Office fitouts in Melbourne typically cost between $550 and $3,000 plus GST per square metre. The final price depends on whether you require a basic open plan setup or a high end executive fitout.
Total project costs are driven by the level of custom joinery, partitioning requirements, and necessary services modifications.
Budget vs Premium Fitout Costs
Open plan budget fitouts range from $550 to $600 per square metre. These layouts use budget workstations and huddle booths to avoid the costs associated with authority approvals and fire services modifications. Executive fitouts cost between $2,800 and $3,000 per square metre. These include prestige reception areas, custom joinery, and stone benchtops.
Mid Range and Hybrid Options
A mid range fitout costs between $1,200 and $1,400 per square metre. This option includes custom designed reception counters, high end meeting rooms, and carpet tile flooring. For businesses needing more privacy on a budget, an open plan layout with a few private offices costs $750 to $850 per square metre.
Hidden Costs and Budget Buffers
Construction costs are only one part of the total expenditure. You must also account for furniture, IT equipment, signage, and relocation expenses. Progressive Corporate recommends holding back a 10 to 15% contingency buffer for unexpected surprises during the build.
How to reduce fitout expenditure
Using modular furniture and buying direct from manufacturers reduces the middleman markup. You can also lower costs by prioritising high traffic areas like reception and saving on back office finishes. Progressive Corporate provides free design consultations to help you establish a layout before you commit to a lease.
Frequently asked questions
What is a turnkey fitout?
A turnkey fitout is a fully managed service covering design, furniture, partitions, and installation. You hand over the keys and receive a finished office ready for use.
How long does a fitout take?
Timelines vary by size, with small offices taking 1 to 2 weeks and large projects taking 6 to 16 weeks. The design and approval phase adds additional time before construction starts.
When should I hire a fitout specialist?
You should bring in a specialist before signing a lease. They can identify old building services that need replacing or compliance issues that will affect your budget.
Questions to ask your fitout company before you sign
- What is included in the quote regarding labour, furniture, and installation?
- Does the floor plate suit my intended layout and headcount?
- Are there old building services in the space that require immediate replacement?