SHOP FITOUTS TIPS AND ARTICLES
What You Need To Know Before Your Next Office
Fitout
Office fitouts are always exciting, with thousands of office fit outs from Brisbane to the back of Bourke being carried out each and every year. Whether you are undertaking
anything from home office
fitouts, commercial fitouts or renovating office partitions,
there is something special about the smell of brand new materials
and fresh paint, not to mention how refreshing and motivating the
changes can be.
In the case of new businesses, this process
can be quite thrilling – an indication that you will soon be open
for business. For existing businesses, renovations and refurbishments
– complete with some new furniture – can do wonders for improving staff
morale, which in turn increases productivity.
Regardless of the type of office
fitout you are considering there’s usually a lot of skilful
organising that needs to take place, often with over 30 different
trades working together on an average 500m2 office design fit out.
This part of the process can be extremely daunting for anyone who
is not experienced with such a complex procedure – carefully planning,
scheduling and co-ordinating, then having to make adjustments if one
task is delayed for some reason. However with the right professionals,
office renovations are well worth the effort.
The typical order for an office renovation
procedure is:
Initial ideas and visions for office
design
The process for any type of renovation undoubtedly
begins with the client having ideas and visions for their overall
office design. Make sure you take into consideration things such as
the lighting, storage requirements and meeting rooms.
After the initial ideas have been drawn, the
layout or design for the office or showroom fitouts is reviewed,
preferably with all parties within the office. Doing this will reduce
the likelihood of requiring major variations – a challenging and expensive
task.
Sadly, some companies don’t allow you to make
changes whilst the office construction work is being carried out.
Others of us do accept changes, however it is a QBSA requirement that
all changes or variations be submitted in writing and that any change
in estimate is signed off before the change is implemented.
Source a professional project manager
Someone who is familiar with the building industry
may be able to self-manage an office or shop renovation project.
However if you are not familiar with the industry or are uncertain
as to the requirements or your ability to adequately manage the entire
project, it is best to source a professional project manager. It can
save you a lot of time, money, stress and costly errors in the long
run if you arrange for the builder, architect or designer to manage
the office refurbishment project for you. Cheap office
fitouts can soon become expensive if even the slightest
error is made.
Submit plans and gain appropriate approvals
It’s essential to obtain necessary approvals
to carry out a new office or shop fit out, including the submission
of plans and payment of fees. Office renovation plans will need
approval by the landlord or body corporate, private certifiers and
possibly fire services. Other third party approvals for the building
layout may also be required, depending on each individual project’s
circumstances.
Comprehensive proposal submitted
Next, the architect or designer will put forward
a detailed proposal. Tenders are called for using this proposal which
includes everything from the layouts right through to the suggested
colour schemes. At this stage you can also nominate any specific builders
you would like to use for the project.
Program or schedule issued
A program or schedule is issued outlining precisely
how the office construction work is to be carried out. It is important
to allow as much time as possible for the construction schedule. It
is also essential to agree on a regular payment scheme and prioritise
the decision making on project items.
Sign off and commencement of work
Once the necessary relevant paper work is signed
off it’s time for the work to begin. At this stage it is also a good
idea to nominate one person who will be the main point of contact
for each aspect of the project. It is important to make sure you keep
all site meeting appointments throughout the procedure too.
Whether you are considering refurbishments
from small office
fitouts, office partitions, office kitchen fit outs
or major renovations, careful planning and management is vital. Even
the most minor office furniture fitouts can be costly, therefore its
worth investing in professional management or advice to make sure
that the entire process is as straight-forward and carefree as it
possibly can be.
For all office
fitouts in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and beyond, complete our Online Enquiry form
and we will phone you back to discuss your specific requirements,
or call Adam Parker on 0418 257 301.
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