Category: Commercial

The Best Commercial Security Systems In 2022

A reliable security system is essential to the success of any business. Whether preventing break-ins, floods, or fires, having eyes on your business while you aren’t around is vital. The best commercial security systems combine affordability and advanced features not used for residential systems. This week, we’re highlighting the best commercial security systems to invest in for 2022. 

ADT

ADT is a top-rated choice for residential security systems, but many business owners don’t realize the value of their commercial security systems. ADT is a top contender due to its custom plans and easy integration with other security systems. Additional benefits of using ADT include:

  • Remote surveillance through a mobile app.
  • Professional installation and surveillance.
  • Top-rated customer support for small businesses.

Frontpoint

Frontpoint offers both pre-assembled DIY security bundles as well as custom security plans. Their DIY packages are easy to install and high-end. Frontpoint is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an uncomplicated system without sacrificing quality.

SimpliSafe

Simplisafe is one of the most affordable security systems on the market. Their hardware includes a sleek design that makes devices hard to spot. If you’re a small business looking for protection on a budget, consider SimpliSafe. Their plans cover the basic necessities such as environmental monitors, cameras, and locks. The system is also accessible by an intuitive mobile app that allows users to control the system from anywhere.

Vivint

Vivint security systems are the ultimate solution when it comes to customization. Their products offer seamless integration into existing security equipment and are monitored professionally 24/7. In addition, Vivint allows businesses of all types to find the system that works best for them based on the size of the space. Consultations with a Vivint team member also help to prioritize potential vulnerabilities of a business’s security. 

Conclusion

Do you have questions about securing your commercial building? Contact us today!

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Commercial Construction in 2021

The residential housing market isn’t the only sector of real estate that has transformed over the past year. 

Commercial real estate has undergone a lot of changes, in part because businesses are rethinking how much commercial space they need after many employees have adapted to working from home. 

If you are considering opening a commercial space in the next year, consider the following:

Look for High-Demand Locations

If your business is dependent on consumers, make sure you are keeping your search in locations that are in high-demand. Consumers are already in these places, making your business easy to get to. 

High-demand areas attract other businesses as well, naturally creating more traffic (and business) than areas that are becoming vacant.

Repurposing a Building vs. New Construction

If you are deciding between repurposing an old building and new construction, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each. 

Adaptive reuse projects can often be completed faster and cheaper than building new. Like we stated above, however, you will want to take location into consideration, as well as the needs specific to your business. 

Low Interest Rates

Low interest rates extend into the commercial sector for those who own their commercial building. Low rates equal less interest paid over the course of a loan, saving a significant amount of money. 

New Features

Consider what features are important to your business, your employees, and your clients. Many businesses are finding value in an increase in outdoor air ventilation, more space for distancing, and other measures specific to people’s health. 

Are you looking for a new commercial space?

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Horton Group Showcases MHK’s New Office at 350 Goose Lane

MHK is the newest addition to 350 Goose Lane!

The new office for MHK, which is part of the Hearst Health network, takes up levels one and two of Building C, for a total of 14,450 square feet of space. 

New Layout for Changing Times

Horton Group worked closely with MHK to ensure the layout of the office would ensure safety as people return back to the office. Prior layout designs were altered to solve space configuration needs. The final design includes workspaces to benefit employees now and in the future. 

“They were involved every step of the way,” stated Horton Group President Kenny Horton. “We wanted to ensure their layout allowed for proper distancing and a healthy workplace.”

Kenny Horton

Take a look at how the office came out!

  • A welcoming entrance.
  • Conference rooms vary in size for meetings and collaborating. Here is a smaller meeting area.
  • Most conference rooms have TVs for shared presentations and virtual meetings.
  • A larger conference room, with plenty of space to spread out.
  • There are also various private offices with glass walls large windows for an open feel.
  • Desks that allow for privacy and employee safety.
  • A view of floor 2.
  • There are two kitchen and dining areas for lunch and breaks.
  • Kitchen area 1.
  • Kitchen area 2.

MHK office space incorporates meeting rooms of varying sizes for collaboration, desk configurations that allow for distancing, and ample windows and glass walls for natural light. 

350 Goose Lane Office Park

350 Goose Lane Office Park is an ongoing development consisting of three buildings on a professional campus. MHK joins Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the Stone Agency, and American Cruise Lines, among other local businesses inside the Office Park. 

Set on 16 acres, 350 Goose Lane Office Park was once Wilber & King Nursery. Horton Group has maintained the integrity of the former site, with beautifully landscaped green space, pond views from every building, and a courtyard with access for all tenants. The campus includes ample parking for all three buildings and is conveniently located off I-95, with easy access to the train station in Guilford. 

