How long does an office fit out typically take?

The time it takes to complete your office fitout depends on several different factors, including:

• the size of your office fitout.
• the requirements and installations.
• the general scope of works.

Generally speaking, a complete Melbourne office fitout of a space 200sqm or less will take around a month once permits are issued. A larger office requiring a complete fit out may take six to eight weeks.

Simpler fitouts that just require the installation of partitions and workstations may be able to be completed in approximately two weeks.

If you are planning an office fitout and want to know how long it is likely to take, contact us – we’ll be more than happy to give you a reliable guide.

I’m looking to lease an office space – should I get Office Boy involved?

Yes. Getting us involved in the selection process can be very worthwhile. We often help our clients assess the feasibility of a space before they commit to a lease. Through a site inspection, we can help you to understand what is possible within the space and provide you with an indicative office fit out estimate and fitment sketch.

If you are looking to lease a space, contact us to arrange a time for us to do a site inspection and provide you with a fitout estimate.

Can we operate on the premises while our office fitout is being done?

Yes. Many of our previous office fitouts have been completed while the client continues to operate from the premises. But ultimately, it does depend on the scope of your fit out work, your timeframe and your needs.

As a general rule, we will be able to complete your office fitout much faster if the space is empty. However, we also understand that this isn’t an option for many businesses. So we work with you to plan the best process.

If you need to operate from the premises during your office fitout, we are able to undertake your fit out in different stages to minimise disruption. We can also undertake work overnight and on weekends if required to minimise disruption to your operations.

Who is my point of contact during my office fitout?

One of our experienced Project Managers will manage your office fit out. They take care of every detail, ensuring your fitout is delivered on time and on budget. Through careful planning, they manage all building works, including demolition, framing, plastering, electrical and data, plumbing, installation of partitions, flooring, cabinetry, workstations and every other element that goes into an office fit out project.

Does Office Boy take care of all elements of the office fit out process?

Yes. This is one of the things our office fitout clients value most. We can take care of every element of your office fitout – from design and planning, raising permits, and interior design to the build and construction.

During the design and planning stage of your office fitout, we work closely with you to understand your needs so that the plans provide the scope you need. We make sure that all of your needs are covered– from storage to acoustics, data and electrical cabling, plumbing, air conditioning, lighting design, accessibility requirements, workflows and everything in between. So that your office fit out meets all your needs.

During the build phase of your fitout, our Project Manager coordinates the entire process, which can involve everything from installing office partitions, ceiling construction, plumbing, electrical and data, air-conditioning, lifts and staircases, flooring, painting, office furniture and fittings.

If you are planning an office fitout and want to know more about what is involved, contact us to arrange an obligation-free site visit and office fitout estimate.

Can you supply and install workstations in my new office?

Absolutely. As a commercial fit out specialist, we usually supply and install desks, workstations and all other types of office furniture as part of your fit out. We have a number of different suppliers who we work with frequently and can provide you with various options to suit your needs.

Does Office Boy supply office furniture as part of the fitout?

Yes. We usually supply and install most or all office furniture as part of your fit out, including office workstations, reception desks, desk chairs, occasional seating, meeting room and boardroom furniture, storage and filing systems, and everything in between.

As a commercial fit out specialist, we’re often able to source furniture for office fitouts at highly competitive trade prices.

Will I need the owner's consent to proceed with my office fitout?

You will need written consent from the owner of your premises for us to obtain a building permit to proceed with your office fitout. To aid this process, we provide complimentary fitout sketches at the beginning of the process so the owner can give a timely agreement.

Will you deal directly with my building Facility Manager?

Yes. As part of our office fitout project management, we will liaise directly with your Building Facility Manager and Leasing Agent to ensure your office design and the Project Plan meets their building requirements and needs.

What design services do you provide as part of the fit out project?

As office fit out specialists, our team includes Architects and Interior Designers so that we can provide a complete design service for your office fitout.

As part of the design and planning stage, our design team works closely with you to truly understand your business's unique needs – from the number of people your space needs to accommodate, to how you work, your workflows, storage needs and your plans for the future.

We then explore the possibilities that your space offers to create a functional, practical and beautiful design. To help you visualise the final result, we showcase the design concepts using 3D renders, floor plans and mood boards so that you can get a good feel for what your office fitout or office refurbishment will be like.

How long does the design stage of an office fit out usually take?

The length of your office's design and planning stage will depend on various factors, including the size, scope of work, complexities involved and any revisions you require.

Generally speaking, we can usually get you through an initial design concept within a week of our initial design consultation.  If you are planning an office fitout and want to know more about what is involved, contact us – we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.

I already have building plans for my fitout – can you do the build, not the design?

