Have you ever wondered what is actually included in an office fit out? If you are planning on establishing a new location for your office, then you may need to have an office fitted out appropriately, but why is it so important? How long does an office fit out take, and how much money are you likely going to need to set aside for the project?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the average office fit out in Australia, to give you a rough idea as to what to expect when you get started. Here’s what you need to know on the subject…
What is included in an office fit out?
So, what’s included in an office fit out? This all depends on the current condition of the building that you are planning on moving into. There are three different stages of an office fit out – which category your project falls under will depend. Let’s take a look:
- Shell and core: the shell and core category refers to a space that has the basic frameworks in place but is still essentially a bare shell. It may have water systems and electrical supply in place, but essentials like suspended ceilings, wall coverings, flooring, lighting, and wall partitions will not be present yet.
- Category A: category A refers to an office that has been fitted with all of the basics that are required for an office to function safely, only without any of the finishing touches. The most typical CAT A features include wall coverings, flooring, suspended ceilings, electronics, power sockets, elevators, toilets, fire systems, and more. These spaces are functional, but not quite yet fit for purpose. Often are CAT A fit out is established by the landlord, allowing prospective office renters to come in and put their own interior design finishing touches on the space.
- Category B: category B refers to the process of putting all of the interior design finishing touches that aren’t in place in a CAT A fit out. All additional features added in this stage will make the office functional, fit for purpose, and aesthetically pleasing. This category is often confused with office refurbishment, however, a refurb refers to the transformation of an office space that has already had a CAT B fit out – and simply needs modernising / updating.
Why is an office fit out important?
An office fit out is important because it takes the bare, empty shell of a building and makes it fit for commercial usage. This is a critical stage in the future of your business because, when planned properly, you can create an incredible office space that is designed with productivity in mind. Offices that have been fitted with an expert touch can inspire workers to go above and beyond when carrying out their duties. A poorly fitted out office on the other hand can easily hinder productivity and make future growth and expansion difficult and/or expensive.
In other words, a thoughtful office fit out is all about creating an office space that is safe, functional, inspiring, and able to be readily optimised in the future to accommodate further growth and employee expansion.
The best office fit out experts will utilise every square foot of a shell and core to its fullest – while meeting all recognised office fit out standards for best practices.
If you’d like to see some great examples of modern office fit outs, we recommend exploring office fit outs by Alpha C and P in Gold Coast for inspiration.
How long does an office fit out take?
So, how long does the average office fit out take? Naturally, this all depends on the overall size and scope of the project. Typically speaking, an office fit out can take anywhere between 6 and 14 weeks. For larger and more complex projects that require intense structural works and other light construction elements, it can take up to 6-months and beyond.
Ultimately, it all comes down to who you are working with as well. The very best office fit out experts can make light work of an office fit out by leveraging technology and modern office fit out construction techniques.
In any case, it is important never to rush this process. An office fit out that has been executed with expert precision requires careful consideration, a professional touch, and exceptional project management from start to finish.
How much does an office fit out cost?
If you are on a tight budget and want an open plan layout with only the essentials, you could be looking at somewhere in the region of $400 and $500 (+ GST) per square metre. This would typically include the following:
- Open plan layout
- Affordable workstations
- Booths.
For a budget open plan office with individual offices, the cost will be closer to $575 and $675 per square metre. This would include all of the above, with:
- Off-the-shelf modular furniture
- A few small offices (ideal for management / HR)
- A dedicated meeting room
- Basic reception area.
For a mid-range office fit out in Australia, you’ll be looking at between $925 and $1,075 per square metre, including the above and additional:
- Workstations and partitions (glass and plaster partitions)
- Various sized offices
- Kitchen and break area
- Boardroom with AV
- Staff showers and changing facilities.
As for a high-end office fit out, the cost will be closer to $2,100 and $2,400 per square metre. This will include all of the above, including the following:
- A lavish reception area with a bespoke counter
- Foyer with seating
- Custom lighting and ceilings
- High-end meeting rooms
- Quality flooring
- Larger individual offices
- Luxury finishes throughout
- Several break areas
- Fitted kitchens
- Modern AV capabilities in meeting rooms
- And more.
Conclusion
All in all, office fit outs are a critical part of your business development. If you wish to establish a successful and productive office environment, this is a process that requires careful utilisation with a reputable office fit out company on your side.
We hope that you’ve found this article inspiring and wish you all the best with your fit out journey!
