Office fitout costs in Melbourne typically range from $550 to $3,000+ per square metre plus GST. The final price depends on the fitout level, from basic open plan layouts to high end executive environments.
The total cost per square metre is driven by the level of specification and the existing condition of the base building.
What factors drive the cost per square metre?
Total cost is determined by the floor area and the specific shape of the floor plate. Narrow or awkward layouts often waste materials and increase construction labour. A 10 to 15% contingency buffer is recommended to cover unexpected surprises.
Standard Melbourne fitout cost ranges
Budget open plan fitouts cost $550 to $600 per square metre and use refurbished workstations with screen dividers. Open plan layouts with private offices cost $750 to $850 per square metre. Mid range options cost $1,200 to $1,400 per square metre, while executive fitouts reach $3,000 per square metre.
Category A versus Category B requirements
Category A is the landlord base build which includes suspended ceilings, basic lighting and air conditioning. Category B is the tenant fitout that adds partitions, furniture and branding. Moving into a warm shell costs less than a cold shell because basic services are already connected.
Regulatory and compliance costs
Commercial construction in Victoria requires a registered building practitioner issued by the VBA. This is necessary to secure building permits and authority approvals before construction begins. Adherence to the National Construction Code is required to reach practical completion.
Practical ways to reduce expenditure
Using modular furniture reduces initial spend and allows for easy reconfiguration as the team grows. Buying direct from the manufacturer and reusing existing chairs or desks also cuts costs. Progressive Corporate recommends staged fitouts to spread expenditure and design consultations to identify service issues before a lease is signed.
Expected timelines for delivery
The time to complete a fitout depends on the size of the office. Small offices under 50 square metres take 1 to 2 weeks, while medium offices take 3 to 6 weeks. Large or complex projects over 200 square metres can take 6 to 16 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is a turnkey fitout?
It is a fully managed service covering design, furniture, partitions and installation. The client receives a move in ready office.
Does a budget fitout include a reception?
Open plan budget fitouts usually do not have a formal reception area. They prioritise workstations and huddle booths for quiet areas.
How does a warm shell affect the budget?
A warm shell has basic services like power and air conditioning already installed. This makes it significantly cheaper than a base build fitout.
Questions to ask your fitout company before you sign
- Is the quote inclusive of labour, furniture and installation?
- Does the space require a building permit or authority approval before construction starts?
- What specific items are provided by the landlord as part of the Category A fitout?