Stunning Fitouts In 7 Steps

So, you’ve decided to rent out a location and need a fitout for the interior space?

At first, fitouts can be overwhelming, due to the immense amount of work that goes into the project from start to finish, so we’ve broken it down in 7 easy steps for you.

Keep reading to find out how you can achieve a stunning fitout custom for your space.

What is a Fitout?

Often, when it comes to fitouts, there can be many different terms used for the process, which can be confusing. Typically, a fitout is the process of making an interior space suitable for occupation. More specifically, it’s the tenant of the space who organises and pays for an office fitout. This may include electrical, mechanical, decorating and furnishing.

The fitout is usually performed by the tenant’s contractor of choice, as opposed to having their fitout completed by their landlord’s construction company. Alongside having a contractor to perform the fitout, a tenant may choose to also hire an interior architect. Interior architects are similar to interior designers but are able to design more of the structural parts of the fitout, such as the location of walls, interior separators, and door spaces.

1. Concept

The first step in creating a stunning fitout is having a concept finalised for the space. Even though the design process is yet to begin, we recommend working with experienced designers prior to finalising the concept. By having designers working close to help clients finalise the concept, this helps prevent any issues in later steps by ensuring that the space is practical for the fitout concept, the fitout can be built within the designated timeframe and will stay within the client’s outlined budget.

2. Location

Once the concept is finalised, it’s time to finalise the location. The right location choice allows the finalised concept to be brought to life. The location will also have a large impact on the overall design of the fitout, as well as ensuring that the space is able to accommodate the needs of the space.

3. Design

After the first two steps are complete, it’s time for the fun part, designing the space. The design process is a collaboration between the tenant, the designer and, the fitout out team or company chosen to ensure that it is the right match for the space and is able to be completed. It’s common for people to rush this step because of excitement, or impatience, and just want their space ready as soon as possible. In reality, spending more time on the design process and getting it right the first time will save you money and effort in the long run.

4. Approvals

The approval step can often be one that people quickly skip over to get the actual fitout happening as quickly as possible, but it is important that communication is clear between all parties. The planning and approval stages can actually be the lengthiest steps in the fitout process, depending on each of the relevant parties involved. At Tomkins Constructions, it is important that everyone’s expectations are discussed, understood, and approved. As timelines vary depending on the extensiveness of each fitout project, it is also important to be on the same page when it comes to specific timelines.

5. Actual fitout

Here comes the fun step, it’s time for the design to come to life! The majority of tenants believe this step takes the longest, but if all steps prior to the building stage are completed correctly, this can actually be the quickest step in the process.

6. Certifications

This step is where all the certifications relating to the building regulations are finalised. This allows all bases to be covered so that when it’s time, the client can open for business and begin serving customers as soon as possible.

8. Handover

The final step of creating a fitout is handing over the finished project to the client, after what could have ended up being months of planning and execution. The average time for a fitout from the concept stage to the handover is about 3 – 4 months. Depending on individual requirements of each client, the process may be shorter or longer.

There you have it, how to achieve a stunning fitout in 7 simple steps. At the end of the day, no matter how much information you may read about building, it is always a daunting process when it begins. At Tomkins Constructions, we understand this, and are here to make your building experience a smooth one.

To find out more about how we can help you build your dream fitout, contact one of our experts today.