Planning an office refurbishment: a practical checklist

Quick answer: Agree how the space needs to work, survey the existing electrics and services, plan layout changes around fire safety, set a realistic programme, and choose contractors who can cover as many trades as possible.

Start with how the space will be used

Before thinking about finishes, get clear on how many people will use the space, what rooms you need and how people will work. The layout drives everything else.

Survey what's already there

• Check the condition and capacity of the existing electrics.
• Find out when the last EICR was carried out.
• Look at the existing ceilings, lighting and partitions.
• Note any issues from the latest fire risk assessment.

Plan around fire safety

New walls and rooms can change escape routes, emergency lighting coverage and fire compartments. Build this into the plan from the start rather than fixing it at the end.

Think about power and lighting

Work out where people will sit and what they'll need: sockets, data, lighting and controls. Refurbishments are a good chance to upgrade to LED lighting.

Set a realistic programme

• Decide whether the office stays occupied during the work.
• Plan phases, out of hours work and any shutdowns.
• Leave final finishes and snagging until the other trades have finished.

Keep the number of contractors down

Every extra contractor adds handovers and coordination. Using one team for electrics, ceilings, partitioning, fire stopping and repairs keeps things simpler and the finish more consistent.

Need a hand?

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Related service: Ceilings & Partitioning