2023 Guide to office fit out and refurbishment costs

The cost of an office fit out or refurbishment in the UK in 2023 can range between £300 to £1600 per square metre.
The price will vary depending on the size of the space, whether it’s a cosmetic or structural refit, the technology you incorporate, the condition of the existing space, and the specifications you choose.
A good ROI can be achieved by choosing the right company for the job and creating an office space that supports sustainability, health and wellbeing.
Arc Business Interiors is a leading turnkey provider of office refurbishments and fit outs that can help you reimagine your workspace.

Our workspace has a big effect on us.

Performance, productivity, mood – they’re all influenced by how tailored an office space is for the people who use it. But fit outs and refurbishments also need to be a profitable venture that will bring a good return on investment.

Therefore, your top concern will be how much will an office fit out or refurbishment cost in 2023? That’s why we’ve put together this essential guide so you can be clear on the pricing right from the start.

What can I expect to pay for an office fit out or refurbishment?

The cost of an office fit out or office refurbishment can range between £300 to £1600 per square metre. A more specific breakdown of costs are listed below, though these will vary between types of project.

Decoration: £1 – £5 per square foot
Carpets: £2- £6 per square foot
Partitioning: £19 – £105 per square foot
Furniture: £500 – £1000 per person

Which funding avenue you choose can also influence costs. For example, you can opt for leasing which is a process where all the costs involved are completely tax deductible.

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What are turnkey office fit outs?

A turnkey office fit out is when a space is designed and fitted out to accommodate and serve the people who use it, commonly selected when a business is relocating to a new premises. It follows the project from concept to completion, including the initial design concepts all the way to the fit out itself.

What are office refurbishments?

If your layout, interior design or furniture is no longer working for your current needs but the size of your premises is still suitable, an office refurbishment is a chance to take a new, creative look at the space you already have, utilising every inch to its full potential through innovative space planning.

Office refurbishments are therefore an effective cost-saving way to get the best out of your workspace without requiring a more expensive relocation.

What will affect the price of an office fit out or refurb?

Size: Without stating the obvious, the size of an office space may influence how much you pay. Sometimes, the bigger the area and the price per square foot can actually decrease, as a smaller space will still need to ensure the basic costs of a fit out are covered.

Cosmetic or structural: A light cosmetic refresh of decoration and furniture can cost much less than a total overhaul of lighting, fixtures and fittings.

Technology: Every contemporary workspace should now include private pods and conferencing technology for video meetings and screens for projection, and power ports to set up hotdesking workstations at locations around the office. How much technology you incorporate will ultimately influence the price.

Existing condition: A fresh new space will require much less time, money and effort to fit out than an old, outdated office with structural constraints. In older buildings, the condition of plumbing, electrics and fire safety systems may need to be updated to ensure compliance. Consider the state of your building and assess how extensive or complex the alterations might need to be, as this will influence cost.

Specifications: A higher spec fit out or refurbishment will involve higher quality materials and furnishings, costing more. But with the guidance of a professional office designer, such as the team at Arc Business Interiors, we help you balance spec with budget to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.

How can I get a good return on investment?

The initial investment into a fit out or refurbishment will increase profit down the line, as your employees will benefit from a more productive working environment that boosts output, performance and employee retention.

Though, the key to making a good return on investment for a fit out or refurbishment is to choose the right company for the task.

Here at Arc Business Interiors, we tailor every stage of our concept-to-completion service to each individual client. This bespoke approach ensures you get the best value services and materials, and consequently the best return on investment.

We also understand how to create office spaces that support sustainability, health and wellbeing, customising each project to match your current needs as well as your aspirations for the future.

Reimagine your office space with Arc Business Interiors. As a leading turnkey provider of office refurbishments and fit outs, we transform spaces to benefit the people who use them. With over 100 combined years of experience and a dedicated designer for each project, you can enjoy our concept-to-completion service wherever you are in the UK. We’re always happy to talk about your ideas.