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For any business owner, excitement at the idea of upgrading the office or business building, planning expansions or performing large-scale remodels is countered by the dread of having to try to do business during construction. Here are 5 ways you can make it easier on your staff and yourself.

Can You Close?

The first decision to make is whether or not your offices or business will remain open during construction. This may not be an option for some businesses, such as restaurants, or for massive renovations. But each owner and his staff will need to decide if it works better to just close the office for a period during the worst of the construction activity. For smaller jobs, you may be able to schedule the work during a weekend, a long holiday or during the slow season (if you have one). 

Work In Sections

If you can't or won't close during the remodel, work with your contractor to determine how you can minimize the amount of workers or production displaced at any given time. Construction can often be planned in stages so as to limit work to a specific zone during one period of time, in which many people can work in the unaffected zones until their area is put back together. Planning zones for construction stages may mean the project takes more overall time, but being able to stay working on-site may help keep employees happier and working with more productivity.  

Limit Work Hours

Depending on the size of the project, you may be able to work out a specific time for construction work to go on each day or week. For example, if you can allow construction noise and dirt to rule the area only in the morning, some employees may be able to simply adjust their schedule to work in the afternoon in a calmer environment.  

Move to Temporary Offices

If the renovation is large or will affect business too much to share its space, consider renting temporary office trailers. Available for anything from a week to a year (or more), office trailers can be placed anywhere that's convenient and can keep clients and employees largely unaffected by the mess. You can also move into temporary trailers at your convenience and have employees remain together instead of being moved around to whatever is available. For more information, contact Instant Space Inc or a similar company.

Communicate Well

Whatever choice you make about closing the business, how to limit construction work or moving to temporary offices, it's vital to communicate regularly and clearly with both the public and employees. Post signs as soon as possible to let clients know what to expect. You may want to keep them updated via social media, website updates or mailers sent home. Help employees understand how the remodel affects them at every stage of the project, listening and responding as much as possible to their concerns. This way, you will all be able to weather the transition to you new -- and better -- workplace.