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Office Design Trends for 2021

office design trends

It seems like everything has changed this year, including the spaces we work in. While some continue to work remotely, others have headed back to their place of employment.  

Businesses have adapted to the changing times, implementing new protocols to keep their employees healthy at the office. However, all of this leads to the question: 

How will office design trends change?

With two new commercial build projects happening in 2021, we’re excited to create office and retail spaces for a diverse range of tenants, all the while keeping in mind function and safety. 

Below are some ways we expect commercial design to change: 

Layout

An open office design is popular among many companies. An open layout uses floorspace more efficiently than multiple walls and doors, but it also means people are working closer together. 

Some designers believe the open office layout will begin to fade, though others disagree. 

“There’s a lot of benefit to spending time near daylight and fresh air, and an open plan facilitates that,” said Kevin Van Den Wymelenbery, Director of the Institute for Health in the Built Environment.

Those who want to keep the open feel, ensuring there is ample space between workspaces is a great place to start. Another option is to install glass walls or tall plexiglass dividers to help create separate work areas. 

Airflow

No matter the layout, airflow is one of the most critical factors of new commercial space design. With the right HVAC system, increased outdoor airflow and filtered air improve indoor air quality for all. Rather than circulating air in the room, new systems will pull exhaled air out of the room and push in filtered air. 

Surface Finishes

Construction materials, especially those used for shared surface area, may also begin to change. Germ-resistant materials that prevent the growth of viruses, bacteria, and mold can help stop the spread of all infectious diseases. In addition, touchless technology will continue to see a rise for doors, elevators, and bathroom fixtures. 

As we get ready to work with client for these new spaces, we’re excited to incorporate new design trends to make every space functional and safe for all!

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Drop Ceiling vs. Open Ceiling

Ceilings can change the look, feel, and even energy costs for a space. In commercial buildings, drop and exposed ceilings are the most common ceiling types. Keep reading to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

Drop Ceilings

 

A drop ceiling, also called a suspended ceiling, is what typically comes to mind when you think of ceilings in an office space, retail store, or school classroom. The drop ceiling is not a part of the structural foundation of the building. Instead, it is made up of panels or tiles that hang below the roof. 

Drop ceilings have been used for many years due to these benefits:

  • The panels conceal all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installations. 
  • Panels can be easily removed when the maintenance of an MEP system is required.
  • Suspended ceilings provide an extra layer to block exterior sounds, which is especially beneficial in multi-floor buildings.
  • The drop ceiling creates a smaller space to be heated or cooled, reducing energy costs and making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature. 

Of course, the design of drop ceilings doesn’t come without disadvantages. Here are some things to consider with drop ceilings:

  • Drop ceilings lower the ceiling, making the room feel smaller. 
  • Panels can sag over time and will show stains from water damage or discoloration.
  • While suspended ceilings conceal MEP systems, they also hide any issues that may arise.

Even with the disadvantages, drop ceilings remain a popular option because they cover MEP installations while providing easy access, and help keep energy costs low. 

Open Ceilings

The industrial look is gaining more popularity in both residential and commercial spaces. One way to easily attain this style is with exposed, or open, ceilings. With exposed ceilings, all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations are exposed. 

Here are some of the advantages that come with exposed ceilings:

  • The additional space of the exposed ceiling creates a vast and open feel in the office or retail area.
  • Exposed ceilings have a modern aesthetic appeal. MEP systems can be painted or customized to become design elements, and there is more room for creativity with lighting fixtures. 
  • There is also the option for more natural light with exposed ceilings, either with skylights or large windows. 
  • With exposed systems, MEP maintenance is easily attended to.

The industrial look is no doubt an appealing design, but open ceilings have disadvantages as well. These include:

  • Without the barrier of panels, sound travels and echoes with exposed ceilings. There are options to create a sound barrier in spaces with open ceilings, though this requires additional planning and labor. 
  • The additional space means there is a larger area to heat and cool, raising energy expenses. 
  • There is more work involved to make MEP systems attractive enough to be aesthetically pleasing. 

Although exposed ceilings can raise monthly costs, the modern design is eye-catching and creates a spacious feel. 

Which ceiling do you prefer: drop or open?

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Signs your Commercial Space is ready for a Remodel

Your office sets the tone for your business. The physical space you work in each day can either add to productivity and climate or detract from it. Just like your home, an office needs to be well-maintained and updated throughout the years. Below are five signs that it’s time to remodel your commercial space. 

