Ever walked into some super cool office space or fabulous restaurant and wondered how it all came together? It’s usually the result of a unique vision and a fantastic fit out contractor to implement it. 

Fit-out is the process of taking raw, empty spaces and turning them into functional, beautiful environments. Whether you're a business owner looking for that perfect workspace or a restaurant owner looking to maximise your F&B outlet, understanding the fit-out contractor quotes is essential.

Fit-out projects are equally exciting and complex. The work ranges from space utilisation, design excellence, the installation of custom joinery to setting up intricate lighting systems. Knowing how to work with contractor quotes ensures that you are not only creating a great space but also getting value for money as well. Avoid additional and unplanned costs of services and set the base for a smooth collaboration with your selected contractor.

An experienced fit-out contractor will take your shell and core empty space and turn it into the space of your dreams - aesthetically and functionally. Normally, there are two kinds of fit-out contractors: commercial - offices and shops - and residential working on homes, specialising in upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms. There are some that cover both and it will depend on your specific requirement as to who fits it best.

What does a Fit-Out Contractor Include in their Quote?

Generally, when fit-out contractors provide a quote, it provides everything you need to understand the material, resources and time required for your project. However, the components of a fit-out quote vary from one contractor to another and it’s important to make sure that you are comparing like for like when it comes to crunch time.

Here is a general breakdown of what you can expect in a contractors quote:

What is Being Done

This section will state exactly what the contractor intends to perform. You may think of it as a checklist or to-do list for your project and you need to compare this to your expectation of the ‘work to be done’.

Money Talk

Estimate - First Look: This gives you a rough idea of the  potential overall cost. It's good for early planning.

Detailed Costs - Here is the detailed list of everything and how much each element is going to be. It helps you understand where your money's going and provides a line by line breakdown of where funds will be spent.

Stuff They'll Use

What kind of material they'll use. Typically the higher quality materials have a higher price point but a good fit out contractor will know where to help you as a client get the look and quality your budget allows for. This doesn’t always mean a lower quality, it usually means knowing where to get the best balance of quality and price. 

Resource Costs

This section details the types of resources that will be required and their associated costs . Different roles require different skill sets, there could also be hourly rates versus project costs depending on the requirement for personnel.

Milestones 

This outlines when they will start, when approvals can be expected, when resources will be deployed, when materials will be available and of course when they believe they will be finished. Depending on the complexity of the project it will also outline any potential choke points, or delays based on timely decision making. It keeps everything moving according to schedule based on when you as the customer need the project completed. 

How You'll Pay

This will let you know when and how you are going to have to pay. It will mention things like initial payments, deposits, milestone based payments, along with delay penalties and ultimately when the final bill is due.

Fit-Out Cost Calculator: Your Easy Way to Budget

Contractors Direct isn't just the simplest place to locate a qualified fit-out contractor; it's also where you have access to a useful Fit-out Cost Calculator  to get an accurate estimate of your fit-out project.

Our robust calculator is pre-loaded with the actual costs of past projects, so you can be confident that the number you receive will be accurate and allow you a starting point to build from. 

It's easy to use our calculator:

• Select the type of project: office, restaurant, or shop.
• Inform us if your space is vacant or fitted.
• Choose your specification level: basic, middle, or high-end.
• Decide if you want furniture included.
• Enter how large the space is. 

That’s It! Based on that information you’ll get an accurate estimate of the project. 

Once you have your estimate, simply fill out our project information form and send it our way. Our smart AI will then match you with the most suitable and qualified fit-out contractors for your job. We will give you a quick call to verify and further clarify your needs and then get you connected.

Try our fit-out cost calculator today! 

But that's not all. If you have a commercial fit out requirement we've partnered with Beehive to provide financing for your fit-out, if you meet the T&C’s of course. If you do, you might borrow up to 1 million AED for your fit-out project and pay it back over 12- 24 months. Interest rates start at 8.25%, and there are no early repayment fees either.