news
How to Improve the Outlook of an Old Building for Business Purposes in Nigeria by Dennis Isong
How to Improve the Outlook of an Old Building for Business Purposes in Nigeria by Dennis Isong
Sahara Weekly Reports That In Nigeria, many businesses are housed in older buildings due to their affordability, strategic location, or historical value. However, these buildings often require significant upgrades to be visually appealing and functional for modern commercial purposes. Revamping an old building can greatly improve its commercial viability, attract tenants or customers, and boost business operations.
Improving the outlook of an old building doesn’t always require a full-scale renovation; strategic enhancements can offer significant improvements. In this article, we will discuss practical steps to improve the aesthetics and functionality of an old building for business purposes in Nigeria.
1. Do a Building Assessment
Before embarking on any improvement project, a thorough assessment of the building’s current state is essential. This evaluation should cover both the exterior and interior, identifying areas that need repair or replacement.
Ensure the building is structurally sound. Look for cracks, water damage, or foundation problems. Consult a structural engineer if necessary.
Outdated wiring or plumbing can be hazardous. Have professionals inspect these systems and update them to meet modern safety standards.
Consider how the building’s design, façade, and layout affect its appearance. Does it look old and outdated? Could minor cosmetic changes make a significant difference?
Once the assessment is complete, prioritize repairs based on necessity and budget.
2. Enhance the Façade
The exterior of the building is the first thing customers or tenants see, and its condition can impact first impressions. Improving the façade should be a key focus in your project to modernize the building. In Nigeria’s competitive business environment, a visually appealing exterior can make a huge difference in attracting clients.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve the outlook of an old building is through a fresh coat of paint. Opt for modern, neutral colors that suit the business type. Vibrant accents can add character and appeal.
Outdated or damaged windows and doors can make a building look dilapidated. Install modern glass windows and sleek doors that complement the new look.
Invest in modern, high-quality signage. Ensure it is visible, well-lit, and reflects the brand image.
A well-maintained lawn, trees, or flower beds can enhance the curb appeal of your building. Consider adding potted plants or small garden areas, especially in urban areas where green spaces are scarce.
3. Modernize the Interior Design
Once you’ve addressed the building’s exterior, focus on transforming the interior to meet the needs of modern businesses. Outdated layouts or designs can deter potential tenants or customers, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, or offices.
Many modern businesses prefer open, flexible spaces. If possible, remove unnecessary partitions or walls to create an open, airy environment.
Upgrade old lighting systems to energy-efficient LED lights. A combination of natural and artificial lighting enhances visibility and can make a space feel larger.
Use modern furniture that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Opt for ergonomic chairs and sleek desks if you’re creating an office space. The décor should also reflect the brand and business type.
Old, worn-out flooring can diminish the building’s appeal. Consider replacing it with durable, stylish options like polished concrete, laminate, or tile.
In Nigeria’s hot climate, proper ventilation and air conditioning are essential for creating a comfortable business environment. Ensure that HVAC systems are in good condition or upgrade them if necessary.
4. Upgrade Energy Efficiency
Energy costs in Nigeria can be a significant expense for businesses, especially when dealing with older buildings that were not designed with modern energy-efficiency standards. Upgrading the building’s energy efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also makes the property more attractive to eco-conscious tenants.
Proper insulation can significantly reduce the need for excessive air conditioning. Install insulation in the roof, walls, and floors to regulate indoor temperatures.
Consider installing solar panels to supplement the electricity supply, reducing dependency on the grid. Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria as a way to offset high electricity costs.
Use double-glazed windows to minimize heat loss and reduce the need for constant air conditioning.
Installing smart thermostats allows tenants to control the temperature more efficiently, reducing energy waste.
5. Improve Accessibility
Accessibility is a crucial factor when improving an old building for business purposes. Ensuring that your property is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, broadens its market appeal and complies with legal requirements.
Ensure the building has wide, accessible entrances and exits. Ramps or elevators may need to be installed to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Provide restrooms that are accessible to people with disabilities. This may involve widening doorways or installing handrails.
Designate parking spaces close to the entrance for disabled individuals. If the building is situated in a busy area, ensure adequate and accessible parking facilities.
6. Maintain the Building Regularly
Once the improvements have been made, regular maintenance is essential to keep the building in good condition. Neglecting maintenance can cause the building to deteriorate quickly, negating the value of your investments.
Schedule routine cleaning of both the interior and exterior. This helps maintain the building’s appeal and prevents issues like mold or pest infestations.
Conduct regular inspections of the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Promptly fix any damages, whether it’s a leaky roof, cracked windows, or malfunctioning security systems. Delaying repairs can lead to bigger problems and higher costs in the future.
