How to find the right space for your commercial fit out?

Knowing you are ready for a new commercial fit out is really exciting, and it means the start of something new, whether that be the start of a venture or the growth of one. Before you get to enjoy that space, though, you need to find the right place for your commercial fit out. There are a lot of things to consider (especially if this is your first one). We know it can be overwhelming so we make it our job to help you navigate to the right space by knowing the right questions you need to ask yourself, and answer, first. Once you know what you want, then you can start to know more accurately what you can do and BuildingWise can help you along. Let’s get started…

What’s your budget?

It might seem obvious to consider the budget, and almost everyone seeking a commercial space has a broad idea of what they’d like to spend. However, it’s important to have as specific a budget as possible, and manage that budget with unforeseen expenses in mind. In other words, your budget should include contingency (a generous one if you can) for any issues that might pop up. What you’re able or willing to spend on your commercial fit out will dictate everything, from the materials you use, the design you land on and the trades you hire. 

With our extensive knowledge and experience over countless commercial fit outs, we can help you forecast potential issues and costs for any given site (we can site check with you), and offer a ballpark estimate on the likely budget you can expect from each space before you choose. 

Does your space fit what you need it to fit?

It’s really easy to be impressed with a site due to its position, aesthetic potential or even other conveniences such as parking. What you need to consider before all of that, though, is if the site you’re looking at can actually fit the employees you have, in the way that will support their ability to work effectively, facilitate customers and clients in the best possible way, and configure the way you need it to. If you are looking for an open plan, but the space is too big or too small, or oddly shaped, to support that working well, you are risking big regret later down the line. Conversely, the same considerations should be made if you need closed-in offices or spaces. 

Buildingwise can do a site inspection, or look at plans, and offer our expert suggestions and questions to you on how you will actually need the space to work for you. 

What are your timeframes?

Particularly with the current supply chain issues and retention problems in trade, your timeframe is going to make a big difference to how your commercial fit out can realistically occur. Make sure that you give yourself ample time to find a space and begin the fit out process, before you actually need it. Sometimes you might have more flexibility (an ongoing lease at your current location, for example); however, if your lease’s end is looming, it’s time to start making decisions and engaging who you need to start the process.

Going through Buildingwise, we’ll be able to explain the most likely and realistic timeframe you should expect, and help get things moving as quickly as possible. Our network in the industry keeps our knowledge up-to-date on this front, and we’ll do everything we can to support a timely fit out process. In a broad sense, you should be giving yourself at least a 12 month lead time. 

Ready to begin the commercial fit out process? Call us today.