Set the ground rules
Agree on working hours, noisy-work windows, delivery times and routes. Some work, such as drilling or demolition, may be done after hours. Landlords and neighbours often have their own rules.
Put them in writing before work starts.
Elevators, loading docks and shared corridors need protection and booking. Landlords often require notice.
Ask your insurer whether renovating during operation affects your coverage.
Control dust and noise
Temporary walls, sealed doors, negative air machines and sticky mats limit dust. Protect floors, furniture and equipment. Noise can be reduced by scheduling and by using quieter methods.
Clinics and food premises need extra care.
Air handling should be protected too, so dust does not spread through ducts to other tenants.
Shutdowns
Electrical, water, gas and ventilation shutdowns must be planned with the people affected. Our own electricians and plumbers coordinate the outages, keeping them short and well communicated.
Have a plan for critical equipment during shutdowns.
A written plan for each shutdown, listing time, affected areas and who has been told, prevents most misunderstandings.
Safety and access
Keep exits clear, mark construction areas and control entry. Protect the public from hazards. Fire alarms and sprinklers must remain in service or be covered by a fire watch.
Our site supervisors manage these controls daily.
Ask for a daily clean-up routine, so corridors, washrooms and shared spaces are left tidy at the end of each shift.
Communicate
Tell staff and neighbours what is happening and when. A short weekly note avoids frustration. A single point of contact on site lets people raise concerns fast.
After hours work may carry overtime costs, so decide the trade-off between disruption and price early.
Questions we hear
Can we stay open during renovation?
Often yes, with phasing and barriers. It depends on the work and the use.