How to Improve Efficiency Through Innovative Office Design

Posted on January 5, 2021 by bafcorp20

We have probably all worked in environments that were just not conducive to a productive workday. Things like glaring fluorescent lighting, freezing cold conference rooms, blinding white wall paint, inefficient workspace, crowded cubicles, small offices, uncomfortable desk chairs, and lack of much-needed amenities. As an office building proprietor or manager, it is wise to ensure your office space is comfortable and efficient in order to optimize your staff’s contentment and productivity, both of which will successfully contribute to your overall profits.

Continue below to learn what an efficient, innovative office design looks like in 2021, and how you can achieve success through office remodeling.

Indianapolis Commercial Office Remodeling and Design Build Services 317-253-0531

Innovative Office Design Tips for 2021

A Floor Plan That Enhances Flow and Encourages Movement

Sitting around at a desk all day can have many negative effects on your employees. From simple boredom and lack of focus, to eye strain, back pain, sciatica complications, and much more, your staff will not work well in an environment that fosters stagnancy for the entire workday. Additionally, insufficient flow to the office space floor plan can discourage efficiency in terms of daily operations and general convenience. A more flexible, flowing floor plan can also positively impact the emotional and physical well-being of your staff, which ultimately increases your business’s success.

So, opt for an office floor plan that not only delivers easy and efficient flow, but also promotes movement among your staff of employees. Some examples include taking down walls, spreading desks around to encourage more walking, incorporating standing desks, installing vending or beverage stations, space conversions, and total office design build remodeling.

Better Lighting and Paint Colors Promotes Higher Levels of Focus

Harsh, fluorescent lighting and stark white wall paint are not great for relaxation and focus. If your office space resembles more of a warehouse or clothing store boutique, you might want to reconsider your lighting systems and options, and your paint colors. It is a proven fact that natural light in an office setting has a great, positive impact in staff morale, making it a prime office design consideration. Furthermore, it is suggested through experience that paint colors like green and blue have a relaxing effect on staff, which increases their ability to concentrate, while colors like pale yellow and soft whites can boost productivity.

Incorporating Nature and Natural Light Has a Positive Impact on Staff Productivity

As mentioned, natural lighting in the office can relax staff, which can allow them to better focus on their work duties. However, enhancing your office space with more than just natural light can further boost employee productivity and contentment, such as adding in elements of nature. One of the most successful and encouraging space conversions for an office building is to add in atrium-like room or space that is both indoors and outdoors. Other ideas are to bring in natural elements to the office, such as live plants, watering systems, koi ponds, fountains, and similar nature-like installations.

How to Get Started With Commercial Office Design Build Services in Indianapolis

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial design build and office remodeling services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractor teams deliver a streamlined process that meets all defined engineering and design specifications, procurement, schedules, and budgets. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services — Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Advice for Selecting a New Office Location

Posted on November 30, 2020 by bafcorp20

Although online “influencers” and millennial moguls might insist that all you need for a successful new office location is a space with a little character in a trendy neighborhood, there is much more to commercial real estate leasing than just that. Take it from the experts in commercial space planning and preconstruction who know exactly what it takes to find the perfect new commercial site that meets all current and future business objectives for owners.

Continue reading to learn some of this professional advice, and where to get customized commercial space planning assistance you can trust.

Indiana Commercial Space Planning and Preconstruction 317-253-0531

How to Select a New Commercial Location

Choosing a new commercial site is not as easy as picking out the best building in the biggest city in your state. In fact, the process is much more intimate than that, as there are several specific and personal variables that must be considered in order to make the best selection. Not only should you take into consideration your own business objectives and personal preferences, but you should also factor in your customers’ and employees’ needs. By balancing all of these difference variables, you can place yourself on a promising path toward finding the perfect fit for your new commercial location.

Factors to Consider for Commercial Site Location:

► Community Reputation. Is the neighborhood geared toward a specific industry? Are other businesses doing well? Or are there many businesses choosing to not renew their leases? Is the crime rate high? How is the accessibility in and out of the community? What are the average traffic conditions like? Is it close to other places you will be doing business or entertaining clients? Does it have many places for shopping, meeting, and dining?

