Quick Answer
Office refurbishment costs can vary widely depending on the size of your office and the scope of the work, ranging from around £25,000 for a small refresh to £500,000+ for a large, high-end refurbishment. The exact figure will depend on the quality of finishes, furniture, technology upgrades, and whether you’re doing structural work, M&E or just a cosmetic update.
Setting a budget for an office refurbishment can feel like it’s pulling numbers out of thin air. It can feel daunting and overwhelming when you aren’t sure where to even start, especially when you’re also trying to plan how long your refurbishment will take.
1. Setting a Realistic Budget
Budgeting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about creating a plan that lets you make decisions with confidence. Start by covering the essentials: design and planning fees, construction and fit-out works, furniture, technology upgrades, and professional fees. A good rule of thumb is to add a 10–15% contingency for the unexpected, because even the most carefully planned refurbishments can reveal hidden repairs or require last-minute adjustments. Think of your budget as a roadmap: it keeps you on course and reduces surprises along the way.
2. Understanding What’s Included
Not all refurbishment quotes are created equal. Some cover only the build, while a comprehensive package can include everything from design and planning through to IT infrastructure, security systems, and project management. Working with a partner who provides a complete quote helps you compare options more easily and ensures you won’t face unexpected extras halfway through.
3. Typical Costs by Office Size
To give you a realistic idea, here’s a ballpark range based on office size. For a full breakdown of how budgeting fits into the bigger picture, you can explore our complete guide to an office refurbishment.
- Small offices (up to 2,000 sq ft): £25,000 – £75,000
- Medium offices (2,000 to 10,000 sq ft): £75,000 – £250,000
- Large offices (10,000 sq ft+): £250,000 - £500,000+
Smaller projects may involve a light refresh with new furniture and redecoration, while larger projects often mean a full redesign, bespoke joinery, and high-end finishes.
4. Additional Considerations
Beyond the main refurbishment works, it’s worth thinking about extra costs that can creep in. Potentially:
- Temporary storage for furniture during phased works,
- Insurance updates during construction,
- Marketing for a new-look office
Planning for these in advance keeps your project on track financially and ensures nothing is overlooked.
5. Keep Costs Under Control
Even with a clear budget, refurbishments can throw up surprises. Careful planning and a phased approach can help avoid unnecessary expenses. By working around your operations, your fit-out partner can prevent costly downtime and reduce the need for temporary solutions.
Regular communication and early sign-offs on design choices and materials also mean fewer change orders, the biggest contributor to budget creep. Think of it as keeping your project financially healthy while still delivering the office your team needs.
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FAQs
The biggest factors are the scope of work and the level of finishes. Cosmetic updates are generally cheaper than structural changes, bespoke designs, or high-end technology.
Yes, a professional fit-out company will survey your space and provide an itemised quote covering design, build, furniture, and all professional fees.
Make sure your quote is comprehensive and includes a contingency fund of 10–15%. Check what’s included and confirm any exclusions before committing.
Not necessarily. While there can be minor additional costs for repeated set-ups, phasing helps avoid downtime and keeps your business operational, which can actually save money in the long run.
