An office fit out transforms an empty or outdated commercial space into a fully functioning workplace that supports your team, reflects your brand, and drives productivity. Whether you are moving into a shell-and-core unit or upgrading an existing office, the fit out process covers everything from mechanical and electrical infrastructure to furniture, finishes, and branding. Getting it right means creating a space your people genuinely want to work in, while keeping costs under control and minimising disruption to your operations.

What Is an Office Fit Out?

A fit out is the process of making a commercial interior ready for occupation. It is distinct from a refurbishment, which typically involves updating or renovating an existing, already occupied space. A fit out usually starts with a bare or semi-finished shell and builds upward, while a refurbishment works within the constraints of what already exists.

Office fit outs are broadly divided into two categories:

Cat A (Category A) covers the base build: raised floors, suspended ceilings, basic mechanical and electrical services, fire detection, and common area finishes. It brings the space to a standard that is ready for a tenant to add their own layout and design. Learn more about our Cat A fit out services.
Cat B (Category B) takes the space from that base standard to a fully finished, branded workplace. This includes partitioning, meeting rooms, kitchen and breakout areas, AV and IT infrastructure, furniture, and all decorative finishes. Explore our Cat B fit out services.

Many projects combine both categories into a single design-and-build programme, particularly when a landlord delivers a shell-and-core unit and the tenant needs a complete, move-in-ready office.

Our Fit Out Services

Office Refit delivers end-to-end fit out solutions across London. Our in-house teams and trusted specialist partners cover every discipline you need under one contract:

Full design and build: From initial space planning and concept design through to construction, finishing, and snagging, we manage the entire process so you have a single point of accountability.
Mechanical and electrical (M&E): Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, power distribution, and fire safety systems, all designed to meet Building Regulations and your operational requirements.
Data and communications: Structured cabling, server room fit outs, wireless network infrastructure, and AV installations to keep your team connected from day one.
Flooring and ceilings: Raised access flooring, carpet tiles, vinyl, polished concrete, suspended ceilings, exposed soffits, and acoustic treatments to suit your design vision and budget.
Partitioning and glazing: Glass partitions, solid walls, sliding doors, acoustic pods, and demountable systems that balance openness with privacy.
Furniture procurement: Desks, task chairs, soft seating, storage, and collaborative furniture sourced, delivered, and installed to complete your workspace.
Branding and signage: Feature walls, wayfinding signage, vinyl graphics, and environmental branding that bring your company identity into the physical space.

The Fit Out Process

A well-managed fit out follows a clear sequence. Here is how we approach every project:

Initial consultation and brief: We meet you on site, discuss your objectives, understand your team structure and working patterns, and agree the scope, timeline, and budget parameters.
Survey and due diligence: Our team carries out a detailed measured survey of the space, reviews building services, checks lease obligations, and identifies any structural or regulatory constraints.
Concept design: We produce initial layout options, mood boards, and 3D visuals that translate your brief into a tangible design direction. This stage is iterative, and we refine the scheme until you are confident in the approach.
Detailed design and specification: Once the concept is approved, we develop full technical drawings, specify materials and finishes, and prepare a comprehensive schedule of works and fixed-price quotation.
Approvals and licences: We handle building control submissions, landlord licence-to-alter applications, and any planning requirements so there are no surprises once work begins on site.
Construction and fit out: Our project managers coordinate all trades on site, maintain quality standards, and provide regular progress updates. We phase the work to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Snagging and commissioning: Before handover, we conduct a thorough snagging inspection, commission all M&E systems, and ensure every element meets the agreed specification.
Handover and aftercare: We hand you the keys along with all O&M manuals, certification, and warranty documentation. Our aftercare programme means we remain available to address any issues that arise in the weeks and months following completion.

Office Fit Out Costs

Fit out costs in London vary considerably depending on the category of work, the specification level, and the condition of the building. The following ranges provide a useful starting point for budgeting:

Cat A fit out: £40 to £70 per square foot. This covers the base build, including raised floors, ceilings, M&E first fix, and basic finishes.
Cat B fit out: £60 to £120 per square foot. This includes full interior design, partitioning, furniture, IT infrastructure, and all decorative finishes.
Premium or bespoke fit out: £120 to £200 per square foot. For high-specification projects with bespoke joinery, premium materials, advanced AV systems, and feature installations.

Several factors influence where your project falls within these ranges:

Location: Central London sites, particularly those in the City or West End, tend to carry higher costs due to access restrictions, parking levies, and premium supplier rates.
Specification level: The quality of materials, furniture, and technology you choose has a direct impact on the overall budget. We help you identify where to invest and where to economise without compromising quality.
Building condition: Older buildings may require additional structural work, asbestos surveys, or upgrades to existing M&E systems, all of which add to the base cost.

We provide a detailed, fixed-price quotation before any work begins, so you have complete clarity on costs from the outset. There are no hidden extras.

Why Choose Office Refit?

We have delivered hundreds of office fit outs across London, from compact suites for growing startups to large-scale headquarters for established businesses. Here is what sets us apart:

End-to-end service: Design, build, furniture, and IT under one roof. You deal with one team from start to finish, which simplifies communication and reduces risk.
Fixed-price options: We offer fixed-price contracts so you can plan with confidence. Our quotations are detailed and transparent, with no ambiguity about what is included.
Experienced project managers: Every project is led by a dedicated project manager who oversees the programme, coordinates all trades, and keeps you informed at every stage.
Minimal disruption: We understand that your business cannot always stop while we work. Our teams are experienced at phased installations, out-of-hours working, and managing live environments to keep disruption to an absolute minimum.
Quality and compliance: All work is carried out to the highest standards, fully compliant with Building Regulations, CDM requirements, and your landlord’s specifications.

London Coverage

Office Refit operates across Greater London, with a proven track record in over 650 locations. Wherever your office is situated, we have the local knowledge and logistics capability to deliver your project on time and on budget. Here are just a few of the areas we regularly serve:

No matter the size or complexity of your fit out, our team is ready to help you create a workspace that works harder for your business.

Get Started Today

If you are planning an office fit out in London, we would love to hear from you. Our team will guide you through every stage, from the first conversation to the final handover, ensuring the process is smooth, transparent, and tailored to your needs.

Request your free consultation and let us show you what is possible for your space and budget. There is no obligation, just honest, expert advice from a team that has done this hundreds of times before.