► Employee Amenities. Is the new area easily accessible to your staff and/or clients? Are there nearby shopping centers, restaurants, and similar consumer amenities for them? You see, staffs tend to be more productive when they are happier. Being able to visit a restaurant or run errands on their lunch hour provides them with a level of convenience that makes them happy, which can be profitable for business owners.

► Wi-Fi Coverage. It is important to think about your office’s technology needs. How much wi-fi coverage does your new office need? Is there plenty of wireless coverage? Would you require a wireless booster for sufficient wi-fi coverage? Does the new area have adequate cell phone tower coverage?

► Accessibly. Does the location have highways, interstates, and exits that make it easily accessible to both staff and clients? What are the traffic conditions usually like? Is there adequate parking for employees and customers? Is there a fee for parking? Are there public transportation options? Is the city or government planning any upcoming road construction that would impact your business?

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can better narrow down a selection of listings with professional commercial space planning and permitting services. Talk to a local and trusted commercial construction company who specializes in helping business owners with real estate development. They can even help you understand the factors to consider before signing a commercial office lease, which is an entirely separate but equally important aspect of choosing a new commercial site location.

Commercial Space Planning and Preconstruction in Central Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial space planning and preconstruction services in Central Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis and all throughout the state. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

4 Tips for Planning a Tenant Occupied Building Renovation

Posted on November 6, 2020 by bafcorp20

If you are thinking about having your commercial building renovated while maintaining tenant occupancy, your first step is already underway. Preparing ahead of time is a key strategy to implementing a successful commercial renovation while tenant-occupied. With a little knowledge and the right commercial construction contractors on your side, you can pull off any scale of remodel or renovation without jeopardizing your occupancy.

Continue reading to learn 4 particular factors to start your focus, as well as who to call for reputable commercial building renovations in Indiana.

Indianapolis Commercial Renovations 317-253-0531

4 Things You Can Do to Ensure a Successful Tenant-Occupied Renovation Project

☑ Develop a Plan

As mentioned, planning is a big part of commercial construction success. Get with an accomplished commercial general contractor who has experience with tenant-occupied building renovations, and begin to develop a preconstruction and design build plan.

☑ Foresee the Real-Time Impact

After developing a full plan for your commercial building renovation, really take the time to understand what the impact will look and feel like, for both you and your tenants. This can help you better prepare yourself and your tenants for what’s to come. You can tell them what to expect, when to except it, and what to do if they run into any problems.

☑ Stay in Communication

Along with preparing your tenants for a building renovation is good communication efforts. Staying in communication on a regular basis with your tenants is a great way to ensure a smooth construction process. Continually post or email reminders about certain construction days or any changes to the schedule, and make sure everyone knows how and who to communicate to when they have concerns.

☑ Implement Work in Phases

Working a project in phases is another key to facilitating a smooth and successful building renovation while tenant-occupied. Basically, your commercial construction team will decide the best scheduling strategy for certain parts of the renovation plans, and then schedule them in phases so that the entire building is not shut down or under construction at one time.

An Indiana Commercial Construction Company You Can Trust to Meet Your Renovation Specifications

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for superior commercial renovations in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors can help you decide which roofing option and course of action is best for your office or building. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Common Operating Costs as a Commercial Tenant

Posted on October 12, 2020 by bafcorp20

Whether you are preparing to perform a routine audit of your commercial lease portfolio, or considering a list of potential office spaces for rent, rent is not the only operating cost to review. Aside from rent, there are many other types of operating costs for a rented commercial space. Continue reading to learn some of the most common operating costs you can expect as a commercial tenant, as well as, where to get trusted advice regarding tenant improvements.

Indianapolis Tenant Improvement (TI) Contractors — Tenant Improvements and Office Renovations in Indianapolis 317-253-0531

The Cost of Rent

You can certainly expect to pay rent for your commercial space, but also expect this expense to be the bulk of your total operating costs. Review your base rent cost, then follow up by reviewing how that cost might evolve or increase overtime. Be prepared to learn that your lease allows the commercial landlord to increase rent at their discretion, as many commercial leases do. However, in such cases, the rate at which the rent will increase, and by how much, is usually defined in the lease agreement from the start. There are likely set caps on how high the rent can get. Variable indicators, like the Consumer Price Index, might also influence a landlord’s method of rent changes.

