Commercial office fitouts in Melbourne typically cost between $550 and $3,000 plus GST per square metre. The final cost depends on the specification level, ranging from basic open plan setups to high end executive environments.
The total budget must account for construction as well as furniture, IT equipment, and a 10 to 15 percent contingency buffer.
Cost per square metre by fitout type
Budget open plan setups cost $550 to $600 per sqm and avoid expenses like authority approvals and fire service modifications. Options including a few private offices cost $750 to $850 per sqm. Mid range options are the most popular choice at $1,200 to $1,400 per sqm and include custom reception counters and glass partitions.
What defines an executive fitout
Premium environments cost between $2,800 and $3,000 per sqm. These projects feature stone benchtops, high quality timber veneers, and bespoke reception areas to attract top staff. The design is often flexible to allow for sub-leasable tenancies if the business grows.
Hidden costs beyond construction
Total project costs include more than just construction. Budgets must account for furniture, IT equipment, signage, and relocation. Progressive Corporate recommends holding back a 10 to 15 percent buffer for unexpected surprises encountered during the build.
When to engage a fitout specialist
Bring a specialist in before signing a lease to identify old building services or compliance issues. Progressive Corporate helps clients evaluate if a floor plate suits their intended layout before they commit to a space.
Frequently asked questions
What is a turnkey fitout?
It is a fully managed service covering design, furniture, and installation. The client receives a finished office ready for occupation.
How do open plan fitouts save money?
They reduce costs by avoiding partitioning, painting, and complex HVAC or fire service modifications. These spaces are also cheaper to reconfigure as a team grows.
What is the difference between a shell and full fitout?
A shell fitout is just the base build with no furniture or partitions. A full fitout includes everything required for a working office.
Questions to ask your fitout company before you sign
- Does the current building services infrastructure require replacement before the fitout begins?
- Will the proposed layout require authority approvals or building permits?
- How will the choice of partitions affect the make good obligations at the end of the lease?