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Building Design for Animals
Article by Dave Gasser, AIA, NCARB
Building Conversions: Keys to a Successful Outcome
Turning an old building into a new practice can be a little tricky, but with the right plan and the right team you can build your dream.
Building conversions are a great way to give your practice new life. You can uplift the image and services offerings of your practice by making a brand-new home out of an abandoned space. Adaptive reuse can be a risky undertaking though, and you certainly don't want to go into it without help or a plan.
Part 1 Building Conversions: Diamond in the Rough and Part 2 Building Conversions: Potential Pitfalls and Challenges of our series covers the benefits and the challenges of building conversions, now here are some steps to take when going into a building conversion.
Rely on Experience: Retain architects and contractors who have experience in veterinary hospital design and construction and understand the operations and protocols of a veterinary practice. They should also have experience in converting buildings for veterinary use.
Understand your practice needs and abilities: Know your practice and how it functions. What does it have, what does it lack, and what should go into a new building that would help your practice operate at its very best?
Evaluate the building objectively: Don't fall in love with a space straight off, carefully consider the pros and cons before you commit.
Develop a realistic budget and schedule: Adapting a building for veterinary reuse is going to cost money and time. Know from the start how much money you have to spend, and how much time you can afford to put into your project; but be realistic about both. A building bought today won't be a new hospital tomorrow, and generally you get what you pay for when you invest in a construction project, but you also don't want to overspend!
Involve Clients and Staff: The new building for your hospital has to satisfy all of the end users; you, your staff and your clients. Getting input from the others who will be making use of the new facility can help you make decisions that will lead to a successful new practice.
Remember, when building a new hospital, it is important to evaluate your options and determine which is best for you and your practice. There is never a one-size fits-all solution. It is highly recommended to have an expert helping you through the process and providing sound input all along the way. A feasibility study or a test fit are simple, relatively low-cost services that you can use to determine if a building is going to suit your needs. With the right plan and the right team, a building conversion can be what turns your old building from a lump of coal into a glittering jewel.
