Office Fitouts Vs Office Refurbishments - Which Is Better?
Part of the: Office Fitout Collection
If you're not familiar with construction industry terms, you may easily confuse an office fitout with a renovation. It's common to encounter the phrases used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing.
Below is an explanation of the two terminologies to help you grasp the distinction. If you're about to embark on a project, this will save you from embarrassment and allow you to easily convey your ideas to fitout and design professionals.
The Office Fitout
Simply described, an office fitout is the process of converting a vacant interior into usable space. Several sorts of fitouts occur at various phases of the process.
The first phase is called Shell and Core. It pertains to the establishment of the fundamental construction before the use of the area, which often comprises lobbies, elevator shafts, masonry and metal frames, and mains water systems.
Next comes the CAT A office refit. This is the fundamental finishing of the building's interior that is normally commissioned by the landlord. Suspended ceilings, partition walls, air conditioning, and toilets are all examples of this. When finished, the facility will be a clean slate ready to be put up for sale to find a tenant.
Finally, the space will undergo CAT B office fitout once a tenant has been found. At this point, the interior design of the space is adjusted to the tenant's specific demands and style. Furnishings, décor, space design, branding, finishing, and breakout rooms are all included.
The CAT B fitout is the most similar to a refurbishment, but it is not the same concept.
The Office Refurbishing
A commercial office refurbishment takes place later on when the area is already in use. Often, the workplace has been occupied for several years or longer, necessitating a refurbishment or re-design.
A corporation may require a refurbishment for a variety of reasons, such as:
- when there are internal changes, such as when tenants may be seeking to hire additional people and will require new space design, furnishings, and equipment to accommodate them,
- when the tired interiors are showing, or when the space appears worn and antiquated, it needs to be updated. A renovation at this point might be critical in keeping and recruiting competent staff, or
- when a rebranding is happening, as a refurbishment provides a chance to adopt fresh branding. This is essential for ensuring consistency across all marketing aspects and may aid in the creation of a brand experience for workers and visitors.
The extent and complexity of a renovation are determined by the tenant's budget and needs. While it comes as no surprise that a greater budget will allow you to indulge in more amenities, a smaller budget may also go a long way. A new carpet and a fresh coat of paint during office refurbs may completely transform a space and enhance staff morale.
So, what Is the Difference Between Fit Out and Refurbishment?
To summarise, an office fit-out is the process of transforming a concrete "shell" into a liveable area. It unfolds in stages, starting with shell and core, then CAT A, and finally CAT B, before a tenant moves in.
A renovation of a workplace, on the other hand, occurs later. It usually occurs when the area is appearing weary and antiquated, or when it has to be modified to allow transformation.
Therefore, the long-short of it is no, there is no one better than the other. It all depends on the point of time and the needs of the space.