Property Taxes

Taxes are an obvious cost for a commercial tenant, and for anyone working in the country for that matter. In your commercial agreement, the portion of property taxes paid might be with a single, double, or triple net lease. Furthermore, property tax reassessments can result in sudden and unexpected operating cost increases. Talk to your landlord when reviewing your lease, and ask whether or not the property has been assessed recently, or if any assessment is in the books.

Insurance Coverage

General liability insurance might also be an obvious operating expense for a commercial tenant, but there is more to consider when reviewing your lease. For instance, if you have a double or triple net lease, you must pay for a portion of the landlord’s property insurance. When renegotiating your liability insurance premiums, be sure you understand that your space’s location will have an impact.

Utility Costs

Like any other modern building or space, it will require the use of electricity, running water, heating and air conditioning, and many other modern utilities. So, you can expect to pay utility costs on a routine basis, unless you have a gross or full-service lease. Talk to your trusted Indianapolis commercial general contracting company to learn how you can keep utility costs down by incorporating more sustainable infrastructure, operations, and technology.

Miscellaneous Fees

Your landlord might require their commercial tenants to be responsible for paying certain miscellaneous property fees, separate from rent and utilities. Some examples of such fees include parking fees, permits, property facility maintenance, exterior sign displays, a possibly even a hidden repayment of rent abatement. Also, some landlords will offer first months’ rent free, but then require that month’s rent to be repaid by the end of the year. Watch out for this too when reviewing your lease agreement.

General Maintenance and Upkeep

Commercial tenants are generally responsible for maintaining the property on their own dime. This commonly includes expenses like facility maintenance, custodial services, indoor plant care, garbage and recycling, minor repairs, landscaping service, snow removal, and security. Be sure to look for these fees in your commercial lease, and discuss who is responsible for paying what when the time comes. Also be sure to discuss your TI allowance with your landlord, and perhaps plan a needed tenant improvements or remodels for your commercial space or building.

Office Renovations and TI Improvements in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted office and commercial-use construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors are certified specialists in tenant improvements, office remodels, and commercial-use construction services. Whether you are launching, expanding, renovating, or relocating an office or professional space, our commercial construction and building contractors have the qualified expertise, first-class resources, and latest technologies to support your business’s objectives and generate long-term value. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial.

Common Germ and Bacteria Hot Spots in Commercial Buildings

Posted on October 2, 2020 by bafcorp20

Virtually all commercial buildings that serve or host human beings will have germs and bacteria somewhere, or possibly everywhere. The presence of germs and bacteria in a communal space, such as an office building or medical facility, are basically inevitable. However, the good news is that they can all be abated with some simple preventative maintenance, a little knowledge, and extra precaution. Now more than ever, these responsibilities are critical.

The approach to take in order to combat germ and bacteria exposure to your staff and/or clientele will include everything from proper cleaning, sanitizing, and self-care, to simply knowing which areas are the “germiest”, and how to handle these germ-infested hot spots around the office or building.

Continue reading to learn what all this means, and which public areas are known to carry the most germs and bacteria that can cause illness and allergies.

Indianapolis Commercial Building Renovations 317-253-0531

Here are the areas of a public building or complex that statistically contains the highest levels of germs and bacteria:

☑ Touch Points

Touch points are areas of a building that are regularly touched or handled by patrons, guests, visitors, customers, or residents. Areas like stair rails, doorknobs, light switches, door handles, faucet handles, keyboards, phone buttons, elevator buttons, and more, are all predictable hot spots for spreading germs and bacteria. It is wise to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands thoroughly after touching or handling any areas like the ones just mentioned. Right now, commercial proprietors are making certain commercial renovations to reduce surface touching areas, such as touch-free technologies and similar environmental modifications.