7. Rebrand the Building
If the building is old, it might have a reputation that no longer fits its new look and function. Rebranding can attract new tenants or customers by shifting perceptions and aligning the building with modern business trends.
If the building’s name is outdated or unappealing, consider rebranding it with a new name that aligns with the type of businesses you want to attract.
Invest in professional branding services to create a cohesive brand image for the building. This could include a logo, signage, and marketing materials.
Use social media, local media, and outdoor advertising to showcase the improvements made to the building. Offer potential tenants a tour of the upgraded space.
For personalized assistance with your property needs, contact Dennis Isong, a top Lagos realtor specializing in helping Nigerians in the diaspora own property stress-free.
Contact: +2348164741041
Systemic gender inequality bane of poverty among women – Zainab Marwa
Sahara Weekly Reports The founder of Aspire Women Forum, a non-governmental organization, Dr. Zainab Marwa, has described systemic gender inequality as one of the major causes of poverty among women in Nigeria, especially in the North Central part of the country.
Dr. Zainab, who stated this in her paper titled “The Intersectionality of Poverty and Gender in North Central Nigeria,” presented as the guest lecturer at the 9th Distinguished Public Lecture of the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi state, regretted that despite several intervention programs, poverty persists among women.
“Imagine a land where resources are plentiful, yet the hands that toil hardest remain the most deprived. In the heart of North Central Nigeria, this paradox is the daily reality for millions of women. While the region is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and abundant resources, its women are caught in the relentless grip of poverty working tirelessly but rarely reaping the rewards of their labour. These women don’t just face economic hardship; they endure a web of systemic inequalities that restrict their progress, dim their potential, and amplify their struggles”, she bemoaned.
“According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2020), 70% of Nigerians below the poverty line are women. North Central Nigeria has a 57.3% poverty rate among women, versus 45.5% among men. Women face education barriers, with a 59.3% literacy rate compared to 74.4% for men (UNDP, 2020). Only 21% of women engage in paid employment (ILO, 2020). These statistics represent restricted opportunities and lost potential”, she stated further.
While contextualizing the challenges that make it difficult for women to break the cycle of poverty, Dr. Zainab Marwa noted that “in predominantly Muslim areas, cultural noprioritizeioritise early marriage for girls, which can limit their educational opportunities. A woman from a rural community may face significant barriers to owning land because of traditional inheritance favoring male relatives.
“In urban settings, women from low-income backgrounds may struggle to access quality healthcare. Intersectionality encourages us to consider how gender, along with factors like ethnicity, marital status, and location, affects a woman’s experience of poverty. For example, a widowed woman in a rural area faces different challenges than a married woman in a city, impacting their access to resources and risk of violence.”
She said intersectionality is a strong reminder that gender and poverty do not exist in isolation but rather intersect in ways that amplify women’s vulnerabilities.
According to to this this intersection of challenges goes beyond the day-to-day struggles for survival. Women in North Central Nigeria experience the compounding effects of poverty in deeply gendered ways facing not only economic exclusion but also cultural marginalization that diminishes their voices and overlooks their contributions. Despite their efforts, women remain largely invisible in the economic and social fabric of their communities, perpetuating cycles of both poverty and disempowerment.
“Women in North Central Nigeria, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, confront simultaneous barriers to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Contextual factors, including cultural norms and patriarchal systems, perpetuate inequality. Addressing these issues necessitates a deep understanding of power dynamics, and recognizing the potential of women’s empowerment initiatives to effect change.”
To address these challenges, she said there must be a thorough act of actionable implementation andectivedprogramming programsfacefacetedprocreatingcreatingnglacreatingchangeis, she said, including economic empowerment, vocational training and skills programs, community-based social protection initiatives, improved access to healthcare, education, n, and programs, and deployment of technology as a powerful tool for expanding financial inclusion and access to essential services.
“By implementing these interconnected strategies, we can create a supportive ecosystem that empowers women, enabling them to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities”, she added.
-
news6 months agoPROFILE OF VICTORIA AKAI
-
society6 months ago$87m Theft Case: Abayomi Oluwasesan, Wife Re-arrested, Remanded In Prison As Court Demands Stringent Bail Conditions (Video)
-
Business6 months agoAfriq Arbitrage System Slams $10 million Lawsuit Against Micheal Okoh, Prince Humble Eteng, Hajj Ibrahim, Engineer Awajioma and Others (Video)
-
Business5 months agoMaxwell Opara Goofed Says AAS Investors As They Stand By Jesam Michael, Demand For Justice