What? How? Who? - London Local Office Fit out, Interiors & Refurbishments

The property industry usually ignores interiors and leaves the responsibility of the interiors to the potential occupiers.

There is generally at least one section fitted out with carpets and furnishings as a show area.

It will be only the surface and is often removed when an occupier moves in.

This has long been an irritation to some developers and consultants, who recoil at the sheer waste of resources but bow to commercial agents who insist that potential tenants are put off by bare concrete. However, a wide ranging examination of environmental issues could change things as the focus falls on how offices are fitted out.

There is a trend, to drive to create more efficient flexible space to match modern working. Various stages in the life of offices and who is responsible for what:

• Stage one: Shell and core Walls, floors, roof and service shafts built to specification by architects, surveyors and engineers.
• Stage two: Category A fit-out includes raised floors, false ceilings, lighting, ventilation and power, usually installed by the developer’s team.
• Stage three: Category B fit-out incoming occupiers rarely make do with the basics. Apart from decorating and furnishing, they usually employ their own team of consultants to advise on tasks such as upgrading heating and lighting, and installing partitioning, receptions and catering. Fit-out contractors carry out the work.

Design and build involves a different process and is often used for smaller scale projects with a known occupier. Selecting a capable small company for project sizes from £5,000 to about £750,000 can have substantial savings, less red tape, proactive response to urgent project decisions.

Building costs and rents tend to dominate headlines. Fit out is often overlooked, yet the bills can be substantial but selecting a small quality fit out company with low overheads can reduce this large cost.  Larger companies usually sub-contract to smaller interior fit out companies, so going directly with a small competent quality full design & build fit out company can be a smart choice.

However, interior design companies like GXI need to be involved at the early stages as rushing a fit out project is not an option as there are a lot pre-project planning and approvals that need to be carried out prior starting the works.

To further discuss potential fit out or refurbishment project processes and procedures please Call Jay at GXI Group on 020 8732 5580 or visit www.gxigroup.com