Yes. Office Boy is more than happy to work from your existing building plans and can work directly with your Architect to ensure your fit out meets their specifications.

We also have Architects on our team, so we can work with you to design your fitout, create building plans, and then develop detailed building plans for permit submissions and onsite working drawings.

Will I need a building permit for my office fit out?

Whether or not you require a building permit for your office fitout depends on the scope of work you want to undertake. A basic office refresh and update may not require any permits. However, more complex building works or changes to essential services will likely require a building permit for your office fit out.

As part of our design and planning work, we will ensure that all necessary building permits are secured. Our extensive experience undertaking office fitouts of all shapes and sizes, means that we have strong relationships with Building Surveyors, who issue the building permits and carry out the inspections that may be required for the permit.

How long does it take to secure the relevant building permits for my office fitout?

Generally speaking, a Building Permit will be issued within a fortnight of lodgment. Planning Permits, on the other hand, can take longer as they must be lodged directly with the Council Planning Department. However, we do everything we can to minimise the time it takes and ensure applications are made early on in the process to avoid delays.

Can you organise our Building Permit for us? 

Yes. We are registered under the VBA (Victorian Building Authority) and can therefore raise permit applications. Securing the necessary building permits for your office fit out is a standard part of our design and planning work.

Our extensive exprience undertaking office fitouts of all shapes and sizes, means that we have strong, long-term relationships with Building Surveyors, who issue the building permits and carry out the inspections that may be required for the permit.

How much does an office fit out cost?

Generally speaking, most office fit out projects cost between $500 and $1,000 per sqm.

This is because the cost of an office fit out depends on various factors, including existing services (electrical, plumbing, cabling, air conditioning, lifts etc.), the degree of building work required, and of course, the level of finishes and furnishings you require.

If you would like to discuss your office design and fit out project, we’d be more than happy to help and can provide you with an indicative budget based on your specific needs. Just contact us.

Can I finance my office fit out?

An office fitout can be a significant investment. In most cases, we can provide you with options for financing all or some of the cost of your fitout. These may be as simple as extended payment terms, or a third-party leasing agreement.

What are Office Boy’s standard payment terms for an office fitout?

Our payment terms depend on the size and scale of your fitout. For smaller projects that will be completed in under a month, we typically require 50% upfront and 50% on completion.

For larger fitout projects, payment terms may differ and be structured based on outlays during the works.

We may also be able to offer you extended payment terms for your fit out or facilitate a leasing arrangement over 12 months or more.

If you would like to arrange a fitout estimate and find out more about the different finance options, contact us to arrange an obligation-free site visit and office fitout estimate.

What if I get a cheaper quote for my office fitout?

When it comes to office fitouts, comparing ‘apples with apples is very important.

First of all, it is essential to ensure that everything in your brief has been taken into account and that the scope of work is the same or similar. For example, there may be works required to services that haven’t been included in the cheaper quote.

At Office Boy, we go out of our way to fully scope the requirements of your office fit out so that we can provide you with a realistic estimate upfront. If you do receive a cheaper quote, let us know, and if needed, we can adjust our estimate to align with the specifications and inclusions in that quote so you can ‘compare apples with apples.

Can you work to my budget?

At Office Boy, we pride ourselves on delivering office fit-outs on time and on budget. If you have a set budget for your fitout, let us know. Not only are we happy to work to it, we will ensure you get maximum value from it.

If you would like to discuss your office design and fit out project and what is achievable, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’ll be more than happy to help.

What trades work with you to undertake an office fitout?

As a specialist commercial builder, we work with a host of different trades to deliver your office fit out. Over the last decade, we’ve built strong relationships with various trades who work with us regularly on our fit out projects. These include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, cabinet makers and joiners, glaziers, data and security specialists, air conditioning installers, lift installation specialists, staircase fabricators, flooring installers, signage manufacturers, window tinters, fire services, concrete cutters, painters, plasterers, cleaners and detailers – basically, every kind of specialist needed to complete an office fitout.

Do you have experience installing lifts as part of an office fit out?

Yes, we have installed lifts in various projects as part of our fit-out work. This experience means that we have a strong understanding of the building standards and requirements and have established relationships with lift manufacturers and installers.

Does the scope of your fitout work include mechanical, hydraulic and Fire services? 

If your office fit out requires mechanical, hydraulic, and Fire Services, we will ensure that this work is included in the project scope.  These works often feature in fitout works, and we have strong relationships with several consultants and trades in these essential services. We regularly work with them to ensure compliance with the relevant building codes and, of course, to enhance the safety and comfort of your time in the new space.

Will Office Boy assist with asbestos reports and removal as part of the fitout?

