A commercial fitout quote should provide a detailed breakdown of the Category B scope, including partitions, joinery, and building services. It must clearly define what is included to avoid unexpected costs during construction.
The most expensive mistake a business owner can make is assuming a cost is covered when it is not explicitly written in the quote.
What is included in a Category B fitout?
Category B covers the tenant specific elements such as branded reception areas, custom joinery, breakout zones, and glass partitions. These items differ from the Category A base build, which only provides basic floors, ceilings, and lighting. Progressive Corporate’s experience shows that clearly defining these elements prevents costly variations after the contract is signed.
Which building services drive the most cost?
Building services include HVAC zoning, electrical distribution, data cabling, and plumbing for kitchens or extra bathrooms. In older Melbourne buildings, these services are often tired or non compliant and require full replacement. You must ask specifically if the quote includes upgrading electrical capacity or modifying air conditioning zones to avoid budget blowouts.
What costs often fall outside the fitout quote?
Many quotes exclude IT equipment, external signage, and relocation costs. Temporary accommodation and post handover defects also require separate funding. These items are part of the total project budget, not the construction quote, and must be budgeted for separately to avoid financial stress.
How to verify if a quote is accurate?
Compare at least three quotes based on the exact same scope and design brief. A correct brief must identify headcount and required room types before you call a contractor. We recommend holding back 10 to 15 percent as a contingency buffer so that project surprises do not become financial crises.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a warm shell and a cold shell?
A warm shell has basic services like power and air conditioning installed. A cold shell is a bare space that requires a full services installation from scratch.
Does a fitout quote usually include furniture?
Furniture and workstations are often a separate budget line from the construction works. Always check if the quote includes specific furniture or if this is a separate procurement cost.
Why do quotes vary so much between different companies?
Price gaps usually occur because contractors are quoting on different finish levels. A quote for flat pack joinery is significantly cheaper than one for custom built cabinetry.
Questions to ask your fitout company before you sign
- Is the quote based on a Category A or Category B scope of work?
- Does the building services allowance include upgrades to existing HVAC and electrical capacity?
- What is the specific process for managing variations once the project programme has started?