☑ Countertops

Offices, retail stores, and several other types of commercial buildings are very likely to have checkout lanes, restrooms, break rooms, kitchens, cafés, and other areas that have countertop space. Many people are unaware of how much germs and bacteria are on these surfaces. Food, drink, product, and more, are handled at these stations, and this is where the bacteria growth arises. Keeping countertops cleaned and sanitized can drastically reduce the number of germs and bacteria. Always use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after touching public countertops, whether in a restaurant, bathroom, coffee bar, brochure station, or reception desk.

☑ Desks

On the topic of hard surfaces like countertops, desks are also among the germiest places in a public or commercial environment. Hands, food, hair, briefcases, purses, lunch bags, and more touch desktops all day long. And very few people wipe, clean, or even clear their workspace or desk regularly. This houses germs and bacteria that can cause common colds, flus, and other illnesses. Keeping disposable cleansing wipes at a desk is a quick and effective way to reduce the buildup of germs and bacteria.

☑ Floors

There is not much to explain here. It is obvious that floors contain loads of dirt, soil, germs, bacteria, and much more. Whatever is walked upon outside or in the restroom, is surely brought inside on shoes to some degree. Long story short: wipe off anything that falls or touches the ground!

☑ Refrigerators

Communal refrigerators and microwaves are also big hotspots for germs and bacteria, but also for mold and mildew growth. All of these things can implicate a person’s health in many ways. It is important to keep community or office refrigerators clean and wiped down, regularly. This prevents mold growth, bacteria, and more.

Commercial Building Renovations That Will Enhance Health and Safety

Consider renovating your current commercial building or office space to incorporate some innovative modifications that will reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. Some current, popular options include copper surfaces, hands-free phones and ear sets, automatic doors, touch-free hand soap dispensers, automatic hand sanitizer dispensers, ionized air conditioning technology, recycling shoots and compactors, and even solar energy applications. In fact, see our blogs, “Touch-Free Design Suggestions for Commercial Buildings and Businesses” to learn more options.

Choose BAF Corp for Your Commercial Renovations in Indianapolis, Indiana

Effective Tips to Prevent Illness Outbreaks at Work

Posted on July 22, 2020 by bafcorp20

As a manager or business owner, you simply cannot be expected to have the clairvoyance to anticipate when an illness outbreak is going manifest and spread through your workplace. Although you can’t envisage the next virus or similar contagion threat at work, you can promote healthier habits and implement minor renovations to prevent spreading and contracting contagious illnesses among your team.

Continue reading to learn what these effective tips are, and how you can get started with a free commercial remodeling assessment near you.

Encourage New Workplace Health Practices

Germs, viruses, and microbes are primarily spread through airborne particles and droplets, or contaminated surfaces like counters, railings, elevator buttons, plumbing fixtures, phones, doorknobs, and keyboards. This means simply breathing near, or touching something after, an infected person can put you in jeopardy of contracting their illness. Promoting the practice of safe and effective habits within the workplace can better protect your employees from contracting an illness at work, which ultimately supports your business’s success through higher staff attendance and productivity.

So how can you achieve this level of health and success?

Professional facility maintenance and commercial construction managers encourage several behavioral modifications, technologies, and renovations that are proven to help reduce the risk of spreading or contracting an illness at work. Begin by encouraging your staff, team members, and work colleagues to make small changes in their daily habits and routines, such as avoiding close contact with co-workers and clients, especially during peak flu season. Promote these healthy habits among employees:

✤ Wash your hands thoroughly, and routinely as needed.
✤ Cover your mouth and nose to cough, sneeze, etc.
✤ Washing hands after coughing, sneezing, wiping nose, etc.
✤ Practice social distancing during cold and flu season.
✤ Use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces or shaking hands.
✤ Bring your own coffee mug to work.
✤ Do not share food or beverages.
✤ Do not share cosmetics, contact solution, or similar products.
✤ Clean personal workspace daily (i.e. desk, keyboard, phone, etc.)
✤ Stay home when feeling ill or have a fever.
✤ Get tested by a licensed physician when feeling ill.
✤ Consider getting vaccinated every year.

