How to Plan an Office Fitout

While an excellent office fitout has numerous benefits for the business and its employees, it can often prove to be a stressful project with a substantial amount of time and budget allotted to it. Careful planning is the first step in making sure that your office fitout project is a success. Here are some tips to help you plan your project.

1. Set project goals. Determine beforehand exactly what you want to achieve with your new office fitout. Do you want the office fitout to reinforce the branding of your business? Are you aiming to increase your employees' motivation and productivity by providing them with a better work environment? Keep a list of all your project goals. In this way, during and at completion of the project you can ensure your project goals are achieved.

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2. Keep a checklist. List down all the requirements you need to meet along with matching timelines. Do you need to purchase new office furniture and fixtures? Do you need an architect to look at your office layout? Do you need to talk to a real estate agent or consult with an office fitout contractor? List all of these tasks down to keep the fitout project organised.

You may need to have some fixtures installed after office hours to ensure your employees are able to work undisturbed during office hours. Include the schedules of installations or other such jobs in your checklist as well, for you to make sure that each aspect of the project is done on time.

3. Don't compromise on quality. There are many furniture and fixtures in the market today that vary in quality and cost. There is nothing wrong with trying to keep the costs of the project down, but searching the market for the lowest price can lead you to purchase items of poor quality. Check the quality first before considering the price. You will find that purchasing high quality furniture and fixtures will help you save on costs in the long run as these items will not need replacing or repair for several years.

If you need to cut down on costs, search your current office furniture for high quality items you can still use in your new office fitout. If they fit the theme, design and layout of your fitout, keep them.

4. Include items such as IT infrastructure, phone and power outlets, and storage cabinets in the office layout budget. It is often cost-efficient to include other updates to these systems along the new office fitout, just make sure these fixtures complement how the workstations and other furniture appear in the layout. You can also consult with your architect, IT manager and electrician to make sure that the positioning of all elements is correct.

5. Do research. There are various trends and innovations in office fitout design available, such as ergonomic furniture and modern furniture pieces that will enable you to maximise limited office space. To make sure you are selecting the most appropriate pieces and design for your office fitout project, do your research. Are you planning to relocate your office? Then research on the commercial area or building you are interested in. Make sure you are making informed choices in all the aspects of your project.

6. Consider safety first. Before starting the actual office fitout work, make sure you have addressed the safety requirements of the building including the placement of fire extinguishers, sprinklers, smoke detectors, exit signs and other safety equipment. Also consider the placement of non-slip floor surfaces and glass partitions. In this way, both employees and contractors are assured of their safety during construction of the new fitout.

7. Consult with a professional fitout contractor. Businesses who are trying to save on costs often make the mistake of undertaking the project by themselves, without the help of a professional. They end up going beyond their budget and deadline. Office fitout contractors can help you maximise your office space and give your office a professional look. They can help you make the best decisions for your office fitout.

How to Plan an Office Fitout

Peter Wormersley is the Director of Integrity Office, an office fitout Melbourne based company that has over 30 years of experience in providing and designing complete office fitouts and office furniture including workstations, desks, chairs, storage systems, reception and joinery furniture. Visit integrityoffice.com.au for more details, product reviews and tips on office furniture selection.