Office Fit Out Checklist: Everything Businesses Need Before Starting
The projects that run smoothly are almost always the ones where the groundwork was done properly before a contractor was even appointed. Here’s what should be sorted before you start.
Before you brief anyone
Have a realistic headcount figure (current and projected), a rough budget range, and a target move-in date. You don’t need exact numbers yet, but vague answers here lead to vague proposals back.
Budget and approvals
Know who needs to sign off spend, and at what stage. Fit outs stall when a design is agreed but budget approval hasn’t gone through internally — sort the approval chain before design starts, not after.
Space and headcount planning
Confirm desk ratios, meeting room requirements, and any specific space needs (quiet rooms, storage, specialist equipment). This should reflect how the business actually works day to day, not an assumption carried over from a previous office.
Timeline and dependencies
Check lease start dates, landlord licence-to-alter timelines, and any dependencies like IT infrastructure or furniture lead times. Long-lead items — bespoke joinery, certain furniture ranges — need ordering earlier than most people expect.
