5th Sep 2019

How Much Does it Cost to Fit Out an Office?

Asking how much an office fit out costs is a little bit like asking ‘how long is a piece of string?’.

Every office design is different, or at least it should be to cater to your specific team’s needs. But we’re here to help you understand the costs associated with the office fit out process, and how you can go about setting a realistic budget for what you want to achieve.

Where do I start when planning a fit out?

Arguably the most important, and often overlooked, part of the office fit out process is the ‘planning bit’.

You can spend money renovating your space but you won’t understand what’s going to have the most impact without assessing what you currently have first.

Getting a workplace consultant to advise on the steps to take to create a healthier, happier workplace is worth the investment. They’ll get to know your business inside out, ask about your processes, what your space is used for (or needs to be used for), and help you to spend your budget in the most effective way.

funding for your fit out project

If you’re a business based in the Midlands (as we are!), there are various organisations that you can get support from to bump up your existing budget to realise a higher standard of fit out in your workplace.

The ROI in both human (i.e. wellbeing) and financial terms (the result of happy, productive people) of investing that bit more can be transformational for a business. Take a look at the Midlands Engine Investment Fund website for information on the types of funding and finance available to businesses in our region.

Budgeting

It’s always hard to budget when you’re not sure where to start, so here are some indicative costs for different types and standards of fit out.

Of course, offices vary massively in terms of usage and function, so there are many possibilities when it comes to the outcome of a fit out or refurbishment project.

As a rough rule of thumb, a comprehensive refurbishment project could range from £45-£75 per square foot. This would include a reception, a variety of meeting rooms, café/tea point, new furniture, new air conditioning etc. So a typical 5,000 square foot office might require a budget of £225-£375K depending on the level of finish.

Basic office fit out costs per sq. ft

We’d call it a basic fit out if an office needs a minor fit out and is already prepared to Cat A standard, (unfurnished with all the basics like lighting and sockets installed). The space would also require a basic level of décor and furniture.

Basic fit out cost per sq. ft: £45-£55 

Mid-level office fit out costs per sq. ft

A mid-level fit out is higher spec than basic, with a lot more scope for creating an energising working environment.

If the space will benefit from structural changes, this is incorporated into the budget too.

Investing a bit more for a mid-level fit out means you can make significant improvements to the design of your space, as well as providing higher quality ergonomic furniture, lighting (read more about how lighting and wellbeing are linked), flooring, acoustics, tech etc.

Mid-level fit out cost per sq. ft: £55-£75 

High spec office fit out costs per sq. ft

Going for a high spec fit out gives your business the opportunity to make a real statement with its premises. There isn’t necessarily a top-end budget for this scope, but you’re looking at £75+.

When you invest in this type of fit out (or spend any money to change your workplace) it’s important to identify what your money will be spent on and how this will improve your people’s lives. This higher budget allows you to do this more effectively, with bespoke furniture and joinery or making structural changes. You can also think about other elements that’ll truly transform your workspace to meet the needs of your people, and the wider organisation.

High spec fit out cost per sq. ft: £75+ 

The ROI of an office fit out

You may initially want a basic office fit out, but the ROI for a business that creates a more inspiring and fit-for-purpose workspace for your people is unprecedented.

If you’re thinking about a project, we can give you advice and guidance on design, furniture, tech, budgets and more. All you need to do is fill out the form below to arrange an initial no-obligation conversation, or call us on 01530 223111.

Our office refurbishment checklist also has tips on where to start when embarking on an office redesign.