How Much Do Office Fitouts Cost in Melbourne?

If you’re planning office fitouts in Melbourne, one of the first things you’ll want clarity on is cost. Knowing your potential investment upfront helps you budget wisely and avoids nasty surprises. A fresh, well-designed workplace boosts productivity, improves staff morale, and creates a professional impression for visitors and clients. But exactly how much will you need to invest in a Melbourne office makeover?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors that influence pricing, typical costs you can expect in Melbourne, and additional expenses to keep in mind.

What Affects the Cost?

Several key factors shape how much you’ll pay to revamp your workplace:

1. Office Size and Layout: The bigger your space, the more materials and labour you’ll need. It’s straightforward maths. Complex layouts with multiple rooms, unusual angles, or multiple floors can also add to costs because they usually require custom designs and more work.
2. How Big Is the Job?: Are you just doing a quick spruce-up with fresh paint and some furniture, or are you knocking down walls and installing new partitions? Naturally, bigger and more complicated projects mean a bigger bill.
3. Quality of Materials: Choosing premium finishes like stone countertops, designer lighting, and custom-made furniture will definitely drive costs up. Opting for budget-friendly materials like laminate and standard fittings can help you save significantly.
4. Tech Upgrades: If your renovation involves adding or upgrading tech—think smart meeting rooms, better networking infrastructure, security systems, or advanced audio-visual equipment—be prepared to spend more.
5. Building Condition: Older buildings in Melbourne might come with unexpected issues like outdated wiring, plumbing problems, or even asbestos. Dealing with these hidden issues is necessary but can add a chunk to your budget.
6. Professional Services: Hiring designers, architects, or project managers ensures the job gets done right but will add professional fees. While this raises the initial budget, it typically pays off with fewer headaches down the track.
7. Sustainability Features: Going green with energy-efficient lighting, eco-friendly materials, or sustainability certifications can increase initial costs, but these investments often pay off in reduced operating costs long-term.

Typical Prices You’ll See in Melbourne

Melbourne has a pretty wide range when it comes to office renovation costs. Here’s what you can roughly expect per square meter:

• Basic Fit Out: Around $500–$800+ per sqm. Think simple updates—fresh paint, standard furniture, basic lighting, and minor layout changes.
  
• Mid-Range Fit Out: Typically $800–$1,200+ per sqm. Expect better-quality finishes, customised elements, mid-level furniture, and moderate tech upgrades.
  
• Premium Fit Out: Usually between $1,200–$2,500+ per sqm. At this level, you’ll see high-end finishes, fully customised designs, luxurious features, and sophisticated tech integrations.

To give a clear example, refurbishing a 200-square-metre office at mid-range specs could set you back between $160,000 and $240,000. For a premium overhaul of the same size, you’re looking closer to $400,000 or even more.

Don’t Forget These Additional Costs

Aside from the main renovation costs, there are several additional expenses that businesses often overlook:

• Temporary Workspace Costs: If the renovations are extensive, you might need to move your team temporarily, which means extra rent and moving expenses.
  
• Furniture and Equipment: The renovation budget typically covers physical improvements but might not include new desks, chairs, computers, or other office gear. Be sure to factor this into your overall budget.
  
• Compliance and Certification Fees: You’ll need permits, compliance inspections, and possibly health and safety certificates, especially if you’re making structural changes or significant upgrades.
  
• Contingency Budget: Always set aside at least 10% extra for unexpected issues—there’s almost always something you didn’t anticipate.
  
• Maintenance and Operational Expenses: Post-renovation, remember that nicer finishes and advanced tech might mean higher ongoing maintenance costs.
• Waste Removal: Renovations generate plenty of rubbish, from old furniture to building debris. Factor in disposal costs or recycling fees upfront.

Smart Budgeting Tips to Control Costs

If you’re looking to manage your spending without compromising on quality, consider these tips:

• Talk to Experts Early: Get designers and contractors involved from the beginning to flag potential issues early and set realistic budgets.
  
• Define Clear Priorities: Know what’s essential versus nice-to-have. This helps you allocate funds where they matter most.
  
• Get Multiple Quotes: Shop around—comparing several quotes helps you find competitive pricing and better deals.
  
• Flexible Design Options: Choose versatile furniture and flexible layouts to keep initial costs lower and make future changes easier and cheaper.
  
• Timing Matters: Plan your renovation for quieter times to minimise disruption and reduce indirect expenses.

Conclusion

Upgrading your workplace in Melbourne is more than just a financial decision—it’s about creating an environment that genuinely reflects your brand and supports your team. Taking the time to understand all the costs involved upfront makes your project smoother, keeps your spending under control, and ensures the final result is worth every cent spent. With a bit of planning and smart budgeting, your new workspace can truly elevate your business.