Not every office needs stripping back to a bare shell, and not every workspace is beyond saving with a simple lick of paint. Office renovation sits in the practical middle ground: a considered programme of updates that restores a tired workplace to a modern, functional standard without the expense or disruption of a full fit out. Whether you are dealing with worn finishes, outdated lighting, or spaces that simply no longer reflect how your team works, renovation offers a targeted route to meaningful improvement. At Office Refit, we deliver office renovation projects across London, helping businesses modernise their environments while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.
Office Renovation vs Refurbishment: What Is the Difference?
The terms renovation and refurbishment are often used interchangeably, but they describe different scopes of work. Renovation focuses on restoring and updating what already exists. It means replacing worn materials, refreshing tired finishes, upgrading lighting or fixtures, and bringing a space back to a high standard without fundamentally changing its layout or structure. The bones of the office remain the same; the surfaces and systems are renewed.
Refurbishment, by contrast, tends to carry a broader scope. It can include reconfiguring floor plans, relocating teams, installing new mechanical and electrical systems, and rethinking how the entire space functions. A refurbishment may involve partition changes, new ceilings, upgraded air conditioning, and significant structural alterations. If you are considering that level of transformation, our office refurbishment service may be a better fit.
Renovation is ideal when the existing layout works well enough but the environment itself has become dated, worn, or uninspiring. It is a faster, less disruptive, and more cost-effective option that still delivers a visible transformation.
Signs Your Office Needs Renovation
Offices deteriorate gradually, and it can be easy to overlook the cumulative effect of years of daily use. However, there comes a point where the condition of a workspace begins to affect productivity, morale, and the impression you make on clients and visitors. Here are some of the most common signs that a renovation is overdue.
- Worn carpets and stained ceiling tiles. High-traffic areas show damage first. Frayed carpet tiles, discoloured patches, and ceiling tiles with water stains or sagging edges make even a well-run office look neglected.
- Outdated lighting. If your office still relies on flickering fluorescent tubes, you are paying more for energy while providing a less comfortable environment. Modern LED panels offer better light quality, lower running costs, and a cleaner aesthetic.
- Poor temperature control. Draughty windows, ageing radiators, or inconsistent air conditioning create discomfort that directly impacts concentration and wellbeing. Renovation can address these issues without a full mechanical overhaul.
- Faded decoration. Scuffed paintwork, peeling wallpaper, and outdated colour schemes give the impression that a business has stopped investing in its environment. Fresh decoration is one of the simplest yet most effective renovation measures.
- Damaged or mismatched furniture. Broken desk drawers, wobbly chairs, and a patchwork of furniture accumulated over the years undermines both comfort and visual consistency.
- Non-compliant accessibility. Building regulations evolve, and an office that was compliant ten years ago may no longer meet current standards for accessibility, fire safety, or ventilation.
- Technology infrastructure limits. Insufficient power outlets, poor cable management, and a lack of charging points or AV connectivity can hold teams back. Renovation provides the opportunity to upgrade infrastructure alongside cosmetic improvements.
If several of these issues sound familiar, your office is a strong candidate for renovation. Addressing them collectively, rather than patching individual problems, delivers a far more cohesive and lasting result.
Our Renovation Services
We offer a comprehensive range of renovation services, each of which can be delivered individually or as part of a coordinated programme. Our approach is to assess what your office needs, prioritise the work that will have the greatest impact, and deliver it with minimal disruption to your business.
- Redecoration and painting. A complete refresh of walls, woodwork, and feature areas using durable commercial-grade finishes. We can match your brand colours or help you select a palette that energises the workspace.
- Flooring replacement. From carpet tiles and vinyl plank to polished concrete and engineered timber, we supply and install flooring suited to each area of your office, balancing durability, acoustics, and appearance.
- Ceiling replacement. Suspended ceiling grids with new tiles, or alternative solutions such as exposed ceilings with acoustic rafts, can transform the look and feel of an office while improving acoustics and light distribution.
- Lighting upgrades to LED. We replace outdated fluorescent fittings with energy-efficient LED panels, downlights, or pendant fixtures. Properly designed lighting reduces eye strain, cuts electricity bills, and creates a more pleasant atmosphere.
- Kitchen and washroom renovation. These high-use areas often deteriorate fastest. We refurbish kitchens with new worktops, splashbacks, appliances, and storage, and upgrade washrooms with modern sanitaryware, tiling, and vanity units.
- Reception area refresh. Your reception is the first space clients and visitors see. A renovated reception with updated furniture, feature lighting, branded signage, and quality finishes sets the right tone from the moment someone walks through the door.
