Time and again, studies have shown that people work better, stay longer, and are overall happier in beautiful offices.
If you’re thinking about refreshing your work environment, or making a home somewhere new, you might be wondering if it’s worth the investment.
An office fitout is a significant investment, and although you’re likely to reap the rewards in the long run, the upfront investment is a major consideration.
So,
how much does an office fitout cost?
Deciding on a Budget
When it comes to office fitout budgets, you should start by assessing your priorities and the scope of the project. I
dentify significant works and bigger ticket items like layout changes, premium fixtures, and tech.
Accounting for office fitout costs also means factoring in expenses like design, labour, materials, permits, and contingencies for unexpected costs.
Ask yourself how much you can spend, and how much you’d like to spend.
You might have big dreams, and a budget to match, or a more conservative price range that will require some lateral thinking.
You want to consider :
– Main Purpose of Fitout
Do you want to modernise, increase space, adapt to hybrid working arrangements, or improve employee wellbeing? The scope impacts the costs.
– Level of Customisation
If you want to take your traditional office back to the studs and start again then that’s going to cost more than a coat of paint and some new furniture. Are you looking for a quick refresh, or a full-scale renovation?
– Additional Costs
This includes permits, design fees, relocation expenses, and potential downtime if your business can’t operate remotely.
– Setting Aside a Contingency
Construction projects often get off track, so it’s always best to set aside 10–15% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
Costs per square metre for a Sydney office fitout
The average cost for office fitouts in Sydney can vary significantly based on the size of the space and the level of finishes required.
Based on Office Fitout Group’s extensive experience, you can expect to pay:
- $300–$1,500 per square metre for a simple office refresh, depending on the extent of the work, and the materials and finishes chosen.
- $1,500–$6,000 per square metre for a full fitout, including floor plan design and building works.
Here are some more specific breakdowns of commercial fitout costs, based on the industry and type of work being completed.
Australian office fitout cost guide
| Fitout Type | Low ($/m²) | Median ($/m²) | High ($/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic
A functional space with essential workstations, some partitions, and minimal interior design. |
$600 | $700 | $800 |
| Open plan fit out
Budget-friendly, with shared workspaces, huddle areas, and no individual offices. |
$550 | $575 | $600 |
| Open plan with offices
A blend of open workspaces with a few private offices or meeting rooms. |
$750 | $800 | $850 |
| Mid-range fitout
Offers a mix of open and partitioned spaces, reception areas, and breakout zones with higher-quality finishes. |
$1,200 | $1,300 | $1,400 |
| Executive fitout
Top-of-the-line, often involving custom design, premium finishes, dedicated reception areas, and multiple floors. |
$1,400 | $1,700 | $2,000+ |
Costs per square metre for a Sydney office fitout by industry
| Industry | Low ($/m²) | Median ($/m²) | High ($/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General office | $1,200 | $2,100 | $3,000 |
| Medical centre | $1,800 | $2,650 | $3,500 |
| Law firm | $1,500 | $2,750 | $4,000 |
| Creative/ design studio | $1,300 | $2,100 | $3,000 |
Costs per square metre by type of work
| Type of work | Low ($/m²) | Median ($/m²) | High ($/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $450–$650 | $650–$950 | $950–$1,500 |
| Furniture | $150–$300 | $300–$600 | $600–$1,000 |
| AV & IT | $100–$250 | $250–$450 | $450–$800 |
| Security | $50–$150 | $150–$250 | $250–$500 |
| Total | $750–$1,550 | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,100 |
Tips to keep your office fitout costs under control
- Prioritise what matters to you. You’re likely to be disappointed if you blow the budget on a state-of-the-art kitchen, and then have to stretch yourself to get the thing you really wanted – ergonomic chairs.
- Consider scalability – if you anticipate your company growing, design an office that can be easily expanded so you don’t have to do another office fitout two to five years from now.
- Plan ahead – nothing causes a budget to spiral out of control like drastic last minute changes. Make sure you know what you want ahead of time, and have clearly communicated with your contractors.
- Partner with office fitout experts who can keep your project on schedule and on budget
Choose Office Fitout Group
At Office Fitout Group, we understand that an office fitout is a significant investment for any business.
Our goal is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible, delivering exceptional results that align with your vision and budget.
With our 20+ years of experience and expertise, we love creating workspaces that reflect our clients’ vision.
Our commitment to excellence, combined with our passion for innovative design and diverse space planning solutions, ensures that your office fitout not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
A well-designed office space is an investment in your business’s future. It can improve staff efficiency, boost workplace wellbeing, and create an environment that makes Monday the best day of the week.
Let us help with your office fitout in Sydney.
