Planning an office fitout requires more than just budgeting for costs: it also involves realistic timelines. Timeframes significantly vary depending on the size of your office, the complexity of the design, and regulatory approvals.
Understanding how long an office fitout takes will help you manage your schedule, minimise disruption, and ensure a smooth transition for your team.
How Long Does an Office Fitout Project Take?
An office fitout in Australia typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on size, complexity, and approvals. Smaller spaces may take 4 weeks, while larger or custom projects can extend beyond 12 weeks. Planning and design stages may add 2 - 4 weeks before construction begins. The timeline includes three key stages: planning, construction, and handover.
Average Fitout Timeframes by Business Type in Australia (2025)
| Business / Fitout Type | Description | Average Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Office Fitout | Open plan, meeting rooms, workstations, reception areas | 6 - 12 weeks |
| Retail Store | Fashion, electronics, general retail | 5 - 10 weeks |
| Café | Small hospitality space, kitchen, counter, seating | 6 - 10 weeks |
| Restaurant | Full commercial kitchen, dining area, compliance-heavy | 8 - 14 weeks |
| Bar / Lounge | High-end finishes, AV, bar fittings | 10 - 16 weeks |
| Medical Clinic | GP, dental, physio; sterile zones, custom plumbing | 8 - 12 weeks |
| Allied Health / Wellness | Massage, physio, psychology; calming design, partitions | 6 - 10 weeks |
| Childcare Centre | Strict compliance, play areas, safety fittings | 10 - 16 weeks |
| Educational Facility | Classrooms, AV, breakout zones | 8 - 14 weeks |
| Gym / Fitness Studio | Open plan, flooring, mirrors, changerooms | 6 - 12 weeks |
| Warehouse / Industrial | Offices, work zones, basic services | 5 - 10 weeks |
| Media / Studio Space | Acoustic treatments, lighting grids, broadcast setups | 10 - 16 weeks |
| Showroom | Display-driven, lighting, minimal storage | 6 - 10 weeks |
| Hair / Beauty Salon | Plumbing, mirrors, styling zones | 6 - 10 weeks |
Stage 1: Planning and Design (4 - 8 Weeks)
Before construction begins, you need to define the scope of work, finalize the design, and obtain necessary approvals. This stage includes the following:
- Consultation and Concept Design - Aligning the layout with your business needs and workplace culture.
- Detailed Drawings and Approvals - Finalize technical designs and obtain landlord or strata approvals.
- Permits and Compliance - Securing any required council or building certifications.
For most projects, this phase can take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of your design and approval processes.
Stage 2: Construction and Fitout (6 - 12 Weeks)
Once approvals are in place, the actual fitout begins. The duration of this phase depends on factors such as:
- Office Size - A small office under 100 sqm may take 4 - 6 weeks, while a 1,000-sqm corporate space can take 12 - 16 weeks or more.
- Design Complexity - Features such as custom joinery, advanced IT infrastructure, and acoustic treatments require more time.
- Material Availability - Delays in sourcing finishes, furniture, or imported items can extend timelines.
- Services Installation - Upgrading HVAC systems, data cabling, and fire safety systems often adds extra days to the schedule.
Fitout contractors provide a project timeline during the tender stage to help you plan around these activities.
Stage 3: Handover and Final Checks (1 - 2 Weeks)
After construction, the space undergoes quality inspections, compliance checks, and client walkthroughs.
Minor adjustments, cleaning, and furnishing happen during this stage, ensuring the office is ready for occupancy.
Factors That Influence Timelines
Several factors can accelerate or delay an office fitout:
- Project Scope - A basic open-plan layout is much faster to complete than a high-end executive design.
- Building Access Restrictions - Some CBD buildings restrict after-hours work, which can impact scheduling.
- Permits and Regulations - Delays in obtaining building approvals can affect the start date.
- Supplier Lead Times - Imported fixtures and specialized equipment often require longer lead times.
How to Ensure On-Time Delivery
To keep your project on track:
- Engage Early - Involve your designer and fitout contractor as soon as possible.
- Finalize design quickly - Avoid scope changes during construction.
- Plan for Contingencies - Allow extra time for approvals and potential supply delays.
- Choose Experienced Professionals - A reputable fitout partner can streamline the process and anticipate challenges.
A well-planned office fitout in Australia takes 10 to 20 weeks from initial planning to completion, depending on size and complexity. Investing time upfront in design and approvals will save delays later, ensuring your business moves into a functional and inspiring workspace on schedule.
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