The majority of small business owners (some 70%) do not properly plan or budget for the fit out of their commercial office space, which can be a big problem when it comes to crunch time.
The fact is, fit-outs end up costing more and take a little longer than most people expect. When it comes to entering a commercial office space environment, landlords aren’t expected to provide anything other than the basics (e.g., the flooring, ceilings, lighting fixtures, air conditioning units, and all of the other common amenities). The rest of the office fit out costs, as they say, is up to you to figure out.
That means that all workstations, kitchenettes, partitioned office spaces, meeting rooms, break areas, internet connections, power outlets, telephone hook-up points, and all of the furniture in between, is your responsibility to arrange. Unless of course, you are moving into ready-made office space.
If you are looking to set up a new commercial office space for your business, we advise that you engage with a reputable and reliable office fit-out company so that you can secure the very best rates. If you are not entirely certain on costs (including any potential hidden fees), your commercial fit-out can soon fall apart and you may find yourself out of budget before crossing the finish line. Thus, it is paramount that you secure a contract with someone that you trust and who is completely up front with you regarding the entirety of the costs involved.
Yes, commercial office fit-outs can be expensive, but when executed properly, with a great workplace design, you can create an amazing working environment in which your employees can thrive, healthily and productively.
So, how much does a typical fit-out actually cost in Australia?
Typical Office Fit Out Costs In Australia
Typical office fit out costs really depend on the size and scale of your project. So, if you are looking for a very basic, 30 square metre office, you could be looking at somewhere in the region of $20,000 to $30,000. Then on the other hand, if your office space is looking to be some 100 square metres and you’d like to go all out with a lavish office space with all of the amenities, it could be upwards of $200,000.
Again, it is so difficult to offer the most accurate figure because there are so many differentiating factors involved:
- Which office fit-out company you work with
- How big the office space is
- What amenities and features you would like included
- What condition / state of completion the original real-estate was in
- How good your negotiating skills are
These are just a few of the factors that can influence the overall cost of your office fit out. In order to get the most accurate estimation, honestly, the best bet is to contact a trustworthy office fit outs company in Gold Coast and have them price the project up for you. You can have them come in, size up the space in question, and negotiate a final quote. Do that with a few choice contractors until you find a realistic number that you are happy with, and then you can proceed with the project as planned.
Average Office Fit Out Cost Per Square Metre In Australia
How much does the average office fit out cost per square metre? Realistically, most commercial fit-outs will set you back in the region of $500 and $2000 per square metre, for an average size office. Of course, it is difficult to provide an entirely accurate figure without fully understanding the scope of the project.
If you are only looking for basic workstations, phone, internet, and power connections, and a break area, then a budget of $500 per square metre is the most realistic, and about as close you will get to the true figure that you will likely end up having to pay.
However, for the more high-end interior design of commercial office fit outs, including fancy flooring, ceilings, lighting, air conditioning units, and a kitchenette for the break area, then the $2000 per square metre mark is more likely (including walls, joinery, in-office storage, planter boxes, a lounge area, and coffee tables).
Another thing to consider is that the smaller the office space, the more likely the rates will increase per square metre due to the economies of scale. With a larger office, you will be able to negotiate smaller rates per square metre. It’s all relative.
Conclusion
As we have established, the cost per square metre of an office fit out in Australia is reflected by the size and scope of your dream office. The more lavish you wish to go, the more it is going to set you back. So, if you are limited with budget for now, prioritize what you want in your office (i.e., quality work stations / ergonomic furniture), and then go from there. Don’t forget, you can always upgrade the office space down the line when your budget is more sizeable. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to set more realistic expectations for yourself and your employees.
Yes, having a new office fit out is exciting, but that’s no reason to go overboard and put yourself at risk of struggling financially. If you are feeling overwhelmed and would like to speak to an established office fit out company in the Gold Coast, so that you can get a clearer picture of what can be achieved with your budget, we recommend someone like Alpha Ceilings and Partitions. In any case, we wish you the very best of luck with your project!
