Renovate with ROI in Mind: How to Pilot, Measure, and Scale Smart Branch Upgrades

Done right, a branch renovation can fuel deposit growth, improve the customer experience, and increase staff efficiency. But unlocking that value doesn’t happen by chance. It requires piloting with precision—gathering the right data, tracking key performance indicators, and comparing results so you know exactly what worked, what didn’t, and where to go next.

Here’s how to turn your next renovation into a growth-generating pilot that delivers actionable insights and a measurable return on your investment.

Start with Baseline Data

Before construction begins, establish a baseline by observing 90 days of pre-renovation performance. This gives you a clear “before” snapshot for comparison once the remodel is complete.

Don’t just look at overall branch traffic. Break it down by functional zones such as lobby usage, advisory areas, and self-service zones. Make sure to  capture key metrics such as new accounts opened, deposit activity, average visit time, staff productivity benchmarks, utility usage, and customer satisfaction.

This data gives you a holistic view of both performance and experience—laying the groundwork for post-renovation analysis.

Measure at 90, 180, and 365 Days Post-Renovation

Once the branch reopens, schedule strategic performance check-ins at 90, 180, and 365 days to track results over time.

At each milestone, ask:

• Are deposit balances increasing?
• Are more new accounts being opened?
• Is traffic rising in advice zones?
• Are customers spending more time in the branch and reporting higher satisfaction?
• Has staff efficiency improved?
• Are energy and utility costs down?

Pull both quantitative data (like transactions and utility use) and qualitative feedback (from staff and members). The goal is to capture a complete performance picture — from operational efficiency to member experience.

Compare and Calibrate

To evaluate the impact of your renovation, compare results to a similar branch that hasn’t been updated. If both show improvement, the growth is likely driven by broader market trends. But if the renovated branch significantly outperforms the other, that lift can be attributed to the changes you made.

Let those insights guide your next move:

• If results are strong with measurable growth in deposits, engagement, or efficiency, scale the model across your network.
• If results are mixed, dig deeper. Maybe the layout improved operations but didn’t drive new business. Refine before expanding.
• If there’s no meaningful lift, hit pause. Reassess the market potential, member needs, and your execution.

Too many financial institutions treat renovations as one-size-fits-all. But a fresh coat of paint or updated furniture alone won’t move the needle. Sustainable growth comes when design decisions are grounded in strategy, and aligned with member behavior, local market opportunity, and performance tracking.