Are you planning to build a financial institution or renovate an existing structure? Whether you’re building a commercial bank, credit union or any other type of financial company, financial institutions are considered the backbone of a community. Here are a few financial institution construction tips to keep in mind:
Location
Consider having a ‘corner store’ location for ideal convenience. It is also a great option for consumer visibility. When a business is at the perfect location, people are more likely to return in the future. Consulting with a good general contracting company from the very beginning of your project will ensure that your place of business is a location people will love to visit.
A general contractor will offer you several alternatives on how to build a financial institution. For example, a commercial and institutional construction company, like Ben’s General Contracting, will offer you tips on how to improve the outdoor visibility of your facility.
Let’s face it, you can offer the best financial services in the industry, but if your place of business has poor visibility, local consumers will hardly know you exist. One way to enhance visibility is to create walls of glass on the front and side of the building – including adequate LED lighting to help capture the attention of customers. Don’t be fooled, people do judge the appearance of a business when deciding to make a long-term investment in a product or service.
Lobby
The lobby is where visitors first enter your financial facility. Giving them a good first impression is not an 
option. The architectural design of financial institutions are becoming more user-friendly than ever before. For instance, the lobby area should be bright and airy and cool enough for customers waiting on line in the hot summer months. There should be plenty of room to accommodate lines. Adequate seating should be available, such as contemporary lobby furniture. Consider offering light refreshments (coffee, tea, etc.) to help make your lobby area feel more inviting.
Financial institution construction companies suggest hanging a flat screen monitor with videos playing to help break the monotony of customers waiting on line. Don’t forget to offer customers free Wi-Fi.
Security
A financial institution always has a Teller area which will be the primary focus of your security needs. All walls, floors and ceilings that are not masonry should be fortified with steel. Bullet Proof Glass is often necessary – depending on the area. Consider modern ballistic glass because it is less likely to yellow or scratch like the traditional Lexan. Care should also be taken into consideration so
that customers can hear you clearly through the glass.
An efficient Alarm and locking system is essential. Visitors should be buzzed in with two separate locking doors. A good security design and employee policy will help you have a safe environment as well as lower your theft insurance.
Ben’s General Contracting has built countless financial institutions on the East Coast. We are always available to give a prospective owner advice or Survey an available location you may be interested in. We cater to clients interested in building financial institutions in Hempstead, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Contact us today for a consultation: (516) 623-2945.
