Hidden Office Fit Out Costs Businesses Often Forget
A contractor’s headline quote usually covers construction. It’s everything around that quote — some of it contractual, some of it just easy to overlook — that catches businesses out.
Beyond the headline quote
Design fees, planning and building control costs, and project management fees are sometimes quoted separately from the core construction cost. Make sure you know exactly what’s included before comparing quotes from different contractors — a lower headline number sometimes just means less is included.
Dilapidations and landlord obligations
If you’re leaving a previous office, your lease almost certainly includes an obligation to return the space to its original condition, known as dilapidations. This cost is entirely separate from your new fit out and is frequently forgotten until a landlord’s schedule of dilapidations arrives.
IT, AV and connectivity
Data cabling, network infrastructure, AV equipment for meeting rooms, and connectivity installation (including lead times from providers) are sometimes treated as an afterthought to the construction budget rather than a core part of it. These costs add up quickly, particularly for hybrid-ready meeting rooms.
Furniture, signage and "last mile" costs
Furniture is sometimes budgeted separately from the fit out itself, and it’s a bigger number than people expect once desks, chairs, storage, breakout furniture and meeting room seating are all accounted for. Signage, branding elements and even small things like plants and window film also add up and are worth including in the original budget rather than treating as later extras.