Employees are Distracted

Employees spend a large portion of their day inside the office. The work environment should cater to their comfort and productivity. Elements like green space, collaborative meeting areas, and an efficient floor plan can help set the tone for a dynamic office.

If employees are dealing with issues such as poor lighting or a leaky faucet in the bathroom, they will become distracted from the tasks at hand.  In short, the office should assist, rather than get in the way of employees’ work. Even seemingly small issues are a signal to consider remodeling. 

Outdated Technology

If the technology in the office is outdated, chances are everything is obsolete. Any technology being used by employees should keep up with the demands of their work. Determine what is proficient and upgrade the rest. 

No Space

Are you squeezing in more people and furniture into the same space your business started in? Businesses grow over the years. It can get quite uncomfortable working if you feel crowded. Take a look at the current floor plan to determine if you need to rearrange the space, expand, or move into a new office. 

Deterioration of Furniture

Depending on how many people use the furniture in the office will signal how long it will last. From couches to desks to chairs, make a note of the condition of the furniture. 

Meetings take place Outside of the Office

When you schedule meetings with prospective clients or employees, do you invite them to meet you in the office or a nearby coffee shop? If you are not proud to welcome people into your office, it’s time for some upgrades. 

Once you decide it is time for a remodel, the possibilities for a modern and productive work environment are endless. 

 

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Energy Efficient Offices

Offices are energy-consuming buildings; between heating and cooling, lighting, and technology and equipment required to run a business, the amount of energy used continues to rise. 

With more builders and contractors committing to sustainable building, commercial offices are becoming more green, or environmentally friendly. Green buildings are designed and constructed with sustainable materials that make the building more energy-efficient and reduces energy costs.

Business owners don’t often have control over how the building was built, unless moving into a brand new development. But there are things every office can do to maximize energy conservation and reduce costs. 

HVAC 

Space heating accounts for 25% of energy use in commercial buildings, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Ideally, a building will have proper insulation to help maintain a comfortable temperature. In older buildings, this cannot always be achieved. Whether you are leasing office space or own the building, maintaining your HVAC system can help decrease energy use and save money. Here are some ways to make the most of your HVAC:

  • Clean filters. Dirty filters slow down airflow. Check any filters regularly and change as necessary.
  • Program heating and cooling. Program the temperature of the office. After employees leave for the day, the heat (or AC) does not need to be turned up as high. 
  • Equipment tune-up. To make sure all systems are working efficiently, get a tune-up from an HVAC professional. 

Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make energy-saving changes to your office space. Because lighting makes up 10% of the total energy use in buildings, it is worth the effort.

  • Motion sensor lights. Motion sensor lights are ideal for areas that are occupied during certain times of the day, including parking lots, stairways, and meeting rooms. 
  • Make the most of natural light. Builders are taking more advantage of natural light. Through a process called daylighting, sunlight illuminates buildings, cutting energy use and costs. This provides an added bonus – sunlight increases positive moods of everyone in the workspace. 
  • LED lights. LED bulbs last longer than fluorescent and incandescent lighting, and reduce the amount of energy used. 

Office Technology and Appliances

Offices are filled with technology and appliances – from computers and copiers to refrigerators and microwaves. Being mindful in your selection of these items can significantly reduce energy usage. 

  • Laptops. Laptops use up to 90% less energy than desktops. Depending on how many people work on computers in your office, this can make a significant difference.
  • ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR appliances, computers, copiers, televisions, and even fans and thermostats, are the most efficient equipment for the office. 

Minimizing energy consumption in the workplace is beneficial for both the environment and your business savings. As we take on new developments, we are mindful of sustainable practices and work to make each building as environmentally friendly as possible. 

 

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Merrill Lynch to join 350 Goose Lane Office Park

The Office Park at 350 Goose Lane in Guilford signed a new tenant for Building C – before the scheduled build begins. 

Bank of America Merrill Lynch will occupy the entire third floor of Building C, for a total of 7,472 square feet of office space. With the build scheduled to begin this fall, Horton Group will work closely with Merrill Lynch to customize their office. This will allow the wealth management company the opportunity to create an optimal office floor plan.

The professional campus consists of three buildings. Building A was an existing building completely renovated by the Horton Group. Buildings B and C are brand new Type II-B construction. 

Customized Office Plans

Like Merrill Lynch, many of the tenants in buildings A and B signed on before construction was complete, allowing for the design of each office space to match the needs of tenants. 

Customization of work environments is becoming more critical to employers, as research shows that well-constructed office plans and green space can increase productivity and job satisfaction. In the offices at 350 Goose Lane, we have incorporated open layouts, glass walls, private meeting areas, collaborative workspaces, and waiting rooms. Each unique space meets the needs of our tenants. 

