Commercial office fitouts typically take 1 to 2 weeks for small offices under 50sqm, 3 to 6 weeks for medium offices from 50 to 200sqm, and 6 to 16 weeks for large or complex fitouts over 200sqm.
These timelines refer to the physical construction phase and do not include the time required for design and building approvals.
The impact of permits and approvals
Every commercial fitout in Victoria requires a building permit to ensure safety and legal compliance. Depending on the scope, you may also need fire engineering reports, accessibility compliance upgrades, or council planning approvals. These processes typically take 2 to 6 weeks to complete.
How urgency affects the budget
High urgency increases project costs because trades must work overtime and on weekends for penalty rates. Rushed decisions and expedited material shipping also drive up the final budget. Giving your contractor 3 to 6 months of lead time almost always results in a better fitout at a lower cost.
The role of the project programme
A project manager coordinates a long list of trades including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. A detailed project programme maps every task in the correct order to establish the final handover date. This ensures milestones are met and prevents costly delays.
Building condition and starting points
The starting state of the office significantly affects the construction schedule. A warm shell provides basic services like power and air conditioning, which speeds up the process. In contrast, a cold shell requires full services installation, which adds considerable time to the programme.
The defects liability period
The timeline extends beyond the physical build into the defects liability period. This phase usually lasts 3 to 12 months and allows the contractor to fix items listed on the final snagging list. This process ensures the space meets the exact agreed specification.
Relocation and operational handover
Coordinating the physical move and IT cutover is the final step in the timeline. Planning this carefully prevents downtime and ensures the team can connect to the internet immediately. Professional removalists and clear team communication are essential for a smooth transition.
Planning your timeline with Progressive Corporate
Progressive Corporate suggests a free design consultation to finalize the layout before construction starts. Securing internal sign-off from stakeholders at this stage prevents expensive variations during the build.
Frequently asked questions
Does the design phase happen during the construction timeline?
No, the design and approval phase adds additional time before any physical work begins on site.
Why do larger fitouts take significantly longer?
Projects over 200sqm are generally more complex and require more extensive coordination of trades and materials.
What is a snagging list?
It is a defects list created during the final walkthrough that the contractor is obligated to fix within the defects liability period.
Questions to ask your fitout company before you sign
- What is included in the quote regarding labour, furniture, and installation?
- Are design fees, structural engineering reports, and council permits separate or included in the project management fee?
- Is the building permit process clearly included in the scope of work in writing?