Creating a budget for your office fit out

One of the most difficult yet important decisions of any office fit out is deciding on the final budget. From an initial quote to the final finishing touches, a lot goes into the fit-out process and there can be a number of challenges and hidden costs along the way. 

In order to set a realistic budget and estimate just how much your business needs to spend, understanding the process is key. Covering the initial space planning to commercial interior design, this guide can help you decide just how much a full office fit out could cost you. 

Deciding on your final budget can come with a number of questions and concerns. How much space do you need? Where will your business be in 3 years’ time? Are you happy with your company branding? One of the first steps in determining the budget is to discover exactly what the business needs in terms of space, layout and functionality. 

Here are a few key aspects to consider when deciding on an office fit-out budget 

Although each building and business will have different features, measurements, requirements and outcomes, there are a number of construction fees that nearly always pop up during the office fit-out process. Although it’s extremely difficult to know exactly how much you’ll be spending, you can expect fees in the following areas.

Hard costs will take up the majority of your project fees, averaging 75% to 85% of your budget. This involves mainly construction development but varies greatly including walls, electrical and plumbing, HVAC systems, framework, furnishings, partitions and safety equipment, decorations, paint and branding, ceiling work and mechanical. 

In simple terms, soft costs do not include any physical changes to the property but are still directly linked to the fit out process. These costs cover expenses and services such as architectural design, engineering, permit fees, legal documents, outsourced designers and financing. 

Vendor costs refer to a range of miscellaneous costs that may surface during the office fit out process. Ranging from 5% to 20% of an overall budget, vendor costs include tasks such as cabling, security, relocation and signage and can differ from project to project. 

With any budget, there should always be spares for unexpected expenses, especially if the property is old or hasn’t undergone construction for a long time. This allowance will cover any unexpected costs or issues such as damage, plumbing work and extra resources. 

Whether you are getting an office fit out because the company is growing or you’re looking for a re-brand, there are certain parts of an office that are crucial for overall success, customer satisfaction, employee productivity and safety, all of which must be considered when planning the budget. 

Office space is often a first impression for new clients, visitors and potential employees. The design of an office should reflect business goals, values and culture through the use of colour, layout, branding and atmosphere. When planning an office fit out, the design will be something considered throughout and will greatly affect the overall cost.

With technology playing such a huge role in today’s world, most industries are now implementing modern office technology into their spaces. It’s important to ensure your new office space is equipped with all the right devices, all of which will adhere to the current needs of a modern-day employee. Whether you’re looking for a fully smart office or just want to implement more collaborative working, new technology will most likely be considered during the fit-out process. 

Have a read through our workplace technology guide for more of an in-depth understanding of the role technology plays in modern-day business.

Many companies across the globe are taking on the responsibility of becoming a sustainable workplace and meeting their ESG targets. This includes using sustainable materials through office design, investing in energy-efficient equipment and creating spaces that promote health and well-being. 

Read more on building a sustainable office.

Employees spend a significant amount of time at their desks so ensuring their environment is comfortable and safe is key. A lack of ergonomic design can affect productivity levels, physical health and general happiness at work, so is something which must be considered during the fit out process when choosing furniture and layout. Take this opportunity to invest in more modern furniture solutions such as standing desks, outdoor office spaces and collaborative workstations. 

Looking to create a new, modern workspace for your employees to thrive in and turn your old workplace into a place of opportunity?

ACI are office fit-out contractors based in Nottingham, covering the whole of the UK including Derby, Birmingham, Leicester, Milton Keynes and Manchester. We’ve created a wide range of office design solutions for our clients across many different industries. Our work is completely tailored to each client, so whether you know exactly what you have in mind or if you’d like our experts to point you in the right direction you’re in the right place.

Give us a call on 0115 939 7572 or drop us an email with your project enquiry and we’ll be in touch.