Refurbishing a building is a major project that offers several advantages for a company. It can improve functionality, boost energy efficiency, and enhance aesthetic appeal. However, successful refurbishment requires meticulous planning and coordination. The benefits of involving your cleaners in your refurbishment plans go beyond just post-project cleaning – consulting a professional cleaning contractor before starting the project can help optimise design, improve maintenance efficiency, and prevent unforeseen challenges.
Ensuring Smooth Operations During and After Refurbishment
Throughout the refurbishment, maintaining workplace functionality is often necessary. Your cleaning team will need to work around ongoing improvements and carry out a thorough post-refurbishment clean. It’s essential to discuss your requirements with the cleaning company, covering not only the immediate and final cleaning but also adjustments to ongoing schedules and cleaning times.
However, cleaning contractors can provide valuable input even before work begins. Seeking their advice early can highlight potential cost-saving opportunities and uncover unforeseen challenges. Their expertise ensures that cleaning routines remain efficient and adaptable throughout the project.
Designing for Practicality and Long-Term Maintenance
Consulting a cleaning contractor before refurbishment allows them to assess whether the new layout and design will be easy to clean efficiently. They can identify problem areas, such as high ledges or tight spaces, that could make cleaning difficult. Their input can influence design choices, ensuring a more practical and manageable workspace.
Their experience also enables them to recommend durable, easy-to-maintain materials and finishes. For example, they can advise on the best flooring for durability and ease of maintenance, the most practical chair fabrics, and window dressings that are both effective and easy to clean. While salespeople and builders may suggest the latest products, professional cleaners offer long-term insights based on hands-on experience.
A cleaning contractor can also contribute from a health and safety perspective. They can identify areas prone to becoming slippery, such as around sinks or entrances, and recommend flooring materials or matting to reduce risks. While polished floors may look impressive, they require high maintenance and can become a slip hazard. Cleaning professionals can advise on the best cleaning techniques, equipment, and materials to keep the building safe and hygienic while minimising the risk of cross-contamination.
Additionally, they can offer practical advice on waste disposal and pest control, ensuring the workspace remains clean and hazard-free. Since cleaners are typically responsible for replenishing consumables like hand soap, paper towels, and toilet rolls, they can recommend cost-effective and environmentally friendly dispenser options that require minimal maintenance.
After refurbishment, cleaners will need access to plug sockets, water supply, and storage space for equipment. Consulting them beforehand ensures these essentials are conveniently located for efficient cleaning operations. Furthermore, new flooring or surfaces may require specialised cleaning methods or equipment, and professionals can recommend cost-effective solutions to maintain them in the long run.
Conclusion
Involving your cleaners in your refurbishment plans is a crucial step towards a smooth and successful outcome. Their insights can help optimise design choices, enhance workplace safety, and improve long-term cost efficiency. If your cleaning professional also offers facilities management services, they can provide even more valuable recommendations. Taking their advice into account early on can save both time and money while ensuring the workspace remains clean, safe, and functional.
