Here are a few ways to save money when building a new dental surgery:
1. Flooring – Spend a bit more for higher quality. Good flooring products will stand the test of time. Strip flooring is very durable and can be repaired easily in panels. Ensure slip rating of R9 or R10.
2. Joinery – Use laminates. Modern laminates are available in a huge range of colours and high gloss finishes. There is no reason for stone or glass splashbacks in a commercial workspace. Install dental specific joinery that has been designed accordingly to make best use of the space and maximise ergonomics while working.
3. Lighting – LED lights are beautiful and eye catching in the reception area, but traditional fluorescent lighting is less expensive throughout the surgery rooms and provides perfectly adequate light. Life spans of fluorescent tubes are very good and in some cases running costs are less expensive than LEDs.
4. Ceilings – Acoustic grid ceilings are quiet, flexible and affordable. They are easy to keep looking new and allow for additional cabling when required.
5. Read the Scope of Works carefully and order additional items ahead of time. It is much cheaper to add items before the builder starts than after he has started.
6. Beware of Fire Provisions – Make sure you know what is required in terms of Fire Provisions. The requirements are often determined by what is already in the building and they are sometimes quite expensive.
7. Choose your equipment and your equipment supplier before work commences – The surgery needs to be set up for your specific equipment. Plumbing, mounting points and electrical connections all need to be installed near the beginning of the fitout. If you make changes to your equipment half way through the project it will cost you more.
8. Lock your builder into a time frame – Time is money. If your project runs late it will cost you significant money. Make sure your builder commits to a timeframe and hold them to it.
For more information on saving money on your surgery please contact us today.