How Long Does an Office Refurbishment Take? | Full Timeline Breakdown

Quick Answer: Most Office Refurbishments Take 4 - 12 Weeks On Site, Plus Additional Design and Planning Time

If you're refurbishing your current office, the on-site works typically take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the size of your space and the scope of the changes. But that’s only part of the story. When you factor in planning, approvals, quoting, and sign-off, most businesses should allow around 3 to 6 months from initial idea to final handover.

(NB: When required, APSS can deliver refurbs in a shorter turnaround time. We will always be honest with what’s realistic, so if you need a quicker office refurb, let us know)

We’ll break down the full journey below, but first...

Total Timeline Based on Office Size

Office Size (sq ft)	Typical On-Site Duration	Total Project Time (incl. planning)
Up to 8,000	6–8 weeks	3–4 months
8,000–12,000	8–12 weeks	4–5 months
12,000–25,000+	12–20 weeks (phased)	5–6 months or more

These are typical timeframes for refurbishing an existing, occupied office. If you’re looking to relocate, check out our Step-by-Step Office Relocation Guide. Every business is different, and timelines vary based on complexity, decision-making, and custom elements like bespoke joinery or specialist finishes.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect from Your Office Refurb

This is your high-level roadmap. For a more detailed guide, download our Office Refurbishment Step-by-Step Guide. In the meantime, here’s the core flow:

1. Discovery & Initial Planning

This is where your goals and frustrations turn into a clear brief. Whether you need to solve noise issues, create more collaborative areas, or simply give the space a fresh look, we help define what success looks like and what’s feasible for your budget and timeline.

2. Design & Proposal

APSS (or your chosen design and fit out partner) will work closely with you to plan the best layout for your team, brand and workflow. You’ll receive space plans, concept visuals, and specifications. This can take around 2 weeks to pull together, dependent on feedback from you. This stage includes practical details too, like materials, finishes and furniture. It’s the fun part.

3. Quotation & Approval

Once the design is right, we’ll finalise your quote and submit any drawings or specs needed for landlord or building management approval. With that signed off, we lock in your start date and get everything moving.

4. On-Site Works & Installation

This phase is tailored to your building, your team, and your working hours. No two refurbishments are the same. We might be swapping out flooring, building new meeting rooms, updating ceilings, installing new lighting, adding acoustic features, or all of the above.

But here’s the key thing: you don’t need to move out.

We always plan around your business. That might mean we phase the works over evenings, weekends or unoccupied areas of the office. Our job is to keep your team running while we transform the space around them, with as little disruption as possible.

5. Finishing Touches and Handover

Final checks, tweaks and walkthroughs. We make sure everything works exactly as it should and looks as good as promised. Then it’s yours to enjoy.

Do You Need to Move Out During a Refurb?

Absolutely not. The whole point of a smart office refurb is that it works around you. We’ll plan the works in phases, set up temporary spaces if needed, and make sure your business keeps moving without missing a beat.

Planning Your Next Refurb?

If it’s been 4 or 5 years since your last refresh, it’s worth reviewing your space. Are your team working the same way? Are you making the best use of your floorspace? Or has your office simply lost its spark?

A well-timed refurb can boost morale, improve productivity, and make better use of every square foot, all without the costs or hassle of relocating.

Need a Quick Refurb Quote or Honest Advice?

We’ll happily review your space, offer practical suggestions and get you a quote, no obligation, no hard sell.

Considering an Office Refurb?

Download our easy step-by-step guide and checklist to take the stress out of an office refurbishment.

Download Now

FAQs About Office Refurbishment Timelines

Most projects take 4 - 24 weeks from initial conversation to final handover, depending on the complexity and size of the space.

It’s possible, particularly if you’re only making cosmetic updates. But for larger projects involving structural or layout changes, expect a longer timeline.

No, many businesses continue operating during their refurbishment. With good planning and the right partner, disruption can be kept to a minimum.