Hidden Costs of an Office Fit-out

14 Dec 2023

Professional fees, such as architect, design consultancy and project management fees, can form a significant part of the total cost of an office fit-out. Add in freight for delivery of your fit-out package and installation and your up-front costs have already mounted up. Tight timelines can also add to the cost, as can installer call-outs to complete work that is needed due to a late delivery. These up-front costs do not include the cost of your time and your team's time spent organising an overseeing the project.

Hidden Costs of an Office Fit-out

Budgeting for an office fit out involves many factors and whether you’re simply renovating an existing office or moving to a new office, it is important to work with an experienced consultant who can help you avoid hidden costs and get the best value for your money - both in the planning and purchasing processes. The team at Office Products Online has 22 years experience designing and delivering very affordable office furniture packages - including providing installation installation teams nation wide. Our obligation free services also include;

  • Site visits to measure and scope requirements
  • Layout design drawings
  • Office fit-out package procurement
  • Monitoring delivery of fit-out components
  • Management of installation team
  • Removal of all packaging and waste
  • Post installation quality control checks
  • Warranty management

Apart form our obligation free services, here are some of the costs that you will need to factor in to your budget planning;

To acheive a thorough and acurate budget estimate, you and any team members involved in your office refurbishment or relocation need to consider the following 5 categories:

  • Hard costs: related to the construction or physical development of a space, such as building walls, electricals, and plumbing
  • Soft costs: include the expenses and services necessary to complete the project. Soft may include interior or architectural design (if any building alterations are being done, financing if required, physical relocation expenses, or the cost of down-time
  • Vendor costs: a variety of miscellaneous expenses that might arise during your office fit out project, like cabling, security, and signage
  • Contingency allowance: a small percentage of the budget should be allocated for unexpected expenses
  • IT and Communication costs: the cost of re-connecting to your computer network and telecommunications 

When choosing a company to supply and manage the installation of your office fit out project, key considerations will be;

  • Assessing the reputation and experience of 'the company) - Testimonials 
  • Reviewing previous Office Fit-out Case Studies
  • Selecting up to 3 'companies' to quote for your business
  • Ensuring that the layout design drawings and product recommendations reflect an accurate understanding of what you are trying to acheive
  • Ability to meet your timelines
  • Length of warranties
  • Price
  • What the proposed package includes

Compare the quotes, but don’t automatically look for the cheapest. Focus more on the history, reputation and reliability of the 'company', as well as the quality of previous work, so you can estimate whether the services they offer are worth the quoted price. Also, keep in mind those additional 5 cost categories above and ensure that the time and stress associated with the product procurement and installation process is something you don't have to worry about.

Office Products Online is New Zealand's oldest and most established e-commerce business and whether you require a single product or a full office fit-out, you'll find everything you need at our online office furniture store. This includes custom-made solutions to meet your specific space or operational requirements. With an extensive range of products across many categories, we can be your one-stop shop when furnishing your office. The aim is to create a workspace where everyone feels comfortable, focused, and engaged.  Contact us now on shop@officeproductsonline.co.nz to discuss your requirements. 


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