For anyone who’s wondered when we are moving into our much talked about new office space, we want to update you on the 5 Points Realty office renovation. The project is going to be done early and under budget (said no one EVER!). Seriously, we’d like to be honest and transparent about our experience, so here’s how we honestly feel about it: we think the renovation has taken a really long time and we want it to be done. But, part of the blame lies in our high standards and good taste. More on that in a minute.
If you’ve had the courage to jump into a building renovation in the past year you can probably empathize. We’ve all had to deal with a lot of obstacles that are not within our control. But, there’s light at the end of this tunnel.
HOW IT STARTED
As we first told you back in April 2022, we bought a 1933 bungalow at the corner of The Plaza and Mimosa Avenue on the edge of the Plaza-Midwood Historic District. We shared our plans for a modern office filled with natural light and unique spaces for creative collaboration. We revealed our vision for an outdoor workspace. Ahhh, we were so full of hope back then.
HOW IT’S GOING
Since the building had been a functioning workspace for decades, we presumed the electrical, plumbing and HVAC were functional. We figured we’d have to make updates to the roof and walls but we hoped there would be a lot that we could save, especially the hardwood floors. Unfortunately, it turned out there wasn’t much to save, at least that was up to our high standards. Additions had been made that just were not cohesive to a proper floor plan and design. We had to demo more than we had planned and all of the mechanical systems had to be replaced. We couldn’t even save the hardwood floor.
On the bright side, we now have a beautiful floor plan and we are starting to fall in love with the space. The arrangements are blossoming, which is so appropriate with spring right around the corner. The metal roof is just about complete. The exterior brickwork is done. The exterior doors are on. All the new mechanics are in place (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC). Exterior siding is ready to be installed and the drywall will go up soon.
IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR THE PRETTY STUFF
Because we didn’t choose pretty stuff that was “off the shelf” we lost some time. We ordered a custom 5 Points Realty sign, custom cabinetry with – of course – a custom paint color, cause that’s how we roll, custom with a capital C.
Other things eating up time have been supply chain issues, a trade and labor shortage and steep inflation. All things considered, we’ve still accomplished a lot.
WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN
Swelling interest rates have cooled off the housing market just enough to free up some of our precious tradesmen. Electricians, plumbers and other experts in the construction industry aren’t as busy as they were. Inflation has corrected some overheated aspects of our market. This is a great time to renovate and build, which is good news for all of us.
Shout out to our architect!
Jason Hood has been wonderful to work with, very calm, humble, patient and a good listener.
Everyone at 5 Points Realty is very excited to show you our beautiful newest space. It’ll be worth the wait, we promise!