The Cost of an Office Fit Out in 2024

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While there is no definitive answer as to the costs of an office fit out, there certainly are a range of aspects to be considered.

This can often be too general or inaccurate to assist in decision making – after all, your project will be uniquely defined based on factors such as size, location and active requirements.

Based on our research, we’ve found a standard 10,000 sq ft project will usually fit within the cost parameters listed below. However, this pricing is based on several assumptions, such as the base build and Cat A power and HVAC requirements being in a suitable condition.

Costs per sq ft (Typical)	Low	Mid	High
Construction	£70	£90	£120
Furniture	£20	£30	£50
AV & IT	£5	£10	£15
Dilapidations	£15	£18	£20
Security	£1	£2	£3
Total	£111	£150	£208

The Oktra Guide to Office Fit Out 2024

We lead you through each step of the fit out process, outlining industry terminology, costs in 2024, timescales, and the benefits of design and build throughout this complex journey.
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There are a number of key factors that can affect the potential expenditure and your budgetary requirements, which will vary between the building itself and your needs as a business. For example, a more modern building will likely require less cosmetic changes and therefore reduced costs.

By asking these fundamental questions, you can begin to understand what the overall picture might look like.

1. Do you need cosmetic or structural changes to the building?

When considering your new workspace, are the changes wholly cosmetic (e.g. decorating, new flooring) or will you need to develop the architecture of the building (e.g. new walls and doorways). If you’re considering the latter, your costs will be higher due to the complexity of the work.

2. What AV and ICT systems do you require?

Once the integration of technology into the workplace was seen as extraneous to the design and fit out. Current tendency is to incorporate these systems into the space planning and furniture specification. Your ICT and AV systems will determine, among many factors, chiefly your ability to be flexible, productive and collaborative in today’s market.

3. What furniture requirements do you need?

Whether you are creating a meeting room or an entire sales floor, you’ll want to make the most of that environment. The correct furniture specification will ensure staff can work safely, comfortably and apply the necessary tools to perform at the best of their abilities.

In recent years, we’ve seen historically overlooked furniture aspects becoming commonplace in workplaces, such as sit/stand desking, task lighting and acoustic panelling. We believe this demonstrates a trend towards companies paying more attention to the health and wellbeing of their staff.

4. When do you want the changes made?

Your timeline will shape your costs. Usually the shorter the timeline, the more out of hours and weekend work you’ll require. A typical fit out for a 1,000 sq m project is 10-12 weeks, but this can be shortened or extended to meet your programme.

5. What size office space do you need?

This question usually elicits the answer “as much as I have now” and while for some this might be accurate; it’s often a more complex issue. The amount of office space you need will be based on your aspirations, current space requirements and the market.

Associated to real estate values, this will be one of the most expensive questions you’ll be asking. Thus, a workplace appraisal can prove useful in asking questions you may not have considered.

Download our free guide for further assistance on how you can find the right office space.
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6. Traditional or design and build?

If you’re delivering a project using traditional construction methods, a large office refurbishment usually demands interior design experts, builders, workspace planners and office furniture suppliers. If you’re undertaking structural changes, you might need a surveyor, structural engineer and an interiors architect too. Then you need a project manager to lead the transformation and ensure that all parties are working in perfect harmony.

Design and build (D&B) offers clients a turnkey solution with design, specification, consultancy, project management and construction services all under one roof. Industry research shows that as much as 85% of interior fit out projects with a value of less than £1,000,000 are procured via this model.

How Much Does an Office Fit Out Cost in 2024?