How to choose an office fitout company
Choosing an office fitout company to partner with is a big decision that can make or break your project. In this blog post, we share our tips for selecting the right partner for the needs of your business.
Why choose to work with an office fitout company?
Planning an office fitout project can be exciting – transforming your workplace creates so many opportunities. But it can also be daunting – particularly if you’ve never worked on a similar project before. Working with an office fitout partner will help you to navigate this process more effectively. Afterall, they’ve been there and done it before so will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise with them!
Although it may seem counterintuitive, office fitout companies can actually save you money in the long-term too. They’ll be able to identify cost savings along the way and spot pitfalls before they happen. But how do you make sure you’re choosing the right partner for you? Here are a few things for you to consider:
Understanding of your business
First and foremost, any company you select to work with on your office design and fitout project must understand your business. It’s easy to get caught up with snazzy designs and big ideas – but if your new office doesn’t meet your needs, it’s no good.
Ultimately, any partner that you choose should be able to provide an office that delivers on your specific priorities. Businesses are as unique as people – so a company that can get under the skin of your organisation is essential. Any potential partners should take the time to get to know your company and what makes you different. This time upfront will make sure your fitout partner is able to provide you with a bespoke solution tailed to your needs.
Expertise
When searching for a potential partner, you’ll want to confirm they can provide the services that you need. There are lots of different office design businesses out there that all offer slightly different things. If you’re looking for an office fitout company that provides the complete package so that you’re not managing multiple contracts, you’ll want to make sure they can deliver the following as a minimum:
- Workplace consultancy and space planning
- Project management
- Interior design
- Build and fitout
A reputable partner should also adhere to the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 and have Health and Safety experts ensuring work is completed with care and consideration at all times.
Portfolio
Another key thing that your office fitout partner should also be able to provide is examples of previous projects that are similar to yours. Ask to see examples of fitouts they’ve completed recently and don’t be afraid to seek references.
Try not to get too carried away looking at the beautiful designs. Instead, you’ll want to consider:
- If the project has delivered on the original brief. What are the tangible benefits that the new office has delivered for the business?
- Whether the case studies are similar enough to your business. If your potential partner has never worked with a business of your size/ sector/ requirements before, there may be other better suited companies out there.
Cost
While keeping projects affordable is always important, the cheapest office fitout company might not necessarily be the best option long term. If the company does not have the expertise to deliver the project, it could end up costing you more down the line. Make sure the partner you choose has the relevant experience to deliver what you need.
Keep an eye out for hidden costs too. Examine any quotes you receive in detail and make sure it is transparent and reasonable. A good quality office fitout company should be able to advise on potential cost reductions. Ask any potential partners about leasing options, tax breaks and finance options to get an understanding of how they can help in this area.
What’s next?
Once you’ve selected your office fitout partner, they will be able to advise on next steps for your project. Expect this to be a collaborative process, combining your requirement with their expertise and creative flair to create the perfect office for your business.
Of course, as an office design and fitout company ourselves, we’d love the opportunity to discuss your project with you! Please do get in touch if you’d like to see if we’re the right partner for you.
