An office fitout or refurbishment can lift productivity, attract staff and make better use of expensive floor space. It is also a construction project with approvals, services and landlord requirements, so planning matters.
Fitout, refurbishment or renovation?
- Fitout: building out a tenancy for a new occupant, from a bare shell or a previous layout.
- Refurbishment: upgrading an existing office, such as new finishes, layout changes and services upgrades.
- Base building works: changes to the building itself, such as structure, facade or common areas, usually by the owner.
Start with the lease
Most leases require landlord approval for works and set rules for contractors, hours and building services. Check the make-good clause: you may have to return the space to its original condition at the end of the lease, which affects what you build now.
Approvals
Many internal office fitouts can be approved as complying development if they meet the standards. Changes of use, works affecting fire safety or structure, and heritage buildings may need a development application. A construction certificate and occupation certificate are usually required before you move in.
Building services
- Air conditioning zones and ductwork to suit the new layout.
- Electrical, data and lighting.
- Fire sprinklers, detection and emergency lighting adjusted to new walls.
- Hydraulics for kitchens and amenities.
Working around a trading business
Refurbishments in occupied offices are usually staged floor by floor or zone by zone, with noisy work after hours and dust control to protect staff and equipment.
What drives the cost
- Condition of the space: bare shell or existing fitout.
- Amount of demolition and strip-out.
- Services changes, especially air conditioning and fire services.
- Kitchens, meeting rooms and amenities.
- Finishes, joinery and furniture.
- After-hours work and building management requirements.
Our guide to commercial fitout costs goes into the numbers in more detail.
Office refurbishments in Sydney
METCON handles strip-out, structural changes and refurbishment as one licensed contractor. See our commercial refurbishment service or call 0415 840 500.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval for an office fitout?
Many internal fitouts can be approved as complying development. Changes of use, structural or fire safety changes and heritage buildings may need a DA.
What is a make-good clause?
A lease clause that may require you to return the tenancy to its original condition when you leave. Check it before designing your fitout.
Can an office be refurbished while staff keep working?
Usually, with staged works, after-hours noisy work and dust control.
