Refurbishing your office isn’t just about a fresh coat of paint. Done well, it can transform how your people work, collaborate, and feel within the workplace. Whether you’re planning a small office refresh or a full-scale workplace redesign, here are 14 essential things to know before you begin.

 

1. What Is an Office Refurbishment?

An office refurbishment involves updating interiors—ceilings, floors, walls, furniture, and technology. Projects range from minor upgrades (like cabling or kitchens) to large-scale refurbishments, involving biophilic design, space planning, rebranding, and hybrid work features such as hot desks, acoustic booths, and agile breakout zones.

2. Office Fit Out vs. Office Refurbishment

A fit out applies to a new office space, while a refurbishment upgrades an existing one. Both are designed to align your workplace environment with business goals, staff needs, and company culture.

3. The Benefits of Office Refurbishment

A well-planned workplace refurbishment can:

  • Improve staff productivity and focus

  • Boost morale and retention

  • Strengthen corporate identity and brand perception

  • Create a healthier, more efficient workplace.

4. Start With Your Motive

Ask: Why refurbish? Common reasons include:

  • Lease renewals or relocations

  • Changes in team size

  • Competitive pressure or new design trends

  • Outdated, uninspiring spaces

Defining your drivers early helps to shape your refurbishment strategy.

5. Preparing a Strong Office Refurbishment Brief

Your brief is the foundation of success. This can include:

  • Current staff numbers & working styles

  • Company values & branding

  • Functional requirements & budget

  • Flexibility for future growth.

6. Fixtures, Fittings & Technology to Consider

Modern workplaces thrive on smart infrastructure. Think about:

  • Natural daylight & LED lighting

  • Energy-efficient heating & cooling systems

  • Ergonomic furniture and storage solutions

  • Strong Wi-Fi, power points, and video-conferencing setups.

7. Designing With Purpose

Your office design reflects your company culture. Key considerations are:

  • Reception and first impressions

  • Brand identity across spaces

  • Collaboration vs. private focus zones

  • Acoustics for noise control and concentration.

8. Learn From Office Refurbishment Case Studies

Explore refurbishment examples—from breakout booths and agile areas to staff lounges and acoustic pods. Real-life case studies spark ideas and help visualise possibilities.

9. Build Your Project Team

Appoint a project champion to liaise with your fit out partner. Back them with a team (HR, IT, finance, facilities) for smooth delivery and decision-making.

10. Choose the Right Office Refurbishment Partner

Look for:

  • Proven track record with office refurbishments

  • Full-service offering (design, build, M&E, project management)

  • Relevant accreditations and insurance

  • A partner who understands your company culture.

11. Budget Smartly for Refurbishments

Factor in:

  • Furniture, tech, and IT costs

  • Professional fees & insurance

  • Marketing/PR for launch

  • Contingency funds for the unexpected.

12. Timing Is Everything

Plan refurbishments outside of peak times. Discuss phased works or out-of-hours delivery with your contractor to reduce disruption.

13. Space Planning & Visualisation Tools

From AutoCAD and SketchUP layouts to 3D renders, visualisation helps test ideas before building. Use this stage to explore hot desks, touchdown spaces, and flexible breakout areas.

14. Furniture & Finishing Touches

Furniture impacts well-being and productivity. Prioritise:

  • Ergonomic comfort

  • Multi-functional, adaptable solutions

  • Pops of colour and design reflecting your culture.

✅ Final Thought: Future-Proof Your Office

An office refurbishment isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an opportunity to:

  • Future-proof your workplace

  • Empower your people

  • Showcase your organisation’s culture and brand

Are you ready to explore what’s possible? Visit our website for expert insights on office refurbishments, workplace design, and fit out solutions that help businesses thrive.

This article was originally taken from our essential eGuide to workspace transformations. You can download our free guide here to successfully carry out your commercial, organisational and educational space refurbishments.