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Office fit outs create a tailored working environment based on specific business needs and employee working styles. In this blog, we go over what a true office fit out entails and why it’s important for businesses to have bespoke layouts.
Cecil Nurse offers a range of commercial office furniture to meet your business needs. Continue reading to learn more or browse our catalogue now to discover the perfect office furniture for your fit out.
An office design and fit out is more than just furniture placement – it involves transforming an interior space into a functioning work environment.
Generally, the space will start as a blank canvas. The walls and floors are there, but lighting, plumbing, an office layout and furniture are all added to create a workspace tailored to your unique business needs. This is often done by a commercial office fit out company that has the right knowledge and experience for executing these projects.
It’s important to note that an office fit out and refurbishment are not the same thing. An office refurbishment involves upgrading an existing space. A fit out, on the other hand, involves designing and fitting out a new office space with infrastructure and furniture. A bespoke office fit out is ideal for accommodating specific requirements and creating an optimal working environment where employees feel comfortable and accommodated. This, in turn, enhances productivity and boosts overall employee satisfaction.
Knowing what is included in an office fit out is key for determining costs and the duration of the project. There are different categories of office fit out services which involve different levels of work, ranging from structural basics to a complete office interior fit out.
Here’s an overview of the different fit out categories and what they include.
Shell & Core Fit Out
The shell and core category offers a completely customized structural layout, and is mostly undertaken by developers or landlords preparing a space for tenants.
Category A Fit Out
A Cat A office fit out will typically be done by a landlord before a tenant moves in.
Category B Fit Out
A Cat B office fit out is the most personalized option and is driven by specific client preferences.
An office fit out guide can help you better understand and plan for the different steps involved in a fit out project from start to finish.
Step 1: Project goals
Have a clear and defined plan as to why the fit out is being undertaken. Identify your overall goals for the project, as well as potential risks and estimated costs.
Step 2: Project brief and scope
Assess your space and try to identify any possible practical or technical constraints moving forward. Establish a project scope based on your business needs and top priorities.
Step 3: Budget and timeline
Determine your overall project budget, including a cost plan breakdown for construction, design and decor. Doing this at the start of your project creates allowances for contingency costs and helps you identify procurement requirements early.
Develop an estimated timeline for the project and organise workarounds for your employees during this period. Try to include some additional time to accommodate unforeseen delays.
Step 4: Design and planning
Plan your office layout and design based on your unique business needs and workplace dynamics. Make sure your design accommodates the possibility of future growth, as this will ensure your fit out is functional and cost effective in the long run.
Step 5: Finalise project specifics
Approve the final design and layout. Source materials, finishes and office furniture, and finalise project costs.
Step 6: Construction and installation
Construct your space and install all necessary technical infrastructure. Finish off with furniture, decor, and branding.
Step 7: Move in
Complete final inspections and ensure the office is ready for occupancy. Introduce your employees to the new space and ask them for initial feedback, so you can make any necessary final tweaks or adjustments.
Established in 1946, Cecil Nurse has been a leading office furniture provider for over 80 years.
We understand that an office fit out is specific to a business’s unique requirements. That’s why we offer an extensive range of office furniture that’s designed to suit every budget and style while supporting a collaborative and comfortable working environment.
Maximise your office fit out with our design and space-planning services. Explore now or contact our expert team for more information.
The cost of an office fit out varies from project to project, as each business has different requirements. According to the global Echinox Fit-Out Cost Guide, average office fit out costs in South Africa range from R2 800 to R5 000+ per m2 . However, please note that this is a general overview and factors such as project scope, location and compliance may influence overall office fit out costs per square foot.
The timeline for an office fit out varies based on how complex each project is, as well as the size of the space being fitted out. Generally, office fit out companies take between 6 and 14 weeks to complete small to medium projects, and may take up to 20 weeks for larger projects.
When looking for the right commercial office fit out company, it’s important to do your research. Here are some key things to consider.