How Long Does an Office Fitout Take?

A beautiful office fitout can boost productivity and increase morale, as well as getting workers excited to be back in the office.

But, from concept to completion, commercial office fitouts take time.

It’s important to consider this time investment early on, so you can communicate with your team, plan for disruptions, and set realistic timelines.

When most people think of timelines for an office fitout, they’re likely thinking of the construction phase.

This is the longest stage, and includes the most exciting parts of an office refit – demolition and installation.

It’s also the phase that requires the most time-sensitive planning, as unlike the planning and design stage, or the process of acquiring approvals, the construction phase almost always requires that workers be relocated.

The construction phase of an office fitout usually takes approximately 8-12 weeks for demolition, structural work and the installation of systems and furniture. Smaller office fitouts can be done in just a couple of weeks, minimising your employee downtime.

However, the construction phase isn’t the only stage you should include in your time considerations

Project Timeline

The planning, office design, building, and completion of an office fitout can differ substantially based on the project’s complexity, size, and special requirements. However, a general time frame can be divided into several phases :

• Planning and design (4-8 weeks) : Includes site surveys, conceptual designs, and comprehensive planning.
• Approvals and Procurement (4-6 weeks) : Permitting and procuring materials and contractors.
• Construction and Fitout (8-12 weeks) : This includes demolition, structural work, and the installation of systems and furniture.
• Final Touches and Handover (2-4 weeks) : Inspections, quality checks, and resolution of any concerns prior to customer move-in.
• Overall Time Frame (18-30 weeks)

Our specialists at Office Fitout Group can provide a more tailored timeline, specific to your project, to ensure a smooth transition. As Sydney’s office fitout professionals, we understand the importance of minimising disruption to the workplace, and we’ve developed a streamlined process to get you back into your office sooner.

Types of office fitouts

The time an office refit takes from concept to completion varies depending on what you’re looking for.

A commercial office fitout can be as simple as fresh paint and new furniture, or as comprehensive as a full fitout construction, including kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Furniture Fitout

(1-3 days)

A furniture fitout is relatively low effort (and cost) but it can still significantly refresh the look and feel of your space.

Additions like modern, ergonomic desks, chairs, and storage solutions can make workers more comfortable, reduce clutter, and transform how your team works. This fitout option has a relatively low time commitment, and with proper planning, shouldn’t take more than a few days.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations

(3-6 weeks)

Office kitchen & bathroom often get overlooked but are essential for keeping your employees happy. Upgraded fixtures, energy-efficient appliances, and stylish finishes can go a long way in making these areas more inviting and functional.

While workspaces may remain untouched, the office will likely still need to be vacated– the length of time depends on the scale of the work, but you can expect to be out of the office for at least a few weeks.

Partition installations

(2-5 days)

Installing office partitions is a great way to get the most out of a small space or create quiet zones in an open-plan office. Like a furniture fitout, this option is straightforward and shouldn’t take more than a few days.

Office refresh

(2-6 weeks)

If your office just needs a refresh without the hassle of major construction, then it’s possible to revitalise the existing space—think new lighting, updated decor, or a reconfigured layout.

You’ll get a modern, refreshed feel while keeping the bones of the office intact. The time commitment here is hard to predict, as it depends on your existing space and the scale of improvements you plan to undertake.

Turnkey renovation

(3-6 months)

This type of fitout covers everything from design and planning to construction, delivering a ready-to-use office with all the finishing touches.

It’s perfect if you want a seamless, hassle-free experience while still getting an entirely new workspace tailored to your needs. This method could mean tearing down walls, installing new infrastructure, and rebuilding everything from scratch.

It’s a bigger investment (in terms of time and budget) but perfect for businesses relocating or starting fresh with a bold new vision.

Factors that can influence how long an office fitout takes

– Condition of the office

One of the most time-influencing factors is whether you’re working with an existing space, or need to relocate.

If you’re looking to lease a new space, several things might slow you down, including whether the office is already sufficiently connected to services like water and power.

In either case, the current condition of the office will play a role – for example, a bare bones structure will be faster to fitout than a space that needs to be stripped.

– Size and complexity

It goes without saying that a large office takes more time to fitout than a small office, but this is just one of several factors.

A small office with a highly complex , segmented setup will still run a longer timeline than a larger, open plan office.

Depending on the type of business, you may be interested in high tech features like automation, huddle spaces with plug and play technology like built-in screens, or renewable energy integration. These tech updates, while worth doing, are likely to increase the project’s timeline.

– Lead times

Whether furniture is being manufactured locally, or will need to be shipped from overseas, the (sometimes unpredictable) availability of materials like lumber, and the additional time taken to create custom pieces like window frames, can all impact how long any given project takes. If materials with long lead times can be ordered early in the process this will drastically reduce the timeline.