- Meeting room upgrades. Better acoustics, integrated AV technology, improved lighting, and comfortable furniture can turn underperforming meeting rooms into spaces that people actually want to use.
- Furniture replacement. We source and install desking, seating, storage, and soft furnishings from trusted commercial suppliers. Whether you need ergonomic task chairs or collaborative lounge furniture, we handle procurement and installation.
The Renovation Process
Every renovation project we undertake follows a structured process designed to keep things on track, on budget, and as painless as possible for your team.
- Assessment. We visit your office to carry out a thorough condition survey. This covers finishes, fixtures, furniture, lighting, flooring, ceilings, kitchens, washrooms, and any areas of concern you want to highlight.
- Prioritisation. Not everything needs doing at once. We work with you to identify which elements will deliver the most value and agree on a scope of work that fits your budget and timeline.
- Design. For more involved renovations, we prepare design proposals including material selections, colour schemes, and layout options. You see exactly what the finished result will look like before any work begins.
- Phased programme. We plan the work in phases to minimise disruption, often tackling one floor or zone at a time so the rest of the office can continue operating normally.
- Execution. Our project managers coordinate all trades, deliveries, and site logistics. You receive regular progress updates and have a single point of contact throughout.
- Snagging. Before handover, we carry out a detailed snagging inspection to identify and resolve any minor issues. Nothing is signed off until you are completely satisfied.
- Completion. We hand over a clean, finished space ready for immediate use, along with all relevant documentation, warranties, and maintenance guidance.
Minimising Disruption
One of the biggest concerns businesses have about renovation is the disruption it might cause. We understand that your office cannot simply shut down for weeks, and we plan every project with operational continuity in mind.
- Phased approach. We break the work into manageable phases so that only a portion of the office is affected at any one time. Staff can continue working in unaffected areas while we complete each zone.
- Out-of-hours working. Where possible, we schedule noisy or disruptive tasks for evenings, weekends, or outside your core business hours. This is particularly effective for demolition, drilling, and heavy deliveries.
- Floor-by-floor programmes. For multi-storey offices, we often renovate one floor at a time, allowing teams to temporarily relocate within the building rather than leaving the premises entirely.
- Clean working methods. Dust containment, protective sheeting, and daily site cleaning ensure that adjacent working areas remain safe and comfortable throughout the project.
- Temporary relocations. When a section of the office needs to be vacated, we help coordinate temporary seating arrangements, ensuring staff have access to power, data, and the facilities they need.
Our goal is to deliver a transformed workspace with as little interference to your daily routine as possible. Many of our clients tell us the renovation was far less disruptive than they had anticipated.
Office Renovation Costs
Renovation costs vary depending on the scope of work, the condition of the existing space, the quality of materials selected, and the size of the area being renovated. As a general guide, here are the typical cost ranges for London office renovations.
| Level | Cost per sqft | Typical Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Light renovation | £25 – £40 | Redecoration, carpet replacement, minor repairs, lighting upgrades |
| Standard renovation | £40 – £70 | All of the above plus ceiling replacement, kitchen and washroom refurbishment, furniture replacement |
| High-spec renovation | £70 – £120 | Comprehensive renovation including premium finishes, bespoke joinery, AV integration, and feature lighting |
It is worth noting that renovation is often significantly more cost-effective than relocating. When you factor in the costs of a commercial property search, legal fees, moving logistics, new furniture, IT infrastructure, staff downtime, and potential rent increases, staying put and renovating your current space frequently comes out ahead. Renovation also allows you to maintain your existing address, avoid upheaval for your team, and invest directly in improving the environment you already know.
We provide detailed, transparent quotations with no hidden costs. Once a price is agreed, we stick to it.
Areas We Serve
We carry out office renovation projects across London, from the City and West End to suburban business centres. Our teams are experienced in working across a wide range of building types, from period conversions to modern commercial blocks. Here are some of the areas where we regularly work.
If your office is in London or the surrounding areas, we can help. Get in touch to discuss your project and we will arrange a free site visit at a time that suits you.
Get Your Free Renovation Quote
If your office is looking tired, dated, or simply no longer fit for purpose, renovation could be the most practical and cost-effective solution. We offer free, no-obligation site surveys for businesses across London. Our team will assess your space, discuss your priorities, and provide a clear, detailed quotation with no pressure and no hidden fees.
Ready to transform your workspace? Contact us today to book your free site survey and take the first step towards a better working environment.