Unmatched Campus Green Space

Set on 16 acres, 350 Goose Lane Office Park was once home to Wilber & King Nursery. The impeccable grounds have been maintained for the use of green space by tenants in all three buildings. A beautiful courtyard, with outdoor tables, umbrellas, and wifi, allows people to take an outdoor lunch break or even work outside. All three buildings have views of the courtyard and on-site pond. Green space has been shown to increase feelings of contentment at work. 

“What makes the property really amazing is the amount of green space,” stated Horton Group President Kenny Horton. “It’s not the typical pavement, concrete, and walkways you see with other campuses.”

The Horton Group is thrilled to welcome Bank of America Merrill Lynch to this incredible campus. 

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6 Tips for Creating a Productive Office Space

office design

Most people spend more time at the office than their own home throughout the week. When moving into a new office, think beyond cubicles and desks so that you and your employees can be productive in an inspiring and comfortable atmosphere. 

In our commercial projects, Horton Group continues to work closely with a range of business owners to design and build their dream offices.  At our current commercial development, 350 Goose Lane Office Park, we have built offices for large national corporations, small business owners, and everything in between.

Below are six tips for creating a productive office space, no matter what industry you work in.

Ask for Employee Input

Ask your employees what their dream office would look like. You won’t be able to incorporate all of their ideas, but if you find out that 90% of the people working for you would utilize standing desks, for example, you can determine how to fit a couple into your office space. 

When employees are given the opportunity to set up their own workspace, they have more satisfaction and better performance at work compared to employees who have no control over their environment. 

Traffic flow

Utilizing the space efficiently is essential no matter what size office you have. Consider how people will move from work areas to meeting rooms, the bathroom, and kitchen areas. Keeping these common areas clear of clutter makes it much easier to move around the office.  Traffic flow is especially important if you have customers or patients coming in and out of the office all day. 

Don’t Neglect the Basics: Lighting, Noise, and Temperature

We’ve all been uncomfortable or distracted while on the job. The more you can eliminate small annoyances, the better. This means paying attention to lighting, noise, and temperature in the office. 

Natural light is ideal, but not always possible. In spaces without windows, opt for overhead lighting options that mimic natural light. Unnecessary noise at work can decrease productivity and increase headaches. Ask your builder or contractor what can be done to eliminate noise from other offices. Finally, make sure the temperature can be easily controlled in the office. 

Variety of Workspaces

A variety of workspace options is essential in increasing productivity. Some parts of the day may require an independent work station where people can tune out the rest of the office and tackle important phone calls or deadlines. Other times employees may need to connect with coworkers in a collaborative meeting area or a step into a quiet room to decompress. By incorporating numerous spaces to work in, people can move around throughout the day and tailor the space to their work needs. 

Greenspace

Whenever possible, incorporate green space. A beautifully landscaped property can include an additional workspace in good weather. The benefits of green space for employees include increased job satisfaction and decreased stress. 

Plan for Growth

As a business owner, chances are you have a 1, 5, and 10-year plan. Will the office you are creating today be able to hold your vision for the future? Take into consideration the fact that you will expand, leaving some wiggle room for reorganization. 

 

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What are Common Area Maintenance (CAM) fees?

Commercial leases can come with Common Area Maintenance (CAM) fees, which help the landlord pay for upkeep on the property’s common areas. While CAM fees are common in leases, they can vary from space to space and year to year. When signing a lease for a commercial space, be sure you understand all parts of the Common Area Maintenance fees.

What do CAM Fees Cover?

As the term suggests, CAM fees help to pay for the cost and upkeep of common areas in the building and grounds of a commercial property. Common areas can include hallways, shared bathrooms, lobbies, elevators, as well as the parking lot and landscaping. CAM fees in a lease typically include regular maintenance to the property and building, but can also consist of emergency repairs, security systems, signage, insurance, and in some instances salaries of administrative staff.

Variable CAM Fees

If you have a lease with variable CAM fees, this means the fees you are charged can increase based on factors outlined in the contract. If the factors are not explicitly stated, find out what they are from your landlord and get them in writing. You should also find out if there is a cap to how high the fees will go.

Flat CAM Fees

Flat CAM fees in an agreement mean the fees are fixed, and will not adjust up or down. Depending on the lease, these fees can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Sometimes, the costs of major renovations are separate from flat CAM fees. If this is the case, determine if there are scheduled renovations happening in the future.

With commercial leases, there is not a standard on what can and cannot be included in CAM fees. While most landlords will not take advantage of their tenants, it is important to always carefully read your lease and get clarification on any items that are not explicitly stated.

 

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