Planning an office refit is exciting yet stressful for any business. Fortunately, you may be moving to new office space, expanding as a company, or transforming your existing office into something fresh. Either way, you have many considerations. Read our 10 tips for a successful office refit to start your planning.

1. Put Together a Strong Project Team

Effective planning requires a good project leader who ensures clear organization. They should remain calm under pressure and guide a reliable team to handle various aspects of the move.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

Analyze your current setup. Identify successful areas and elements needing improvement. Consider questions like whether you need more technology or a simpler approach. Assess your workspace, workflows, costs, benefits, and the productivity you aim to achieve.

3. Find the Right Property

If a refit doesn’t reduce costs, increase space, or improve accessibility, consider seeking a new property. While you may not find a perfect fit right away, connecting with a commercial property agent can help you explore options that meet long-term goals.

4. Select the Right Refit Company

You need a specialist company for your office refit. They can optimize workflows and maximize available space. Their primary focus will involve moving equipment and addressing electrical, mechanical, and architectural issues.

5. Design the New Space

The design phase is exciting as your new space begins to take shape. Collaborate with interior designers as they finalize the color schemes, materials, and equipment that will define the refit.

6. Oversee the Rebuild Process

Whether moving to a new office or refurbishing your current one, monitor productivity to ensure timelines are met. Work closely with the fit-out company to minimize disruption for staff and keep everyone informed about progress.

7. Plan Ahead

While the fit-out company works on the infrastructure, keep planning for a smooth transition. Effective communication is vital since they may finish earlier or later than expected. Be ready to move to the next step promptly.

8. Address Dilapidations

Take care of the space you may leave behind. Although it is not the most exciting task, neglecting your existing office could have repercussions. Ensure your office satisfies the conditions stated in commercial property contracts regarding its condition upon departure.

9. Prepare for the Big Move

With your new office space ready, finalize packing for the move. Plan this stage early and brief the removal company. Moving over the weekend usually minimizes business downtime. Additionally, solving issues during the move can prevent disruption to important operations.

10. Conduct a Final Review

After the refit, take time for a thorough review. Ensure nothing has been overlooked and that everything operates as intended. Address any issues immediately rather than waiting for problems to arise later. Involve staff in this review to ensure everyone feels comfortable and settled in the new space.