No matter what industry you are in, running a business comes down to the bottom line. Sometimes that means you have to make tough choices, like cutting your expenses. Other times boosting your profit margins takes guts, like when deciding to invest in renovations for your business.

In a competitive business environment, renovations may not seem like the most prudent investment, but that’s simply not the case. There is a price tag attached to any renovation, but for businesses, this isn’t an area to try to cut costs. Many potential customers make a decision of whether or not to do business based solely on their first impression of your retail or office space – everything from your building’s curb appeal to the reception area to the washrooms are up for judgment.

Here are some tips on how your business can recoup your renovation costs:

1. Select Contractor-quality, DIY Building Materials

You can really cut down your renovation costs when you incorporate materials which you can install yourself, or if you’re too busy, which are affordable to have a contractor install on your behalf.

Unlike traditional stone or brick, Fusion Stone looks just as good on your balance sheet as it does on your exterior. Installation is simple, so you won’t have to go through the trouble of hiring specialty tradespeople at a premium hourly rate. Instead, virtually any general contractor, or even you can install it – saving you time and money.

When it comes to exterior stone work contractors across Canada choose to use Fusion Stone because, compared to traditional stone, Fusion Stone:

• Is lighter
• Costs less
• Is more customizable
• Looks just as good (if not better) than real stone
• Doesn’t require any special tools or skills.

2. Choose Environmentally Sustainable Materials

Due to its lightweight, versatile structure Fusion Stone can go where conventional stone would require a complete rebuild, which makes it a sustainable choice. Fusion Stone is a LEED Certified building material, manufactured responsibly with recycled materials. Once you install Fusion Stone it will keep your business protected from the elements, insulated, and even fire resistant, all while helping you demonstrate environmentally sustainable building practices.

3. Refresh Your Building and Your Brand

Incorporate the values of your brand throughout your renovation. For example, if your brand is an environmental crusader, then choosing LEED Certified building materials is a great way to infuse your renovation with your brand’s values. If you’re brand is long-standing and reliable, then stone is a good choice –  it conveys a sense of solidity, reliability and trust.  No matter what type of building materials, colours and furnishings you choose, look at your renovation as a way to reaffirm your brand story. Incorporating your brand’s values throughout your business renovation will transform your building from a “space” into an important extension of your brand story.

4. Celebrate your successful renovation with an event

Invite your customers to your office or retail space so they can see the investment you’ve made in your business. This is a great way to showcase your success and also show your customers that you care about their comfort. When you use event marketing techniques, you may find that your renovation will generate buzz, attract new customers and ultimately help you recoup some of the initial costs you’ve made in the renovation.

Although there’s a price tag associated with renovations for your business, not renovating could cost you even more. Choosing sustainable building materials that are affordable to work with, integrating your brand with your design decisions and marketing your renovation success are all ways that you can recoup your renovation costs while improving the look and feel of your business.