If your building contains asbestos, we will ensure that any asbestos is identified during the planning stage. Prior to building works commencing, we will engage specialist asbestos removers to ensure it is removed safely and in line with regulations.

Are you able to do electrical and data cabling as part of my fit out?

Data and electrical cabling is a critical part of any office fitout. During the planning and design stage, we work closely with you to identify and map out your data and cabling requirements so that they are included in your estimate. We then engage our trusted electrical and cabling partners to undertake this work as part of your office fitout.

What building accreditations and qualifications does Office Boy have?

As a member of the Master Builders Association, with a CBL designated license from the Victorian Building Association and CM3 Accreditation, we have the appropriate credentials to undertake:

• Structural and non-structural office fitouts
• Erect steel and signage
• Raise building permits
• Undertake office fitout projects in large office buildings and shopping centres.

What insurances does Office Boy have for undertaking office fitouts?

As a commercial builder specialising in office design and fit outs, we hold all the necessary insurances, including Workers Compensation, Combined Public and Product Liability, Structural and Professional Indemnity cover. We can provide you with details about our policies if you require.

What Occupational Health and Safety Policies and accreditations does Office Boy have?

The safety of our team and your team are always the top priority during an office fitout. We have a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety in place that is regularly updated, along with all the relevant insurances and documentation required by law.

For each office fit-out project, we develop a site-specific OHS Management Plan and, if necessary, Safe Work Management Systems. All this documentation is stored at our offices and held and displayed on-site throughout your office fit-out project.

How long is the warranty or guarantee on my office fitout?

We pride ourselves on quality workmanship. We are meticulous about every aspect of your build, from the structural work you can’t see to the finishes and fittings you see. We offer a standard 12-month warranty on our workmanship. Typically workstations and furniture have a five-year manufacturer's warranty, and seating has a three to five-year manufacturer's warranty.

What size office fitout projects do you undertake?
Office Boy can take on all types of office fit out projects – big and small and can undertake structural building works. You can get us to come in and install partitions in an existing space, new workstations and furnishings, or undertake minor building works.

Our team also has the skills, knowledge, experience and appropriate credentials to undertake complete office fit outs over multiple floors. We have extensive experience managing the entire fitout process from start to finish – from developing architectural plans, raising permits, interior design, building and construction, and installing electrical and data points, workstations, furnishings and fittings.

If you are planning an office fitout in Melbourne or want an idea of what is possible and the costs, contact us to arrange an obligation-free site visit and office fitout estimate.

Does Office Boy do office fit outs outside of Melbourne?

Office Boy’s fitout team works with clients across Melbourne and Victoria to take care of all of their office fit out requirements. Many of our office fitout projects are in Melbourne, the Melbourne CBD and surrounds, but we also undertake larger office fit outs in regional Victoria, including Geelong, Ballarat, Shepparton, Bendigo, Sale and everywhere else.

Is Office Boy able to fitout my existing office space?

Absolutely. A large portion of our projects involve fitouts of existing spaces. Sometimes it is because the office simply needs to be freshened up. Other times our clients are looking for a new office fitout to make better use of the space, improve workflows or create space for additional staff and future growth.

Can you just install office partitions to create additional offices?

Of course. We are more than happy to take on small office fit out projects that only require the installation of new office partitions.  We can also make any necessary adjustments to the required electrical and data cabling, air-con and fire protection. And we can also supply and install all fixtures and fittings, including workstations and seating.

Can Office Boy do medical, dental, retail, warehouse or other types of commercial fitouts?

Yes. Over the years, we have completed many different medical, dental, health care, retail and warehouse fitouts. As a commercial builder, we have all the appropriate qualifications and accreditations. We can take on all types of commercial fit outs – healthcare fitouts (medical, dental, allied and consulting rooms), warehouse fitouts and conversions, retail fitouts, showroom fitouts and everything in between.

Take a look at our projects to see some of the different types of fit outs we’ve completed over the last ten years. And if you have any questions or would like to have a chat about your fitout project, please contact us – we’ll be more than happy to help.

Can you work on heritage buildings?

If your office is in a heritage-listed building, Office Boy can do the fitout for you. We have a sound understanding and appreciation for the design constraints, considerations and processes required for undertaking a fitout within a heritage building.

Our on-site teams are highly skilled in non-invasive work – for example, preservation of flooring finishes, decorative walls and ceilings, windows and general features.  We also possess the design capacity & skills flexibility to scope new internal works sympathetic to existing conditions and themes.

Can you complete fitouts in large office buildings and shopping centres?

As a member of the Master Builders Association, with a CBL designated license from the Victorian Building Association and CM3 Accreditation, Office Boy has the necessary credentials and experience to complete office fit outs in large office buildings and shopping centres.