As much as an office interior fit-out can be an exciting time for any business, it can also be a daunting task, especially if you haven’t got any experience in this field. At Combined Office Interiors we offer a full furniture and interiors package, so you don’t need to worry about a thing!
Our experienced and knowledgeable project team will consult with all suppliers, architects, and contractors including proposals and timescales to assist you and your business every step of the way and ensure every new build or revitalised workspace inspires productivity and impresses your clients.
Step 1 – Start with a plan!
2 – Choose your fit-out partner
3 – Consultancy & Project Management
4 – Interior Space Design and Furniture Review
5 – The Fit-out
6 – The Furniture Refurbishment
7 – Hand over
8 – Aftercare
Office fit-out and refurbishment guide:
1 – Start with a plan!
It’s essential you evaluate your workplace needs and what you require from your fit-out. Speak to your team, take on board any requirements or suggestions and make a shortlist of what you would like to achieve.
It’s also imperative you conduct a viability study. Set some clear goals. Alongside a realistic budget when analysing your needs to ensure your project is feasible from the offset.
Here are some considerations to think about and include in your plan:
- How many employees are in your team and are you expecting to grow your workforce in the next 3-5 years?
- Will your employees require private or quiet areas away from their desks to focus, collaborate, socialise, or make phone calls?
- How much storage does your business require? Ask your chosen partner to help with a storage survey if you are unsure.
- Do you need to soundproof your office, meeting, or training rooms to help reduce noise or improve privacy?
- What is your reception or welcome area requirements?
- Before making any purchasing decisions, set yourself a maximum budget to help with the quote and review process.
- If you’re moving to a completely new location, will you need an office move service to safeguard your equipment? Office move services can also ensure everything is set up correctly at a time that’s convenient to you.
- What are your environmental requirements? Are you looking to introduce a fully sustainable workspace?
2 – Choose your office fit-out and refurbishment partner
To help bring your vision to life, you will need to find an experienced and trustworthy interior specialist who will minimise any business disruption and take care of Health and Safety requirements including building and fire regulations.
Your partner will also manage:
- onsite activity to ensure quality and consistency,
- liaise with all suppliers and contractors to make sure your new workspace is delivered on time and to budget.
Our skilled team at COI is well-practised in managing refurbishment ventures. This includes planning, concept, design, and day-to-day management, for businesses from a wide range of sectors.
3 – Consultancy & Project Management
A good fit-out partner will establish your requirements including:
- compliance with health and safety,
- environmental regulations,
- CDM,
- and legal requirements that may incorporate planning permission, building regulations, and an asbestos survey.
A detailed project brief will be put together which specifies the main objective of the fit-out and refurbishment. This will comprise a design brief, contingency plan, and a timeline that will actively help achieve your goals.
4 – Interior Space Design and Furniture Review
With the support of your interior specialists, the fun part really starts at the interior design stage. If you are considering new furniture or integrating old with new, or even making use of what you have purchased already, an experienced refurbishment company can help you think outside of the box and maximise lighting, levels of privacy, corporate brand, biophilic design, and agile working solutions that include areas to focus, collaborate, socialise, and hold meetings.
Space Designs
From detailed designs to computer-generated walkthroughs, space plans and mood boards will help give you a clear idea of what your new space will look like and how it could function.
Each project design will normally take into account:
- movement,
- health and safety considerations,
- available light,
- windows and focal points,
- zoning,
- and how furniture will positively impact productivity and motivation.
Our approach at COI is easily tailored to suit all types of projects. We start with an in-depth analysis of how your new workspace will be used, with our designers producing space plans that define zones and incorporate how people will move through the space. We finish our plans by adding details including furniture, interior design colours and materials, and equipment or technology placement.
Workspace Furniture
When starting an office fit-out process it’s a great opportunity to review what you need and what your staff wants from an internal furniture refurbishment. Every workplace is comprised of departments with employees performing distinct functions, so careful consideration should be given to your new furniture requirements to ensure the seamless flow of working practices through innovative design and comfort.
Good ergonomic furniture that fully supports the user including particularly desking, seating and worktables contribute to positive and comfortable working environments, which in turn supports the wellbeing of your team.
Things to consider when reviewing your office furniture and furnishing requirements:
- Make sure all furniture is fit for purpose and suitable for day-to-day duties, as after all, your employees could be seated at their desk for 8 hours or more a day.
- Check the warranty period of furniture and continuity of supply to ensure you can maintain your furniture or add additional pieces as your business grows.
- Would you like to incorporate technology into your furniture selection? Power, data, mobile charging ports, and digital screens are just a selection of modern technology offerings that make it possible to work anywhere in agile-focused workspaces.
- Be environmentally conscious! Check the environmental impact of your furniture selection, checking the manufacturer’s supply chain, including the procurement of raw materials and production.
- Try before you buy! Visit showrooms when you can, it helps to give you a real feel of the quality of the furniture, or ask your office furniture partner to supply a desk and chair set-up for your team to trial, as you will want your furniture investment to be comfortable, meet ergonomic needs, and to stand the test of time, whilst being fully functional for at least 5 years or more.
At COI we are office furniture specialists with over two decades of experience working with some of the largest and most influential manufacturers in the UK. As office furniture dealers, our sole source procurement approach consents us to provide the right solution that matches every budget, timescale, and expectation. We have flagship showrooms in key areas of the UK to help support your purchasing requirements allowing you to really get a feel of your investment through physical touch and demonstrations.
5 – The Fit-out
To ensure on-site activity meets the quality and consistency your project requires; your chosen partner will complete risk assessments and provide full method statements before any works commence.
Your fit-out partner will also be able to help with:
- the storage of your existing furniture and equipment,
- manage arrangements if you are moving or relocating your office.
The role of your project manager will also include:
- contractor onsite inductions,
- consulting with all suppliers and contractors,
- arranging skips and recycling if appropriate,
- and regular site meetings to help clarify any problems or snags.
6 – The Furniture Refurbishment
Good office furniture completes an effective layout and promotes a better working environment.
The best thing about working with an interior fit-out and furniture refurbishment specialist are they will not only be able to source great quality office furniture, but they will also provide a full delivery and installation service that can be scheduled around your interior fit-out works or contractors including flooring & lighting companies, electricians, and plumbers, providing a complete turnkey and project managed solution for a seamless transition.
7 – Hand over
When the office fit-out has been completed and the furnishings are in place, it’s time for your project manager to arrange a walk-through altogether with your own internal team to look out for potential snags. It’s important to check everything is working and in the condition you would expect.
Once your snags are completed and you’re happy with everything, then the office fit-out process is completed. Now you can enjoy your new productive workspace.
8 – Aftercare
When it comes to a successful office fit-out and refurbishment, your chosen partners should always be on-hand. This may include if you need to adapt current layouts or to assist as your business grows with add-on furniture. Our team at COI is always available long after the project is completed.
We provide comprehensive product demonstrations and have the knowledge to answer any questions about your new surroundings. We tailor our advice to help support the aesthetic demand in the future. Additionally, we only provide furniture with full warranty periods. This altogether safeguards your investment and ensures the life expectancy of your new interiors and furniture. Aftercare Services.
Last Updated on June 29, 2023
