Planning the perfect office fitout requires far more thought than how big the water cooler is going to be – so what are some tips and tricks for success?
What defines a “good” office often boils down to the needs of your business, the size of your workforce, and of course – your budget. A well thought out office space should be practical with all of the equipment required, but also a stress free and warm environment that’s inviting to both your staff and your clients.
So where do you start?
Eight Tips To Nail A Successful Office Fitout
Plan For The Future – Is the business framework that you have now what you want it to look like in ten years time? There’s nothing worse than an office that’s poorly planned, with too many people crammed into a space that’s too small for them. Return to your original business model, and try to project what expansion will look like further down the track.
Office Layout – Do you need a boardroom? What’s going to boost your team’s morale? Are you going to have hot desks or dedicated cubicles? This is also particularly relevant if your business is going to be expecting walk in clientele, as even your customers are going to need a space that’s allocated to be purely just for them (think reception area, waiting area, etc).
Safety First – The safety features of your office are often actually legal requirements, and should be given consideration long before the renovation actually gets started. Make sure you don’t forget things like smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, exit signs and even sprinklers. Non slip floor surfaces are also a good idea when thinking long term.
Technology – Often overlooked, how are your internet and office systems going to run? In the 90’s, a large (and dingy) room to store all of the internal servers was a non negotiable. These days, we’ve advanced to WiFi and cloud based technology – however this is also another big one to factor in before any of the refit is underway.
Sustainability – Nobody likes an astronomical power bill every quarter, so it’s important to remember that the investments you make now in your office fitout will help to keep the bills in check further down the track – and you’re helping to save the planet. Things to consider usually include heating, ventilation, light, and your overall energy output.
Quality Furnishings – As much as everyone loves a bargain, poor quality furnishings may end up costing you more in the long run. If you still have some inclusions from your previous office, don’t be afraid to bring these with you into the new office refit if they are still in good shape. Investing in ergonomic chairs will also help to keep your staff healthy – and happy.
Time Frame – Exactly how long do you have to get your office refit done and dusted? Be realistic and transparent with your builder, as cutting it too close will not only blow out your budget – but your stress levels will skyrocket. Keep the communication lines open with your tradies to make sure that everyone’s on the same page.
Keep A Budget – Even with the very best pre-project planning, just about any renovation will face the occasional hiccup. Do your best to assemble a well thought out budget with your renovation partners, but then leave a little extra in the kitty in case of emergencies. Your future self will thank you for it.
How To Choose A Reputable Builder For An Office Fitout
When sourcing a reputable operator to see your office fitout right through to the finish line, it’s important to do your research. Start collecting examples of previous renovations that you like – many construction companies can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? A quality tradesman will only be too happy you work that they’ve already completed.
Another mark of a quality construction company is that they are happy to work with you. Ultimately, they’re getting paid to ensure your vision and goals are brought to life – so if you’re happy, they’re happy.
An example of a reputable operator for end to end office fitouts is Brisbane based Kibo Constructions. Lee Bourke and the team offer a unique “concept to creation” approach, and have extensive experience in commercial and hospitality refits and fitouts. If you know that there’s an upcoming project coming up for you, your brand or your business, then the team at Kibo can happily provide a quote – and you might just be pleasantly surprised with the result.