15 Ways to a Cost Effective Fitout

Feature Article

A lease expiry during uncertain times might seem a worrying proposition for your business, but do it right and it can be an excellent opportunity to cut your costs now and make your workplace more responsive and productive.

Here is Glasgow Hart’s top 15 ways of finding every opportunity for a cost effective new workplace.

  • Look at what you’ve got. It might be more efficient to stay than go.
  • Start with your business plan. The clearer you are about where you’re going, the more productive workplace you can create to support it.
  • Work out exactly how much space you need. With a good understanding of what your business needs and great planning, you may be able to do with a lot less space than you think.
  • Seek professional, independent advice and do your feasibility BEFORE reaching any agreement regarding a new space. This can save you tens of thousands of dollars alone.
  • Negotiate with your landlord. More incentive, greater rent free periods, more infrastructure upgrade.
  • Allow more time. The more time to complete the project, the more choice for cheaper alternatives and more time to negotiate.
  • Be organised. Don’t waste time and money re-planning something three times because you didn’t get input from the right person to begin with.
  • Build less. Don’t just recreate what you have – build for functionality, not status. The more offices you have, the more services you need.
  • Standardise! Office sizes, workstations sizes, furniture types.
  • Spend less on a fitout and more on technology. The future of workplaces revolves around communication, access to information and innovation. Invest in technology, not furniture.
  • Buyer beware! When going for a design and construct service, make sure you are aware of the margins and charges included and the quality level is clearly communicated.
  • Tender construction. Competition often leads to lower prices.
  • Reuse and/or buy second hand.
  • Buy quality furniture that won’t need replacing in 12 months.
  • Consolidate your equipment. Do you know how much your photocopiers alone are costing you?

Contrary to popular belief, building a new workplace in uncertain times is an excellent opportunity for your business to tighten it's belt. Like to find out more? Contact us.