After weeks – maybe even months – of crunching the numbers and going back and forth with your chosen contract, you’ve finally managed to settle on a solid plan of action and budget for your fit out project. Now comes the hard part – getting the fit out completed as fast and efficiently as possible.

Unfortunately, every office fit out timeline will differ from the next as each project will come with its own unique challenges and requirements. However, the process can usually be categorised and broken down into 7 stages:

Stage 1: Setting up the site and other preliminary work

Once work commences on your project, the first step is to prepare the office space for the fit out. This usually includes a health and safety assessment and implementing fire precautions where necessary, as well as setting up welfare facilities for the fit out team. In addition, the relevant authorities need to be notified where applicable and the existing building or elements not being altered during the fit out should be provided with protection before any work begins.

Stage 2: Stripping the space

When the office is fully prepped to be worked on, it is then time to strip the space of everything that needs to be replaced. This might include the use of mechanical equipment, dust extraction and working out of business hours to get everything done.

Be sure to have a good waste recycling and disposal solution that complies with inner-city restrictions (if this is applicable) in place to get rid of debris easily and efficiently.

Stage 3: First fix and build

This stage of the process involves all primary installations and foundation builds that need to be done. A first fix usually involves plastering and installing containment for electrical and network cables and electrical boxes under the floor to allow data ports and electrical items to be plugged in near desks or tables. Other priorities will be installing the HVAC system, fire alarm, power to the various rooms, partitions, CCTV, plumbing and anything else that is considered elemental to the fit out process.

Stage 4: Second fix and finishes

After all the primary work is carried out, the project will move into its second fix phase. This stage of the process includes lighting installation, preparing subfloors for flooring, glazing or decorating the partitions, installing wall trims and skirting boards, laying carpet or tiles, as well as various surface installations in the kitchen area.

Stage 5: Placing furniture, fixtures and equipment

If you have an interior designer on board, now is the time to put them to work. In this phase of the fit out process, all finishing touches will be completed – such as storage wall and secondary acoustic solutions – and your office furniture, equipment and fixtures will be placed according to your layout and interior design. Think of this as the stage where your office will be beautified and be a physical representation of all the hard work that went into your fit out project.

Stage 6: Cleaning up

Once everything is complete and in place, it’s time for the final clean up and tidying of your new office space. Here, the workspace will be deep cleaned and prepared for your employees to move in.

Stage 7: Final checks and handover

Finally, your office will be handed back over to you by your chosen contractor. It’s customary at this point to do a walk-through of the space and assess the workmanship, as well as take a few pictures of your new workplace. At this time, you will also be trained on how to use the various systems and equipment in place, and be given the operation and maintenance manual.

Where can you find quality office fit out contractors?

And there you have it – that’s a simplified timeline of what your office fit out project might look like.

Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to find a specialist who can bring your fit out vision to life. Contractors.Direct can save you all the time and energy you would spend on finding a reliable and trustworthy office fit out contractor by doing the hard work for you.

Our curated database of thoroughly vetted, qualified contractors are experts in their field, with years of experience and skill. Get in touch and we’ll connect you with the right company that can deliver quality work, on time and on budget.