What exactly is an office fit out?
Whether you’re relocating to a new office space or upgrading your current workplace, chances are you’re familiar with the term fit-out. But what does it actually mean, and why does it matter for your business?
In this guide, we break down what an office fit out involves, why it’s important, how much it typically costs, and what steps are included. If you’re managing an office fit out project, especially for a growing team, understanding the process is what makes the difference between a smooth project and dealing with expensive setbacks.
What does office fit out mean?
An office fit out refers to the process of transforming an empty or shell space into a functional working environment. This can include everything from installing partition walls, suspended ceilings, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to selecting office furniture, configuring electrical systems, and applying interior finishes.
Why is an office fit out important?
An office fit out is important because it creates a space that supports productivity, wellbeing, and business growth. It allows you to customise your workspace to specific needs and preferences, making it more suitable for your wider team and their roles. Here are 5 reasons why office fit outs are important:
- They improve employee satisfaction through thoughtful layouts, ergonomic furniture, and comfort features.
- They create more opportunities for an integrated brand identity through custom commercial design and colour schemes.
- They improve health and safety compliance thanks to integrated fire alarms, security systems, and accessibility standards.
- They help create future-ready environments that accommodate technology integration, hybrid working, and sustainability goals.
- They use space planning to maximise available square footage without compromising comfort.
How much does an office fit out cost?
The cost of an office fit out depends on several factors, including the size of the space, the type of fit out (Cat A or Cat B), and the finishes you choose. Here’s a rough guide to office fit out costs (dependent on the state of the building):
- Cat A office fit outs can range from £30 to £70 per square foot.
- Cat B office fit outs typically range from £20 to £100+ per square foot.
Costs can also depend on:
- HVAC systems, plumbing systems, and electrical connections
- Premium office furniture or bespoke furniture manufacturers
- Structural upgrades like partition walls or biophilic design features
- Custom branding or lighting, and fixtures
What steps are involved in an office fit out?
A typical office fit out includes the following steps:
- Site survey and feasibility study: Understanding the space and finding opportunities and possible challenges.
- Space layout and planning: Optimising the space to better suit workflows and teams’ needs.
- Interior design: Choosing finishes, colours, materials, and ergonomic furniture.
- Technical design: Planning electrical systems, mechanical equipment, plumbing, fire alarms, and security systems.
- Construction work: Installing partition walls, ceiling work, lighting and fixtures, and other building elements.
- Project management: Coordinating timelines and quality checks throughout the timeline
- Final fit and testing: Furnishing, decorating, and testing all systems to guarantee full health & safety and building regulations compliance.
What are the different levels of an office fit out?
There are three main levels of office fit out, each with different levels of completion:
Shell & core office fit out
This is the base building structure with no interior finishes, services, or systems installed – essentially a blank shell.
Cat A office fit out
A Cat A office fit out provides the basic infrastructure needed to make a space more functional. This typically includes:
- Suspended ceilings
- Lighting systems
- HVAC systems
- Raised floors
- Basic electrical and mechanical installations
Cat B office fit out
A Cat B office fit out takes the space from functional to fully operational. This includes:
- Partition walls and office layout
- Office furniture and storage
- Branding elements and colour schemes
- Breakout spaces, kitchens, and meeting rooms
- Technology integration (AV, IT, cabling)
UK-made office fit out furniture from DBI Furniture Solutions
Whether you’re setting up a new workspace or giving your current one a refresh, we help you find the right furniture. Choose from a wide variety of premium, UK brands like Senator and Identity, with everything from desks and chairs to storage and breakout seating. Most products are ready to ship, so you can get your office up and running without delay. Explore our range today!
Fit-out FAQs
What is the meaning of fit out?
A fit out refers to the process of making an interior space ready for use. In a commercial setting, this typically means installing vital infrastructure to turn an empty or unfinished office space into a more functional workplace.
What is an example of a fit out?
An example of a fit out would be when a company moves into a new office space that’s functional but empty with basic finishes (Cat A). The business then adds everything it needs, like desks, seating, meeting rooms, and branding, customising the space to their liking. (Cat B).
What is the difference between a fit out and renovation?
The key difference between a fit out and a renovation is that a fit out involves finishing or furnishing a new or empty interior space, while a renovation refers to updating or improving an existing, already-occupied space. Both processes involve similar elements, but a fit-out typically starts with a blank slate, whereas a renovation changes what is already there.