Office Refurbishment & Fit Out Costs in London

There are a lot of options when it comes to office fit-outs and refurbishments, even if you are only planning on creating a basic office with a simple office design.

There’s the task of choosing office furniture and space planning, and the joy of having the freedom to completely transform your existing office space, creating the perfect work environment for employees. Of course, this all comes at a price, which is why it’s so important to fully understand the cost of fitting out an office.

Below, we have taken a look at average office refurbishment costs in London.

Average Costs for an Office Refurbishment

Office refurbishment costs in London can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the space, the scope of work, the quality of materials and finishes, and the level of customisation required. This makes it hard to give an exact figure for a project, without knowing the finer details of what’s required.

Before you speak to a tradesperson and ask for a bespoke quote, you can get a rough idea of how much you are likely to spend by looking at average costs.

Total Costs

On average, office refurbishments in London can range from £50 to £150 per square foot. For a small office space of around 1,000 square feet, this is around £50,000 to £150,000. However, for larger office spaces or projects requiring structural changes or high-end finishes, the cost is likely to be a lot higher.

Cost per Square Foot

It’s difficult to give an exact cost for an office refurbishment, as there are a number of varying factors that come into play. But, as a rough guide, you should expect to pay around £19 per square foot for a low-specification renovation, focusing on light touch-ups to the space. This increases to £24 per square foot for a mid-touch refurbishment, and £80 per square foot for a full strip out and fit out.

If you want to opt for a mid-spec refurbishment, these prices increase to £24 per square foot, £39 per square foot and £127 per square foot respectively. If you choose a high-spec office refurbishment, you should expect to pay up to £188 per square foot for a full strip out and fit out.

Average Costs for an Office Fit Out

Office fit out costs in London can vary depending on factors such as the size of the space, the complexity of the project, and the quality of materials and finishes. This is why it’s a good idea to look at the average cost before getting started.

Total Costs

On average, office fit out costs in London range from £40 to £150 per square foot. For an office space of 5,000 square feet, the total cost of a fit out could range from £200,000 to £750,000.

Cost per Square Foot

You should expect to pay between £40 and £150 per square foot for an office fit out in London. This price can vary hugely, depending on the exact scope of the work, the materials being used and the customisation required.

Different Types of Office Refurb – Costs

There are three different types of office refurbishment; strip out and refit, mid-touch refurb and reconfiguration. We have explained the difference below.

Strip Out & Refit

For a complete overhaul involving stripping out the existing interior and refitting with new elements, the cost can range from £50 to £150 per square foot. For a 5,000 square foot office space, the total cost can range from £250,000 to £750,000.

Mid-Touch Refurb

For a moderate refurbishment involving updates to finishes, fixtures and furnishings, the cost can range from £30 to £100 per square foot. For a 5,000 square foot office space, the cost can range from £150,000 to £500,000.

Reconfiguration

For a refurbishment focused on rearranging the layout and space allocation within the existing office area, the cost can range from £20 to £80 per square foot. For a 5,000 square foot office space, the cost can range from £100,000 to £400,000.

Factors That Affect Costs

Size of the Office Space

The size of the office space is a key factor that influences the cost of an office refurbishment. Larger office spaces require more materials, labour and time to complete the renovation process compared to smaller spaces. With a larger space, there is an increased need for materials such as flooring, wall coverings, paint and furnishings, all of which contribute to higher overall expenses.

Plus, larger spaces often involve more extensive layout changes, structural alterations, and intricate designs, which demand specialised expertise and resources, increasing the cost further. Larger spaces may also require longer project durations, leading to increased labour.

Scope of Refurbishment (Cosmetic, Functional, Structural, Etc.)

The scope of refurbishment – such as cosmetic upgrades, functional improvements and structural alterations – plays a significant role in determining the cost of an office refurbishment. Cosmetic refurbishments, involving changes to paint, flooring and furnishings, are generally less expensive compared to functional or structural upgrades.

Functional refurbishments, which focus on enhancing the functionality of the workspace through lighting and amenities, often require moderate to high investments.

Structural refurbishments can really bump up the price, as these tend to involve major changes to the building’s infrastructure such as wall removals. Changes to this extent come at a cost, due to the complexity of the work and the amount of labour required.

