Renovation is different from new construction
Renovation means working with what is already there. Walls hide old wiring, ceilings hide ductwork, and floors may not be level. Drawings may be missing or out of date. Good renovation contractors plan for discovery and keep a way to deal with it quickly.
Typical timelines depend on size, finish level and how much existing conditions must be corrected. A light refresh may take a few weeks, while a full reconfiguration of a large floor takes months. We give you a schedule once we have seen the space, and we update it if discoveries change the plan. Early site walks with our electrical and mechanical leads reduce the number of surprises.
Trades under one roof
Interior work involves many trades in a tight sequence. HSM's Interior Systems Manager, Brian Wright, who has two decades of experience, leads our framing, drywall and ceiling crews. Our carpentry and millwork team builds reception desks, cabinets and feature walls. Painters and door and hardware installers follow.
Behind the walls, our electricians, led by a Master Electrician, and our mechanical crews for HVAC and plumbing do their own work in step with the interiors team. Our low voltage team adds data, security and AV. Because they share a schedule and a supervisor, the handoffs are tight.
Typical scopes
- Office refreshes and reconfigurations
- Medical and dental clinic upgrades
- Retail and restaurant interior changes
- Washroom and kitchen renovations
- Ceiling, lighting and acoustic upgrades
- Accessibility improvements
Staying open during work
Many clients cannot close. We build dust barriers, schedule noisy work after hours, protect finishes and keep exits clear. We also agree on how and when services such as power and water are shut off, and we give notice before it happens.
What to plan for
Allow a contingency for unknowns, especially in older buildings. Tell us what you know about past changes to the space. Plan for furniture, IT and signage so they are ready when the construction is done.