How New Business Owners Can Bring Their Offices Up To Code

Now that you have gone into business for yourself, you of course want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible from day one. However, if your offices are not up to code, life could get difficult in a hurry. Once building inspectors and code enforcement officers pay you a visit, warnings, and fines could follow. Rather than face these problems, it is better if you take steps right away to comply with various building codes.

ADA Accessibility

One of the most important steps you should take at your office to bring it up to code is to make it ADA accessible. Since this is federal law, always make sure your office is wheelchair-accessible, bathrooms are equipped for handicapped individuals, and that other services are available for people who need them.

Install Sprinkler Systems

If you purchased an older building for your offices, it is likely it was not equipped with a modern fire sprinkler system. Should this be the case, you will need to get one in place to be up to code. Since even a smaller fire could cause substantial damage to your offices, equipment, and important documents, look at this as an investment in your company’s future and safety.

Remove Asbestos

Just as older buildings often don’t have sprinkler systems, they also tend to still have asbestos in ceiling tiles, insulation, or other parts of the building. Thus, if you’re in the process of getting new roofing and asbestos is found, it will need to be removed immediately. However, since this is a dangerous process, always hire professionals who are experienced in doing this specialized type of removal process. When it is time to install a new roof, remember to choose one that isn’t made out of dangerous materials.

Proper Signage and Fire Exits

In any type of business, proper signage and fire exits are required to be in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Proper signage can include not only signage for handicapped parking spaces and ones that have braille on them for visually-disabled individuals but also signage directing people to the nearest fire exits. In the event of a fire or other emergency, having easily accessible fire exits will be critical to saving as many lives as possible.

When bringing your offices up to code, you can expect to be spending thousands of dollars along the way. However, look at it as a positive investment in your business. By spending your money on these improvements rather than fines from your locality and various agencies, your employees and customers will benefit from these changes for years to come.