Incorporate Touch-Free and Automatic Technologies

Beyond encouraging new healthy habits in the workplace among your staff and team members, continue by incorporating some new touch-free designs, technologies, and structural changes that promote less surface area touching. Many businesses are adding features like automatic doors and entry ways, foot-powered openers, automatic hand sanitizer stations, automatic soap dispensers and hand dryers, motion-sensing faucets and toilet, and more.

Commercial Touch-Free Remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors can help you decide which technologies and renovations can promote the highest level of safety for your office or building. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

How to Incorporate an Office Cleaning Program into Daily Operations

Posted on July 7, 2020 by bafcorp20

When your staff comes into the office, they have enough challenges on their plate for the day. So, it is no surprise that cleaning is often one of the last priorities on everyone’s daily to-do lists. As a manger or business owner, you know that a clean office makes for a more productive, and therefore, more profitable, office. Furthermore, with the current movement on health awareness, and protecting us and the public against transmissible illnesses, an office cleaning program is even more valuable to your business’s overall success. So right now, many business owners like yourself are looking for inspirational ways to promote cleanlier habits and practices in the workplace. A workplace cleaning program is a perfect place to get started.

Continue reading to learn some effective methods for creating and incorporating an office cleaning plan into your business’s daily operations.

Office and Commercial-Use Construction Contractors 317-253-0531

Start With an Office Assessment

The first step to creating a practical office cleaning program is an in-house workplace assessment. This means take a clipboard and pen, walk around the workplace, and make a personal evaluation of all the areas in need of attention. Gather your thoughts and opinions about what personal responsibilities you believe your employees should have in regard to cleaning, and write down all the expected duties or cleaning needs that are not being met or need improvement. This evaluation will give you an idea of how-much and which-types of cleaning is needed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Get Your Employees Opinion

It is always best to involve your employees on as many decisions or ideas about the workplace as possible. Including your employee’s thoughts and opinions can really make them feel more valued and an important contributor to the cleaning plan. Talk to them about your ideas for an office cleaning program, present your evaluation and ideas, and then let them give their views, judgments, and opinions. Although you are the boss and you make the final decision of the day, they can perhaps influence your choices and lead you to choose a promising plan.

Make Office Renovations

In today’s modern world, there are various emerging new technologies and innovative concepts that have been invented to make our lives easier in terms of convenience and efficiency, as well as health and protection. Consider renovating your current office space to incorporate some of these highly-effective and innovative modifications, such as copper surfaces, hands-free phones and ear sets, automatic doors, touch-free hand soap dispensers, automatic hand sanitizer dispensers, ionized air conditioning technology, recycling shoots and compactors, and even solar energy applications. In fact, see our blogs, “Touch-Free Design Suggestions for Commercial Buildings and Businesses” to learn more options.

Trusted Commercial Office Renovations in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted office and commercial-use construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors are certified specialists in office remodels and commercial-use construction services. Whether you are launching, expanding, renovating, or relocating an office or professional space, our commercial construction and building contractors have the qualified expertise, first-class resources, and latest technologies to support your business’s objectives and generate long-term value. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial.

Security Tips for Commercial Office Buildings

Posted on May 21, 2020 by bafcorp20

Building safety is more than just having a strong, protective structure that can withstand the forces of inclement and dangerous weather. In today’s modern world, there is a higher awareness of the threats and potential dangers around us. For this reason, commercial building safety now includes a vast scope of factors and considerations, from technological applications and AI, to security planning, protection, and more.

As a commercial office building owner, it is in your best interest to ensure your property is a safe and hazard-free environment for all. Whether you are planning a new build, or you wish to incorporate some security upgrades, there is no better time to get started than right now.

Continue reading to learn some tips for improving the security of a commercial office building.

Commercial Building Security and Safety Planning

When it comes to building security, cameras and monitoring equipment are just the tip of the iceberg. It is important to apply a thorough design and quality construction plan to improve your property’s safety and security. A trusted and skilled commercial general construction management team can help you achieve this goal through comprehensive brainstorming, analysis, and preconstruction planning.

