When it comes to executing a commercial office fit out, there are many complex moving parts to oversee. Poor management can, unfortunately, lead to significant business losses and unwanted legal ramifications. As leading specialists in fit outs here at Symmetry Commercial, we’re used to handling these complexities daily and are fully equipped to avoid such pitfalls.
In this office fit out guide, we’ll underline the critical aspects and regulations that ensure your office space meets the best practice workplace design standards.
What Is an Office Fit Out?
In simple terms, an office fit out is a project that transforms a space into a suitable corporate environment. Depending on individual client needs, there are generally two types of fit out, Cat A and Cat B.
Cat A Fit Out
Cat A fit outs create a ‘blank canvas’ space ready to be moved into. This type of fit out includes installing the building’s electrical and mechanical services. You can also expect air conditioning, essential fire system detections, grid ceilings, lighting, toilets and raised access flooring – but that’s it.
Cat B Fit Out
A Cat B fit out creates a fully operational workspace with all the finishing decorative touches. Depending on each client’s unique specifications, Cat B involves everything from building new rooms to choosing what hangs on the walls.
Think branded material and decor, cafes and kitchen areas, flooring, furniture, partitions and doors. Any bespoke facility requested by the client will also be part of the design and build.
The Process and Objectives
All office fit outs start with a vision and planning. During this stage, we look to define the project’s scope and objectives and evaluate needs before developing a budget and timeline that complies with regulations.
After planning comes design, an exciting stage involving producing initial layouts, technical drawings, lighting, and furniture plans. Once landlords, councils, and consultants grant the necessary permissions, the preliminary work and strip out can begin.
With a clean slate, next comes building essential infrastructure and services, followed by mechanical and electrical, which involves updating the power supply, installing air conditioning if requested, and lighting. If the fit out is Cat B, we go on to transform the space into a fully operational work environment ready for tenant move-in before commissioning and handover.
The look and feel of an office is the ultimate physical representation of your company’s culture and brand identity. A well-designed workspace is not just a brilliant productivity booster but also significantly improves overall employee wellbeing, helping you to retain top talent.
Key Requirements for Office Fit Outs in Australia
As with any commercial fit out, all works must adhere to the building’s specifications, codes, and other requirements of the building’s management team.
At Symmetry Commercial, we are fully versed in the approval processes for compliance with construction standards and regulations.
Building Regulations and Planning Permissions
Before any work can begin, the relevant bodies must grant permission. A building permit is a document you’ll need that verifies your proposed design complies with the building’s current regulations. Here in Victoria, approved permits are always granted by a privately contracted or town or city building surveyor. A building permit protects the business owner throughout the fit out process and ensures the work is registered, insured, and completed to code.
In most cases, the tenant, your company, will also need to obtain formal authorisation for the fit out from the landlord as stated in the lease. Lastly, you must contact your local council’s building or planning department to determine what additional permits and approvals you may require, as this can vary depending on your area.
Accessibility and Compliance Standards
Every workspace must be inclusive and accessible for all employees and visitors. The good news is that a granted building permit will ensure that your office fit out complies with the AS1428.1 2009 Design for Access and Mobility law and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA). These codes state that all doorways and corridors must be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, that there is adequate access to the building in the form of ramps, and that there is clear signage.
Our office designs and fit outs follow all government fire safety regulations as standard. Expect state-of-the-art alarm systems, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting that will activate in the event of a power outage or fire.
Finally, we guarantee that every workspace design complies with The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS).
Office Fit Out Best Practices for Compliance
Even if an office fit out appears straightforward and seamless, you can be sure that a lot is happening behind the scenes. An efficient and successful workspace transformation can’t happen without various professional consultations, from meetings with architects, external contractors, and office fit out compliance experts.
Regular inspections and audits during the fit out process, such as interviewing staff, reviewing documents and visually examining the worksite, ensure that the work aligns with health and safety regulations and company policies. They can also identify potential hazards before they impede the project and recommend ways to improve everyone’s welfare on-site.
Average Cost of Office Fit Outs in Australia
So, at this point, you may wonder, what is the average cost of an office fit out? In Australia, commercial fit outs generally range from $500 to $2,000 per square metre. For a basic fit out, typically a Cat A, costs can be as low as $500 to $800 per square metre.
An office fit out is one of the smartest financial investments you’ll make for your company, but ensuring you’re fully informed about the associated costs and elements is an absolute must before any project moves forward.
Cost Factors to Consider
As with all construction assignments, it’s crucial to budget effectively. Potential expenditure depends on many things, including the building’s condition, size and layout, services and utilities, furniture and fixtures, project management fees, and contingency funds.
Whilst there is no definite answer regarding the end costs, things such as timeline can significantly impact. For example, if you have a shorter timeline for the project, this may require more out-of-hours and weekend work, which may bump up the cost. Additionally, if you’re undertaking structural changes, chances are you’ll need a surveyor, structural engineer, and potentially an interior architect, too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Office Fit Outs
With so many office fit out guidelines, feeling overwhelmed is not surprising. Knowing in advance of the most frequently seen oversights and errors can set you on the right track.
- Lack of planning: Rushing into any project without a thought-through plan can spell disaster. You need to invest considerable time to determine the project scope and objectives and not veer off course. Collaborating with your contractor at every stage will save you from unforeseen structural or refurbishment setbacks.
- Improper budgeting: Don’t improvise your budget or make rash decisions as things unfold as the project progresses. Ensure you draw up a comprehensive budget from the start and agree to plans that align financially.
- Choosing an impractical layout: We understand that space planning is a fun and creative process, but getting carried away with unrealistic ideas will hurt the project in the long run. Your workspace design must be functional and logical, promoting productivity, wellbeing and inventiveness. Getting the balance right between aesthetically pleasing and practical is key.
- Overlooking the future: When you’re so focused on the office design and fit out in the now, it can be easy to forget about the future direction of the business. Is expansion on the horizon? Be sure that your current building project is flexible enough to accommodate your organisation’s ambitions.
Contact Us for Professional Guidance on Your Next Office Fit Out Project
As leading experts in office fit outs, we know exactly how to create effective and innovative workplaces that showcase your brand and foster high productivity and employee wellbeing.
With so much to consider, it’s vital that you choose an office fit out partner who can navigate the necessary building regulations for you. At Symmetry Commercial, we’re perfectly positioned to ensure compliance with legal requirements, safety standards, and best practices. Contact our team today to find out more or start the transformation process.