Timeline of a typical office fit out project

Site set-up and preliminary work

Preparation of the site for works includes:

• health and safety assessment
• notifying relevant authorities where applicable
• fire precautions
• welfare facilities
• protection of the existing building or elements not being altered

Demolition and strip-out

This could involve use of mechanical equipment, dust extraction and out-of-hours working. Waste recycling and disposal will be considered as will accessibility for waste disposal solutions, especially for inner-city locations where restrictions may apply.

If the removal or containment of asbestos is involved, the timeline will have to allow for specialist handling.

First fix and build

• Underfloor containment and floor boxes if the floor type allows for this.
  This involves installing containment for electrical and network cables and electrical boxes in the floor to allow data ports and electrical items to be plugged in near to desks.
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) main works and first fixing
  This is a key part of the fit-out, which will ensure the workspace can be safely and effectively heated and cooled as necessary.
• Power to floor boxes
• Fire alarm installation
• Kitchen power first fix
• Server room power
• Metal stud partitions erected
  The addition of partitions increases the flexibility of a workspace. Read more about them here.
• Survey for operable walls
• Access control
• CCTV
• HVAC power
• Intruder alarm
• Plumbing first fix
• Tape and fill to partitions and features

Second fix and finishes

• Lighting
  Another crucial aspect of creating a new workspace, the lighting scheme can have a huge impact on the overall feel of the office and on the productivity and wellbeing of staff.
• Storage wall survey
• Prepare subfloors for flooring
• HVAC second fix
• Glazed partitions track work
• Decoration to partitions
• Install wall trims and skirting boards
• Glazing survey
• Install aluminium door frames to solid partitions
• Install vinyl to kitchen
• Kitchen and island installation
• Install soundblocker pads
• Install splashback
• Operable wall insulation
• Plumbing second fix
• Install new doors
• Lay carpet tiles
  The carpet or flooring is more than just a visual finishing touch. The type and colour of flooring material you use requires advance planning and consideration —see our guide for advice.
• Kitchen power second fix
• Glazing installation
• Decorate operable wall

Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)

• Install storage wall
• Install secondary acoustic solutions
• Office furniture installation
  The furniture you choose for your new workspace is an important comfort and safety consideration, as well as a reflection of your company brand. The right furniture will not only complete the space but take your business into the future.
• Wall and glass graphics and manifestation

Final clean

• Final clean-up to prepare the office for staff to move in

Handover

• HVAC and services commissioning
• Test and certify
• Photography
• Handover and user training
• Operation & maintenance manual