– Approval processes

The length of the approval process is impacted by whether you’re owning or renting your office space.

If you’re renting, you’ll need to obtain consent from the landlord. And either way, you’ll need a building permit from the council.

If you’re changing the use of the building, or making changes to the exterior, this will require a development application, which can take a significant amount of time to obtain.

Phases of an office fitout

– Planning and design

(4-8 weeks)

The planning and design phase matters most since it establishes the framework for the entire fitout project. At this stage, the client’s needs, as well as the available space, are evaluated. Then, a design that maximises efficiency and aesthetic value is created.

At Office Fitout Group, we take your ideas and blend them with our experience to offer innovative design solutions. We then discuss these possibilities together, achieving the final design and making any corrections so it is consistent with your vision.

– Quoting and establishing contract

(1-3 weeks)

Once the design is finalised, the next step is to provide a detailed quote and establish contracts. This phase includes outlining the scope of work, materials to be used, and the timeline for completion.

Office Fitout Group believes in transparency with all our clients, so we’ll provide you with a budget and timeline projections early in the process. This ensures there are no surprises, and you have a clear understanding of both the costs involved and the expected completion date.

– Approvals

(4-6 weeks)

Before construction can begin, all the necessary approvals from local government and building management are obtained. This may include permits for structural changes, electrical work, and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Our experienced team at Office Fitout Group handles all the paperwork and liaises with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth approval process.

– Construction Phase

(8-12 weeks)

With approvals in place, construction can begin. This stage includes the actual change of the office space, such as demolition (if necessary), partition installation, electrical and plumbing work, and furniture and fixture setup.

At Office Fitout Group, we coordinate all parts of the construction process to limit disruption to your company activities.

– Final Inspection & Handover

(2-4 weeks)

Once construction is complete, both tradespeople and interior designers will conduct final checks. While you might be eager to get back into your new workspace, these inspections ensure that everything is up to scratch.

This can include, but is not limited to :

• Water pressure testing, including checking for leaks
• Air quality checks to ensure proper ventilation
• Checking that doors and windows open, close and lock properly
• Ensuring all electrical outlets, switches and fixtures are working
• Verifying that emergency lighting is functional, and that sprinklers and fire alarms are connected
• Clearing the workspace of any remaining construction material like nails or debris

From concept to completion

planning, design, building, and completion of a turnkey office fitout can differ substantially based on the project’s complexity, size, budget, and special requirements.

However, here’s roughly what you can expect for a full office fitout in Sydney :

1. Appoint a Commercial Real Estate Agent (1-2 weeks)
2. Workplace Consultancy (2-4 weeks)
3. Fit Factor, Space Planning & Building Appraisal (2-4 weeks)
4. Lease Negotiations (4-8 weeks)
5. Select and Appoint a Contractor (2-3 weeks)
6. Design & Budget Development (4-6 weeks)
7. Furniture Review & Visits (2-4 weeks)
8. Furniture Procurement (6-10 weeks)
9. Construction (8-16 weeks, depending on scope)
10. Furniture Installation (1-2 weeks)
11. Relocation to New Office (1-2 weeks)
12. Occupation (Immediate, post-relocation)
13. Continued Support (Ongoing)

Don’t want the disruption, but interested in the results?

Talk to us today about renovation without relocation. Our experts will work with you to create a beautiful space, without interrupting the workday.

Top tips to ensure your office fitout goes smoothly

– Plan Ahead : We recommend starting the planning process early to allow plenty of time for office fitout design, approvals, and construction.

– Set a Realistic Budget : To minimise any disruptions, be clear about your budget, even in the early stages of the planning process. Our team can help by guiding you through a breakdown of costs.

– Communicate Clearly : Make sure the things that matter to you have been discussed early so your office design and refit can run smoothly.

– Partner with the Right Office Fitout Company : Our experienced team have a proven track record of delivering commercial office fitouts in Sydney, on time and on budget. You can check out our projects on our website.

How Office Fitout Group can help

At Office Fitout Group, we specialise in designing efficient, visually appealing spaces. We offer workplace design, office layout planning, office refurbishment, commercial fitout, medical fitout, and office remodelling.

We provide tailored customer experiences and ensure that all projects are executed to the highest standards, working with you collaboratively for a smooth and successful transformation.

Whether you’re focused on productivity, impressing potential clients, or employee wellbeing, your consultant is full of tips and tricks, from how to design a small office space, to the pros and cons of an open layout.

Explore our portfolio, and fitout services.

Or, get in touch with us today for a free quote on your next project.