although people who have purchased their properties tend to spend more on quality finishes)."The critical path to success is to ensure that the design solution meets all your criteria. The following adages definitely apply: 'The devil is in the detail, and 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail'," he says.
“We go through a briefing workbook with many prompts,” Sam says. “The first thing we ask is what is your speciality. Are you left or right-handed etc? At 3D modelling
stage we go through the equipment list. On completion of design, we produce shop drawings at our Manufacturing facility allowing us to build better and faster and have more control of the site. This proven approach allows us to ensure that no variations are charged to our clients, by accurately costing the design prior to formalising our fixed lump sum construction contracts. By the time we go to site, every potential challenge associated with the site has been meticulously planned for.”
Make sure you surround yourself with professional people who will help you get the best lease or purchase of the property.
Do your due diligence. Speak to people who have used the company that you
are considering eg: ask whether there were a lot of variations, did they finish on time, was the quality as high as you expected etc.
Don’t be scared to ask if you are unsure of anything. There is no such thing as a dumb question.
According to Wayne Young, sales and project manager from West Coast Dental Depot, selecting the right location for a dental surgery is crucial for its success
and growth in the long-term.
He recommends considering the following points:
Demographics
Analyse the demographics of the area to ensure there is a sufficient population base. If this is rural based it may be critical.
Competition
Evaluate the existing dental practices in the area. While some competition is healthy, too much can saturate the market. Look for areas with a moderate level of competition or where there is a gap in dental services.
Accessibility
Select a location that's easily reachable for your targeted audience. Aim for ground-floor spaces within multi-story buildings, ideally with street-facing windows. Ensure ample parking nearby and proximity to public transportation routes.
Visibility and Signage
A visible location with good signage can attract walk-in patients. Consider locations with high foot traffic or near other businesses that attract potential patients i.e. medical centres or other health orientated businesses.
Zoning Regulation
Ensure that the location you choose complies with local zoning regulations for medical or dental practices. Check if there are any restrictions on signage or operating hours.
Facility Requirements
Assess the space requirements for your dental practice, including the number of treatment rooms, waiting area size, and facilities for staff. Ensure the chosen location can accommodate these needs.
Costs
Consider the cost of leasing or purchasing property in the area. Balance the expenses with the potential revenue and growth prospects of the location.
Future Development
Research any planned developments or changes in the area that could impact the demand for dental services. Choose a location with potential for long-term growth and stability.
Community Presence
Building a strong presence in the local community can help attract patients. Consider locations where you can easily engage with community events and organizations.
Goals and Objectives
Clearly define the goals and objectives of the renovation. Determine what improvements or changes you want to make to the practice, whether it's updating equipment, improving patient flow, enhancing aesthetics, or expanding the space.
Budgeting
Establish a realistic budget for the renovation project. Consider all potential costs, including construction, materials, equipment, design fees, permits, and any unforeseen expenses. It's essential to budget for contingencies to accommodate unexpected costs that may arise during the renovation.
Timeline
Develop a realistic timeline for the renovation project, considering factors such as construction lead times, permit approvals, and any seasonal considerations. Coordinate with contractors and suppliers to ensure that timelines are feasible and that the project stays on track.
Patient Impact
Consider how the renovation will impact your patients and plan accordingly to minimise disruptions to their appointments and comfort. Communicate with patients in advance about any changes to scheduling or temporary closures during the renovation process.
Workflow and Space Planning
Evaluate the current workflow and layout of the practice and identify areas for improvement. Work with designers or architects to optimise the space for efficiency, functionality, and patient comfort. Consider factors such as treatment room layout, waiting area design, and staff workflow.
Technology Integration
If incorporating new technology or equipment into the practice, ensure that the renovation plans accommodate the necessary infrastructure, such as electrical, plumbing, and IT requirements. Plan for the installation and integration of new equipment to minimize downtime during the renovation.
Aesthetic Design
Pay attention to the aesthetic design of the practice, including colour schemes, finishes, furnishings, and branding elements. Create a welcoming and professional environment that reflects your practice's identity and resonates with your target patient demographic.
Contractor Selection
Choose reputable contractors, architects, and designers with experience in dental office renovations. Obtain multiple quotes and conduct thorough research to ensure that you select qualified professionals who can deliver quality workmanship within your budget and timeline.
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