The Cost of an Office Fit Out in 2024
As you look to relocate your business or refurbish your workspace, considering the cost of a new fit out will be essential. There can be significant variation in the scope of different fit out projects, including the nature of the design, the space itself, and the requirements of the business. This article aims to familiarise you with the various costs associated with an office fit out in 2024, providing estimates for different levels across various aspects of fit out. While these estimates fit a general pattern of fit out cost, it’s important to remember that every project is unique.
Cost Analysis
|
Cost per sq ft (£) |
Low |
Medium |
High |
|
Fees |
2.00 |
3.00 |
4.00 |
|
Preliminaries |
4.00 |
5.00 |
6.00 |
|
General building |
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
|
Acoustic finishes |
0.00 |
1.00 |
4.00 |
|
Partitioning |
9.00 |
15.00 |
20.00 |
|
Ceilings |
2.00 |
3.00 |
5.00 |
|
Floors |
5.00 |
8.00 |
12.00 |
|
Decorations |
1.00 |
2.00 |
4.00 |
|
Joinery |
5.00 |
8.00 |
14.00 |
|
Signage, blinds |
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
|
Mechanical services |
10.00 |
15.00 |
20.00 |
|
Electrics and lights |
7.00 |
10.00 |
14.00 |
|
Data cabling |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Security |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Fire systems |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Fit Out Cost |
50.00 |
75.00 |
110.00 |
|
Furniture |
16.00 |
20.00 |
30.00 |
|
Audiovisual & IT |
4.00 |
5.00 |
10.00 |
|
Project Cost |
70.00 |
100.00 |
150.00 |
The project cost might also be significantly affected by the region that you’re choosing to build in. The figures below outline regional fit out costs, expressed as a percentage difference from central London:
|
City |
Low |
Medium |
High |
|
London |
0% |
0% |
0% |
|
Berlin |
9% |
-6% |
-15% |
|
Dublin |
-4% |
-10% |
-14% |
|
Stockholm |
-1% |
-16% |
-22% |
|
Manchester |
-16% |
-16% |
-16% |
|
Birmingham |
-21% |
-21% |
-21% |
|
Luxembourg |
-20% |
-21% |
-14% |
|
Brussels |
-21% |
-23% |
-18% |
|
Paris |
-20% |
-24% |
-15% |
|
Glasgow |
-25% |
-25% |
-25% |
|
Amsterdam |
-21% |
-26% |
-28% |
|
Lisbon |
-21% |
-27% |
-29% |
|
Rome |
-26% |
-28% |
-32% |
|
Madrid |
-25% |
-29% |
-29% |
Differences in Fit Out Levels
As is evident from our table above, there can be a dramatic difference in cost per sq ft between the different levels of fit out.
A lower budget fit out achieves a conventional and functional design. It generally creates open-plan spaces, with a low level of intervention in the base build systems. The space is fitted with functional furniture and AV adequate for meeting rooms, though specialist finishes are kept to a minimum.
Medium budget fit outs generally create bolder and more bespoke office designs with heightened attention to detail, and more innovative design solutions. These offices generally require more cellularisation, which may involve adaptations to the base build. Joinery and specialist finishes might be included throughout the workplace, as well as high-quality furniture for the front of house, meeting rooms and reception. These mid-level fit outs can be both budget-friendly and incredibly powerful revitalising processes for businesses.
High budget fit outs create premium office spaces, with all the innovations, features and systems you would expect from a high spec workspace. All specifications are raised for aesthetic and performance purposes. Significant acoustic design solutions reduce reverberation. The space is filled with high quality furniture, bespoke joinery, specialist finishes, and AV systems are installed beyond just meeting rooms.
What Affects the Cost of an Office Fit Out?
The table shows the various considerations that go into budgeting an office fit out. There are, however, many factors that might affect the cost of your next fit out.
One of the most influential factors is whether you’re opting for a design and build or a traditional procurement. Working with a design and build firm will establish fixed costs right from the initial design phase, whereas in a traditional procurement, cost certainty is only achieved later in the process. The design and build route can be a great option in that regard – it’s also a quicker, simpler, and more flexible process.
Location is another factor that might greatly influence cost, beyond the significant regional differences in the table above. Different areas within the city have drastically different associated costs. Consider the area that you’re planning on moving to, as well as the building itself. Does the building need to undergo structural changes? If the building does require structural renovation – perhaps to add additional walls, doorways, stairwells, etc – costs will inevitably rise. What are your size requirements? Engaging in a workplace consultancy exercise to generate space usage data can be key to understanding the needs of your own business, helping you to choose a new space that will allow for growth and development.
Additionally, the scope of the project is a large factor in determining the overall cost of the fit out. Does the project aim to build a brand-new high spec space from a blank canvas, or does it aim to tweak or update an existing space according to the developing needs of your business?
Mechanical and electrical, AV and IT are always areas of potential expenditure. M&E is generally straightforward, but AV and IT can vary widely depending on your requirements.
For more information on the fit out process and various elements that go into an office fit out, check out our guide.
Your Next Office Fit Out Starts Here
There’s no one-size-fits-all guide to the cost of an office fit out, as each individual requirement is unique. Engaging a professional team early is crucial and will assist in the preparation of an appropriate budget.
As the UK’s leading, award-winning design and build firm, we have over thirty years of experience delivering extraordinary office spaces. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next office fit out.