Here are some top, industry-endorsed tips and ideas to consider when deciding on building security renovations or improvements:

Parking Lots and Garages

Begin your security improvement planning outside in the parking lot or parking garage. Vehicles are potential weapons, and possible tools that can be used to commit crimes. For this reason, managing the traffic of vehicles on and off of your premises is an essential security consideration. It is suggested to incorporate types of parking lot and parking garage barriers to guide and direct traffic, as well as, prevent access to certain areas. Things like bollard posts, road markings, fences, barriers, and more can be strategically positioned in places that will provide enhanced security.

Building Access and Entrances

In addition to managing vehicular traffic on your property for the purpose of added safety and security, it is important to also apply the same security principles for foot traffic in and out of your commercial building. During your building security renovation planning, be sure to consider strategies to monitor or keep track of those who enter, exit, and access the building. Furthermore, strategies to prohibit building access, either for certain areas, certain individuals, or certain times, should also be considered. Things like turnstile areas, RFID key cards, badges, key fobs, and cameras have significant value. Cover all accessible and barred areas, such as roof access areas, maintenance rooms, utility rooms, stairwells, elevators, entry and exit doors, windows, break rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces like terraces, walkways, and courtyards.

Drywall Construction and Integrity

As mentioned, building security is more than just the strength of your building. However, the structural integrity of your property is still a vital part of your overall security plan. When considering renovations for improving your building’s safety and security, ask your commercial general contractor about the quality of your drywall and building materials. In the case of a natural disaster, fire, collision, or even gunfire, having strong walls can play a large role in resistance and recovery time. Building materials like brick and concrete make for the strongest of walls, while drywall is valuable in areas that do not require as much structural strength and endurance.

Reinforced Windows, Doors, and Glass

On the topic of quality building materials, another way to enhance your office building’s security is to ensure your doors and windows are secured. This is one of the simplest and straightforward methods of instantly improving your office’s security. By adding high-quality, innovative locking mechanisms on all accessible windows and doors is strongly recommended for all office buildings, regardless of size or occupancy. Furthermore, high-quality reinforced glass is another valuable upgrade to apply in your next commercial office building renovation.

Fire Protection and Safety

Protecting your building and its occupants against fires and hazardous smoke is a top priority, and even mandatory under local and state building codes. A state-of-the-art fire suppression and protection system should be in place, and fully-operational at all times. See our blog, “When a Commercial Renovation Should Include a Fire Suppression System Upgrade” to learn more about the importance of incorporating or enhancing a fire sprinkler and smoke alarm system.

Trusted Commercial Office Renovations in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted office and commercial-use construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

The Benefits of Natural Light in an Office Setting

Posted on May 14, 2020 by bafcorp20

Did you know that natural lighting can both increase productivity and enhance the overall well-being among employees and tenants in an office setting? Continue reading to learn all the proven benefits of incorporating natural light in your commercial office.

Staff Fatigue and Contentment

According to a study performed by the esteemed HR advisory and research firm, Future Workplace, the number one office perk that employees really want is access to natural light and outdoor views. In fact, another study carried out by Northwestern University, “Impacts of Workplace Daylight Exposure on Sleep, Physical Activity and Quality of Life,” demonstrated that working in an environment without windows has a detrimental impact on staff, which happens to be a “universal phenomenon” among employees who work in such conditions.

The Future Workplace did a study and found that 47% of employees surveyed reported feeling fatigued as a result of an absence of natural light or without a window. Additionally, 43% of those surveyed reported feeling melancholy because the office setting did not have sufficient natural lighting or windows. You can argue that fatigue and gloominess can be higher in office settings in which staff are staring at a computer, tablet, or phone screen for 4 or more hours a day. Too much screen time causes staff to long for a visual break.

More Studies Support Natural Light Benefits:

A study done by Ergonomics International Journal showed that natural lighting has visual health benefits. 51% of those surveyed reported reduced eye strain, 63% reported reduced headaches, and 56% reported less drowsiness.

A study performed by the Space Place, “Daylighting and Productivity: A Study of the Effects of the Indoor Environment on Human Function,” suggests that staff is more likely to show up for work if they are siting near a window or have outdoor views in the office.

Another study done by The Center for Healthcare Design suggests that exposure to natural light and windows aids in recovery from surgery and illness.

