Office Refurbishment Checklist
A refurbishment brings extra planning considerations beyond a standard fit out, mainly because of the occupied-space factor. Here’s what to have sorted before work starts.
Assessing what actually needs to change
Get a proper assessment of what’s cosmetic versus what’s a genuine underlying issue, particularly with M&E systems, before finalising scope. This changes both budget and how disruptive the works will be.
Budget and approvals
Confirm budget range and internal sign-off process early, with a realistic contingency given that refurbishment of existing space often reveals issues that weren’t visible before work started.
Planning around occupied space
Decide early whether the refurbishment will be phased around staff, or whether a temporary relocation makes more sense for the scope involved. This decision shapes the whole programme.
Timeline and communication with your team
Set realistic expectations with staff about disruption and timeline before work starts, particularly for anything noisy or disruptive scheduled during working hours. Clear communication in advance prevents most of the frustration that occupied refurbishments otherwise generate.
