Commercial
Office fit-out or refurbishment: what's the difference?
A fit-out gets a space ready to use. A refurbishment improves one that's already in use. How they differ, approvals, cost and working with staff in.
People use "fit-out" and "refurbishment" as if they mean the same thing. They start from different places, and knowing which one you're doing shapes the brief, the program and the approvals.
Fit-out: getting a space ready to use
A fit-out takes a space, often a new tenancy, and builds it out for the business moving in: reception, workstations, meeting rooms, kitchen, breakout areas. Our office fit-outs over the years include Bligh Street for Farrar Gesini Dunn, SICTL at Port Botany and a floor overlooking Hyde Park.
Refurbishment: improving what's there
A refurbishment works with a space that's already in use. That could mean new finishes, a better layout, upgraded amenities or better services, without starting again. Lessor works fall in here too. At 25 Martin Place we upgraded all the amenities for Dexus with the building open the whole time.
Working with staff still in the building
Most office work happens with people at their desks. We split the job into areas, do the noisy and dusty work before or after hours, and tell building management and tenants what's closed, when, and who to call. On one job the demolition ran from 5 to 7am.
One point of contact
Office jobs involve an owner, an asset manager, a building manager and often a designer. On our jobs, one person from Laidre runs the site, takes your calls and keeps you up to date, so you're not chasing anyone for an answer.
Approvals
Some internal work needs no approval at all. Other work does, depending on the building and whether it touches structure, fire safety, services or the lease. Check early rather than assume either way.
Before you ask for a quote
Pull together the plans, a few photos, access details, the scope and your timing. Then get us out to walk the site.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between an office fit-out and an office refurbishment?
A fit-out takes a space and builds it out so it's ready to use. A refurbishment improves a space that's already in use, through a new layout, finishes, amenities or services.
Can the work happen while the office is occupied?
Usually, yes. We split the job into areas and do the noisy, dusty work early or after hours. On one recent job, demolition ran from 5 to 7am so the building wasn't disturbed.
Do office projects always need approvals?
Not always. It depends on the building and whether the work touches structure, fire safety, services or the lease conditions. We'll help you check the approval pathway before anything starts.
What information is useful before quoting?
Existing plans, photos, access details, the scope you have in mind, anything you know about the building's condition, your timing, and whether consultants are already on board. Then we'll come and walk the site.
What can affect the cost of a fit-out or refurbishment?
The size of the space, the level of finish, the building's condition, access, any services upgrades, and whether people are working in the building while we're there.
Commercial & hospitality
Dylan, Matt or Neil can walk the site and talk it through with you.