A study performed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “A Literature Review of the Effects of Natural Light on Building Occupants” suggests that natural lighting improves productivity, reduces workplace accidents, enhances mental performance, supports sleep quality, and even raises morale among third-shift workers.

Studies performed Human Spaces showed that being close to natural elements like foliage and sunlight increased well-being and creativity among staff by 15%, and overall productivity by 6%.

According to Carbon Trust, resource efficiency experts, their recent study showed that 40% of a property’s electricity consumption is artificial lighting. This means that business owners can also reduce their monthly utility expenses by incorporated more natural lighting.

Top Suggested Benefits:

☑ Better Mood
☑ Higher Attendance
☑ Improved Performance and Productivity
☑ Less Workplace Accidents
☑ Better Sleep at Night
☑ Improved Vision Health
☑ Reduced Electricity Usage

Too Much Light Can Have the Opposite Effect…

It is important to understand that, on the other end of the spectrum, lighting can have negative effects in the office. Too much, or uncontrolled, light, whether natural or artificial, can cause extreme heat, excessive glare, and similar environmental discomforts that can impact staff productivity and morale. It can even trigger medical conditions, like epilepsy.

Want More Natural Light in Your Commercial Office in Indiana?

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial general contractor services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors can help you add more natural lighting into your office or commercial building. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Modern Wheelchair Accessibility Options for Commercial Properties

Posted on March 27, 2020 by bafcorp20

As a commercial property owner, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is something you need to fully appreciate and consider when it comes time to plan a major remodel or renovation, especially for multi-story buildings. ADA compliancy and adequate wheelchair accessibility are two key factors that must be addressed and incorporated into your commercial building in order to remain non-delinquent under the civil law requirements for public accommodation.

Not sure where to begin with your new ADA compliancy and wheelchair accessibility plan? Continue reading to learn some of the most popular options for commercial buildings, and how to get started on the right track in terms of planning and construction.

Indianapolis Design Build Commercial Construction 317-253-0531

ADA Compliant Options for Disabled Individuals

There are plenty of options you can choose from to ensure your commercial property is adequately accessible to those in wheelchairs, as well as those who are disabled. Some of the most popular ADA compliancy and wheelchair accessibility options include wheelchair lifts, ADA ramps, and ADA elevators. Often times, commercial buildings owners will incorporate more than one method to achieve optimal accessibility. To learn more about ADA standards for accessible design, visit ADA.gov.

ADA Ramps

There are very strict and specific state requirements for ADA ramps. First, wheelchair ramps have to be at least 36 inches wide, and retain protective edges to prevent falling accidents. Furthermore, such ramps must be constructed with perfectly level platforms at both ends to ensure stability. These landing areas must be as wide as the ramp, and at least 5 feet long. Aside from width and length, ADA ramps are required to meet certain criteria for slope as well. Maximum slope allotment for wheelchair ramps are 1 inch of rise to every 12 inches of length. More commonly, ADA ramps are constructed with 1 inch of rise to every 20 inches of length.

Wheelchair Lifts

As you just learned, ADA ramps must have the correct slope and height ratio to deliver a safe and comfortable passageway for disabled individuals. But sometimes, a commercial building does not have the space to accommodate a ramp. In really tight quarters, such as spiral staircases or multi-story lobbies, commercial construction specialists will recommend using a wheelchair lift. Wheelchair lifts are similar to elevators in that they mechanically transport a wheelchair from one level to another. Such lifts are compatible with most high-level spaces, and do not require invasive construction. Best of all, they can be applied to interior staircases, exterior stairways, and even swimming pools.

ADA Elevators

When ramps and lifts are not a compatible solution to ADA compliancy and wheelchair accessibility, a great option are ADA-approved elevators. ADA elevators are different from standard elevator systems because they are designed with greater dimensions to allow safe and easy access for those in wheelchairs. Furthermore, their doors must remain open for at least 3 seconds prior to closing. ADA elevator compliancy also requires easy access to buttons and controls on the inside of the elevator and on the wall outside of the elevator, as well as, visual and audio cues that signal elevator availability and movement.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Company You Can Trust

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction management in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.