What is the Difference Between a Fitout and a Renovation?

When planning changes to a commercial space, terms like fitout and renovation come up, and they are used interchangeably. However, these terms refer to different processes with distinct objectives, costs, and timelines.

Understanding the difference between a fitout and a renovation is essential for making informed decisions and accurately budgeting for your project.

What is the difference between a fitout and a renovation?

What is an Office Fitout?

A fitout refers to the process of making an interior space functional for occupation. In commercial real estate, the base building is often delivered as an empty shell or with minimal features, known as the base build.

The fitout involves adding all the internal components that make the space usable for a business.

Common Elements of a Fitout

• Partitions and Walls - Creating meeting rooms, private offices, or breakout areas.
• Ceilings and Flooring - Installing suspended ceilings, carpet tiles, or hardwood flooring.
• Lighting and Electrical Work - Adding light fixtures, power outlets, and data cabling.
• HVAC Systems - Extending or adjusting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for comfort.
• Furniture and Fixtures - Desks, chairs, workstations, and custom joinery.
• Branding Elements - Incorporating company colours, signage, and graphics.

Fitouts are carried out in newly leased or constructed spaces, transforming an empty shell into a fully operational workplace tailored to a specific business.

What is a Renovation?

A renovation, on the other hand, involves upgrading, altering, or improving an existing space without starting from scratch. Renovations focus on refreshing interiors, modernising finishes, or changing the layout of a space that has already been fitted out.

Typical Renovation Activities

• Replacing Finishes - Updating carpets, wall paint, or window treatments.
• Reconfiguring Layouts - Moving partitions or opening up enclosed areas to create collaborative zones.
• Upgrading Fixtures - Installing new lighting, furniture, or ergonomic solutions.
• Technology Upgrades - Adding new audiovisual systems or enhancing data connectivity.
• Sustainability Improvements - Introducing energy-efficient lighting, better ventilation, or eco-friendly materials.

Renovations are common for businesses that want to refresh their workspace, improve employee experience, or adapt to changing operational needs without completely dismantling the existing fitout.

Key Differences Between a Fitout and a Renovation

Starting Point

• A fitout starts with a bare or partially completed interior.
• A renovation updates an existing, previously fitted-out space.

Scope of Work

• Fitouts are more comprehensive and involve installing essential services and fixtures.
• Renovations are focused on improvements and aesthetic changes.

Objective

• Fitouts make a space functional for the first time.
• Renovations modernise or optimise an already functional environment.

Cost and Duration

• Fitouts generally require a larger budget and longer timelines.
• Renovations are often less expensive and faster, as they work within an existing framework.

Which One Do You Need?

If you are moving into new, empty premises, you’ll need a fitout to create a fully operational space. If your business is already operating in an existing office but requires a fresh look, improved functionality, or compliance upgrades, a renovation is the right choice.

While both fitouts and renovations aim to enhance the functionality and appearance of a workspace, their purpose and scope are quite different. Knowing these distinctions helps businesses plan effectively, allocate resources wisely, and choose the right professionals for the job.