The complexity of Design and Layout Changes

More intricate designs and layout alterations often require specialised expertise, materials and time, all of which contribute to higher costs. Complex design elements, such as innovative workspace layouts, often require the expertise of skilled professionals and higher quality materials. Complex designs can pose challenges during the refurbishment, leading to increased labour costs and longer project timelines.

Quality of Materials and Finishes

The quality of materials and finishes chosen for an office refurbishment is a factor that directly influences its cost. Opting for high quality materials and finishes tends to come with a higher upfront investment, but it can lead to long-term savings and durability further down the line.

Premium materials not only offer improved aesthetics and functionality, but they also require less frequent replacement or maintenance, reducing long-term costs.

Level of Customisation Required

The level of customisation required plays a key role in determining the overall cost of the office refurbishment. Customised solutions, tailored to meet specific design preferences or functional requirements, often come with a premium price tag. Customisation could involve bespoke architectural features, personalised furnishings or unique design elements, all of which require specialised expertise and resources. Customised solutions may also require the help of specialised experts and niche contractors, which can also drive up the cost.

Accessibility of the Site

Sites with easy accessibility typically incur lower transportation and logistics costs, as materials and equipment can be easily delivered and manoeuvred onsite. Sites with limited accessibility, such as those located in densely populated urban areas or with restricted entry points, may require specialised transportation methods or additional manpower to transport materials and equipment, leading to higher costs.

Challenging access conditions can prolong project timelines, as contractors may encounter delays in moving materials or navigating through tight spaces. As a result, accessibility constraints can escalate overall project costs by increasing transportation, logistics and labour costs.

Building Regulations and Compliance Requirements

Compliance with local building codes, regulations and standards is mandatory to ensure the safety, structural integrity and legal compliance of the workspace.

Meeting these requirements could involve additional expenses such as obtaining permits, conducting inspections, and implementing necessary modifications to align with building codes. Failure to comply with building regulations can result in penalties, delays or even legal ramifications, further increasing your budget.

Labour and Contractor Costs

Skilled tradespeople, project managers and contractors play essential roles in executing the successful refurbishment of an office, but their expertise and labour come at a price. The hourly rates or project fees charged by these professionals can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications and location.

The complexity of the refurbishment project and the scope of work required can influence labour costs, with more extensive or intricate projects typically demanding more labour.

Cost of Permits and Approvals

Before starting any renovation work, it’s important to get the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities and regulatory bodies. These permits and approvals ensure that the refurbishment project complies with building codes, regulations and safety standards. You usually have to pay a fee for permits, which can vary depending on the exact permit required and the scope of the project.

Additional Features and Amenities (Technology Upgrades, Furniture, Etc.)

Adding advanced technology solutions – such as smart lighting systems, air conditioning or high speed internet – requires an investment in equipment and installation.

Similarly, incorporating modern furniture and ergonomic office equipment tailored to meet the needs of employees can also contribute to the cost of an office refurbishment. Amenities such as break areas, collaborative spaces or recreational facilities aimed at enhancing employee wellbeing and productivity will also require additional construction or renovation work, further adding to the overall budget.

Finding Someone to Do an Office Refurbishment

When it comes to finding someone to do an office refurbishment, you have a range of options. You could choose to ask friends, family or colleagues if they have any recommendations.

If they have had a good experience with a tradesperson, there’s a high chance that you will also be pleased with the service. You could also head online and search for tradespeople in your local area, deciding who to hire based on reviews. Of course, the quickest and most reliable way is to use a dedicated platform, such as The Page.

The Page

At The Page, finding a skilled tradesperson to handle your office refurbishment is simple. Once you have provided details about your project, The Page begins a meticulous process to match you with a select group of tradesmen who have the necessary expertise to handle your specific job.

Thanks to our vetting procedure – aimed at guaranteeing that every tradesperson recommended to you has undergone personal meetings and thorough assessments of their previous work by industry experts – you can connect with highly competent and reputable professionals, knowing that they are capable of delivering outstanding results for your project.

At The Page, we prioritise your satisfaction and peace of mind throughout the entire hiring process.