If you are unsure of what is involved in an office fit out, our office fit out timeline is designed to guide you through the key steps and estimated time allocations.
The design of your office plays a central role within your business. Whether this is to enable new ways of working, improve your culture or to attract top talent, your workplace is an operational focal point for your people. Undertaking an office fit out can be exciting stage for a business to refresh their environment but if you’ve never done one before, where do you start? This timeline will give you more information that will help you make more informed decisions and breakdown some of the important phases ahead of your fit out project.
An office fit out is the process of making your workplace into a functional office that is ready to be used by a business.
An office fit out will typically take anywhere from 6-14 weeks depending on the size and complexity of the project. To complete larger projects, timeframes can extend up to 6 months to allow for structural works and other light construction elements.
The term fit out is typically used in relation to either an office refurbishment or an office relocation. This helps to establish whether the fit out is taking place in your existing office (a refurbishment) or in a new office that you’re moving into (a relocation). The important difference to remember is that a fit out refers to the installation of design elements and features that change the look and functionality of an office.
Commercial property, such as office buildings, is available in a variety of sizes and condition which will determine the complexity of a fit out. The two main types of fit out are Cat A and Cat B, which is industry terminology for the classification of the different works involved in a fit out.
We would always advise allowing as much time as possible for planning your office fit out – this will allow for adequate planning and removes the need to rush towards deadlines. There will always be things to look for and consider when going into your project which may add on time. Some of the key considerations are:
While it is difficult to give exact timeframes without knowing what each project entails, the office fit out timeline can be used as a guide to help you understand the process in more detail.
The property market is constantly fluctuating and you’ll need a clear view of what to expect from your search for a new space. Hiring a commercial agent can help you find a new office and simplify the building search process so you can view properties that meet your budget expectations and requirements.
Understanding the way your business operates and how your people occupy your office can provide valuable data to base workplace decisions on. By reviewing your current workplace, you can evaluate what you want to bring to your new space. You will not only discover what works and improve the functionality of your business, but you can enhance the wellbeing of your employees by creating a more practical environment to suit their needs.
A test fit is essentially a floor plan which will confirm that the space you’ve chosen will meet your requirements and can accommodate your business needs. This time is essential for getting an early idea of what your office layout could look like.
It’s time to find the best deal with your new landlord for your future lease, although bear in mind that your landlord will have their own priorities to fulfil during the negotiation stage. Consult with your agent during this process to ensure you get the most out of your new contract.
You will have a selection of contractors to choose from and you must weigh the different proposals against one another to find the best solution for your project. Once you have decided on your preferred contractor, you can move forward with the next stages of your fit out.
Your aspirations and brief for your new space are the key tools for designers to construct the best plans for your new space. Through workshops and meetings with your design team, you will work together to develop ideas and shape the look and feel of your new space. This is a key time in the process to make final decisions and flag any changes you would like to make to the design.
Finding the right furniture for your new office is achieved in collaboration with the furniture and design team of your fit out partner. You’ll get to explore different materials, colours and styles during workshops and showroom tours to find the perfect instruments for a functional office.
Your selection of furniture will be confirmed and your fit out team will liaise the best pricing and finishes from suppliers before placing the final order. If there are any issues with your order then there is time to discuss substitutions and find alternatives.
One of the main differences between design and build and traditional is the speed of the construction phase. While the build element of your project will likely be the longest part of your office fit out, it will vary depending on the complexity and size of your space.
This is where your new space really transforms into a working office. Your furniture team will liaise with the construction team to work out when site is ready for installation to commence. They will then confer with the furniture suppliers to plan the delivery to site before installing your order.
Depending on the size of your company, the relocation phase may take place in stages to ensure your business continues uninterrupted, moving one floor or team at a time. This is where your technology, communications equipment and essential business operations are installed into your new office.
It’s time to move into your new office. Once you have taken occupation of your new office, you will be supported by the aftercare team who will be available to help you through any transitional changes following the completion of your office fit out.
The office fit out timeline is designed to give more visibility of the various stages that should be considered ahead of an office fit out. Businesses will often focus on the cost of an office fit out but timescales are some of the most integral parts of a project. Having an idea of how much time needs to be invested before and after the construction of your project can help you save money.
If you’re considering your options for your office space then get in touch with one of our workplace experts below or download our guide to office fit out to help you get the process underway.
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