Commercial Fit Out Budget

Insights

How to Budget for a Commercial Fit Out Project

When planning a commercial fit out, one of the first questions clients ask is, “How much is this going to cost?” And understandably so because fit outs are a significant investment, but one that can deliver lasting value when done right.

Here’s how to approach budgeting for your fit out, without the guesswork.

1. Understand What You’re Paying For

Commercial fit outs include a wide range of services, such as:

  • Interior design and space planning
  • Electrical and data cabling
  • HVAC and plumbing
  • Partitions, flooring, ceilings
  • Fixtures, fittings, and furniture (FF+E)
  • Compliance, safety, and project management

Costs vary depending on whether it’s a light-touch refurb or a full CAT B fit out from a shell.

2. Know the Price Ranges

While every project is unique, here’s a rough guide:

  • Light Refurbishment: £40–£65 per sq ft
  • Mid-Range Fit Out: £65–£100 per sq ft
  • High-End Fit Out: £100–£150+ per sq ft

Additional costs may include AV integration, bespoke furniture, or sustainability features (which can offer long-term savings).

3. Factor in Contingency

It’s wise to allocate around 5–10% of your budget as a contingency. Even with the best planning, site surprises or scope changes can occur.

4. Choose the Right Procurement Route

With a Design & Build approach (like Full Circle Workplace offers), you’ll often gain cost certainty earlier, because one team handles the full scope from design through to delivery. This prevents delays and budget creep.

5. Don’t Forget the Soft Costs

Things like removals, IT migration, staff downtime, or interim office arrangements are easy to overlook but they impact your total project budget.

A well-planned fit out can pay for itself through improved efficiency, employee retention, and client perception. At Full Circle Workplace, we help you scope realistically from day one so there are no inflated promises and no surprise costs.