What is Fit Out? How long does it take to Fit Out of the office?

Office Fit Out or related design and construction activities play an important role in businesses today. It is a necessary step to refresh the working environment, attract talent, retain employees, and make an impression on customers…
However, if a company is not clear about what an office Fit Out entails and how long it takes to save the most budget, it can lead to significant waste.

What is office fit out?

Fit Out, also known as designing and constructing the layout, is the process of transforming an original raw floor into a fully functional space ready for operation and use. This process usually includes the construction of electrical systems, lighting, air conditioning, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, fire protection systems.

The Fit Out process typically takes about 1 – 14 weeks, depending on the area and complexity of the project. To complete large projects that require complex structural and lighting installations, the time may need to extend to more than 3 months.

The concept of Fit Out is also the process of renovating the office, where the installation aims to change the appearance and complete the functions in the old space.

Considerations during the office Fit Out process

Following the rules set out during the Fit Out process will help businesses plan appropriately and avoid project delays. A few main considerations include:

– Building’s permitting conditions

– Building’s limitations

– Space size

– Complexity of the design

– Materials and construction time

It is challenging to provide accurate timelines if we do not know specifically what each project requires.

Office Fit-Out Timeline

1. Finding office leasing consultancy services: 1 week

The commercial real estate market is constantly changing, and businesses need to be well-informed about the buildings, current trends, rental prices, lease agreements, etc.

There are many complexities in finding office space, so using office leasing services can undoubtedly help you find a new office most efficiently and simplify the process of finding a building that meets your needs and budget.

Maison Office is a company providing professional office leasing services in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. We assist corporate clients in quickly leasing offices in A, B, C class buildings, optimizing costs and meeting usage purposes!

With our available office database and a solid understanding of each building’s characteristics, we help clients make the most accurate choice.

2. Office current state survey and consultation: 1 – 4 weeks

Understanding the nature and operation of the business, as well as the office usage characteristics of the staff, helps the company make effective decisions about the new workplace.

By evaluating the current workplace, you can estimate what is necessary for the new location. This makes the survey and new office consultation practical and accurate to the business needs.

The suitable site survey can take from 1 – 4 weeks, with the number of buildings to view ranging from 3 to 20. The earlier you start, the more time and budget you save on finding office space.

3. Drafting the layout plan: 1 week

The layout plan reflects how the space you choose will meet the requirements and needs of the business.

This is an important step for developing initial ideas about office arrangement.

4. Negotiating the office lease: 2 – 4 weeks

This is the time to find the best office lease agreements with the building owner.

Discuss thoroughly with your consultant during this process to ensure that you will achieve as many benefits as possible in the new contract.

5. Choosing the office construction contractor

Consult with various design contractors and compare different proposals to select the best solution for your project. After choosing a contractor, you can proceed to the next step immediately.

6. Finalizing the Design Layout

Through workshops and meetings with the design team, businesses will develop ideas and shape the appearance of the new space with various office layout plans.

This is a critical milestone in the Fit Out process to make final decisions and implement any changes you want on the drawing.

7. Exploring Furniture Products

Finding the right furniture can be done in collaboration with the design team and your internal furniture management team.

You will discover different materials, colors, and styles in workshops or by visiting showrooms to find the perfect furniture for your office.

8. Ordering Furniture

Depending on whether the order is domestic or international, delivery times can range from 1 – 2 weeks or longer if the furniture item is sold out.

If there are any issues affecting the timeline, consider alternative options and look for other items.

This process is usually proactively carried out by consulting units.

9. Construction of the Premises: 4 – 8 weeks

One of the most significant differences between design, construction, and tradition is the speed of construction.

The construction part of the Fit Out process is often the longest phase, and it can vary a lot depending on the complexity and size of the space.

10. Furniture Installation

This phase is when your space truly becomes a working office.

The furniture team will coordinate with the construction team to estimate when the building will be ready for furniture installation.

They will then discuss with the furniture supplier to plan for the delivery to the site before installation.

11. Finalizing the Office

Depending on the size of the company, moving items from the old to the new location needs to be done step by step to ensure the business continues to operate without interruption. This could involve moving one floor at a time or one team at a time.

This is when technology devices, communication tools, and essential business operations are brought into the new office.

12. Moving from the Old to the New Location

It’s time to move operations to the new location. Consider using the services of comprehensive office moving companies.

Above is a detailed office Fit Out construction timeline. Looking at it, we can envision the stages that need to be planned before, during, and after the process.

Bui Duc Huy

Editor and content team manager at Maison Office.

With over 5 years of experience in consulting and extensive content editing in the real estate services and interior design field. Sharing valuable information with customers, partners, and attracting millions of views.