Fitout costs in Melbourne typically range from $550 to $3,000+ per square metre plus GST. The final price depends on the specification level, from budget open plan setups to premium executive environments with custom joinery.
Whether you start with a warm shell or a base build is the primary factor that determines your initial budget.
Cost differences between budget and mid range fitouts
Basic open plan fitouts cost $550 to $600 per square metre. These setups use budget workstations and huddles instead of built walls to avoid the cost of authority approvals and fire services modifications. This makes them the most cost effective option for startups needing a fast and flexible setup.
Budgeting for open plan setups with private offices
Open plan fitouts with a few private offices cost between $750 to $850 per square metre. This option uses modular workstation systems and off the shelf furniture to provide a middle ground for growing teams. It provides the privacy of meeting rooms and a small reception without the cost of a full mid range fitout.
What drives executive fitout pricing
Mid range fitouts cost $1,200 to $1,400 per square metre and include custom designed reception counters and high end meeting rooms. This is the most popular choice for Melbourne businesses that require a professional image without an executive budget. For corporate headquarters, premium fitouts cost $2,800 to $3,000 per square metre to provide prestige environments with stone benchtops.
Impact of Category A and Category B specifications
Category A is the landlord base build covering raised floors, suspended ceilings, and basic lighting. Category B is the tenant fitout, adding the partitions, furniture, and branding required for daily operations. Starting with a warm shell is significantly cheaper than starting with a cold shell that requires full services installation from scratch.
Factors that increase total construction costs
Total costs are driven by the total square metre area and the shape of the floor plate. Narrow or awkward floor plates waste more materials, whereas regular rectangular spaces are cheaper and easier to construct. Businesses can further reduce costs by using modular furniture, buying direct from manufacturers, or reusing existing desks and chairs.
Next steps for budget planning
Request a free design consultation from Progressive Corporate to establish a CAD floorplan and space plan before committing to costs. This ensures the layout is optimised for the floor area and prevents expensive variations during the construction programme.
Frequently asked questions
What is a turnkey fitout?
A turnkey fitout is a fully managed project where the contractor handles design and installation to deliver a move in ready office.
How does floor shape affect the budget?
An awkward or narrow floor plate wastes materials, making it more expensive to fitout than a regular rectangular space.
What is a make good?
A make good is the process of returning a tenancy to its original condition at the end of a lease.
Questions to ask your fitout company before you sign
- What exactly is included in the quote regarding labour, furniture, and installation?
- Does the proposed layout trigger the need for authority approvals or fire services modifications?
- Can the project be delivered in stages to spread the cost over time?