No one would dream of going into business with a random partner. Because the growth potential of a business depends on that partner’s skill and experience, a business owner would think twice before making such a decision.Much like choosing a business partner, engaging the services of a commercial fitouts provider is a weighty decision with a direct impact on business growth. Productivity levels drop due to poor office space planning, and customers are driven away by unappealing commercial fitout design. While great commercial fitouts require a significant investment, the ROI from a well-executed fitout can provide excellent returns in terms of customer acquisition and employee morale.A good commercial fitouts provider is a partner on whose capabilities and track record business owners can rely to have the success of the business in mind.Identifying Fitout RequirementsBefore getting in touch with a prospective commercial fitouts provider, it is best to prepare a preliminary fitout project scope to brief the provider.Be sure to include industry-specific requirements and considerations that may unique to a specific team or circumstances. A software company, for instance, may be more likely to use smart office technology than a cafe or a restaurant. Fitouts opening out onto the street will have different requirements from those on the upper storeys of a mall or office building.There are also building codes and standards to be adhered to for specific industries and locations, particularly in Australia. Different codes exist, for instance, for commercial properties such as retail stores and office buildings, and for industrial properties which may include flexible spaces used for work.A key element in preparing a fitout project scope and office space planning is determining the objectives and desired outcomes of the commercial fitouts to be created. These are essential not just for guiding the the commercial fitouts to completion but also for evaluating ROI and performance afterwards.Researching Prospective Fitout ProvidersPreparing a shortlist of commercial fitouts providers and narrowing them down to a few to interview is general best practice. Online research is the usual way to begin, but observing the fitouts of competitors and finding out who their fitout providers were, could be an alternative. Also consider the fitouts of businesses that may not be in the same vertical but may have similar target customers. Even better is asking direct contacts or colleagues about their own commercial fitouts providers if the work of these providers meets the business’ standards.In conducting online research, be sure to look for online reviews and testimonials and check whether these reviews are real. If a review was written by the representative of a company, for instance, find out whether the person or company exists by looking them up on LinkedIn. If possible, get in touch with the author of the review and ask for feedback directly.Portfolios and case studies are also key indicators of a reputable commercial fitouts provider. Read each case study carefully and look for multiple quality photos of each fitout, whether it showcases a retail space, office space planning or other commercial use. Check whether the objectives of each space were mentioned and whether they were met by the design. Vetting Fitout Provider QualificationsCommercial fitouts providers with portfolios that demonstrate several years of experience and a proven track record are preferable, particularly those with completed projects in specific industries. Find out whether the provider has a thorough knowledge in not just the relevant building codes and standards but also specific industry trends and best practices. While this level of expertise of a prospective commercial fitouts provider can be gleaned from their portfolio and case studies, it can be better gauged by an interview with the provider themselves.Even before an interview, however, a prospective provider’s areas of specialisation may be determined from the number of completed projects that they have in a certain vertical. For example, a commercial fitouts provider has more case studies that involve office space planning rather than retail fitouts. That provider may therefore be better suited to a Tech & Telco company rather than a business focusing on Luxury & Beauty.Considering the Fitout Budget The fitouts project scope used to brief a prospective commercial fitouts provider will need to include a budget for the provider to determine how to give the client the best value. Expenses involved in a commercial fitout include:Construction and materialsElectrical, plumbing and mechanicalFurniture and fixturesProfessional fees Smart office technologyThere will also be various miscellaneous expenses that must be factored in.Businesses must also be aware of the cost structure used by most commercial fitouts provider, which usually charge according to fitout type and per square metre. A smaller space, however, does not necessarily translate into a lower overall cost, as the cost per square metre will likely be higher. Business fitting out larger spaces are also more likely to be able to negotiate for lower or wholesale rates. In comparing proposals from prospective commercial fitouts providers, the lowest quote is also not necessarily the best, and more often than not, should be avoided. Extremely low quotes should likewise be questioned as they are likely to leave out the aforementioned miscellaneous expenses or may be a sign of inexperience. Also make sure that the proposal includes the cost of compliance, approvals and other government requirements.A balance must be struck between cost-effectiveness and the quality of the design and execution of the commercial fitout plan. Examine each proposal against the original fitout project scope and consider whether the costs detailed in the quote provide the best value for the specified budget.Collaborating with Fitout ProvidersAs crucial as number crunching is in choosing the right commercial fitouts provider, instinct can be just as important a factor in making that choice. If a provider is transparent and consistent in communicating during consultations and the proposal stage, they are more likely to be the same during the actual construction. Preferences for certain communication styles and approaches to collaboration vary between providers and their clients. Some stakeholders prefer real-time, up-to-the-minute project updates and want to be involved in every aspect of planning and construction. Others prefer consolidated, periodic updates and would rather leave the heavy lifting to the providers.During the complex and protracted process of office space planning and execution, it becomes necessary for providers to make their clients feel good about working with them. Business owners have to be able to trust their partners, after all, and completing commercial fitouts can be said to be a real partnership with the provider.While project management styles may also vary between commercial fitouts providers, there are certain non-negotiables that a provider managing a commercial fitout project must have: Access to designers, contractors and other specialistsExperience in providing recommendations and managing costsExtensive knowledge of industry best practicesThe ability to facilitate logistics and processesThe ability to oversee actual construction and post-completion servicesAssessing Fitout Provider FlexibilityNo two businesses are alike, even if they should belong to the same industry in the same location. A good commercial fitouts provider must therefore be able to adapt to a business’s unique requirements and circumstances such as its team, location and target market.When considering a prospective fitouts provider, assess their readiness and ability to adjust or customise their services.And because no two businesses are alike, a business should be able to differentiate itself from its competitors. Branding expressed through standout commercial fitouts is arguably the most accessible means of doing just that.Interviewing a prospective provider and observing them during the proposal stage enables a business to gauge whether a provider is truly creative or following a template. An acid test for this is to replace the business’ name on a proposal or proposed design with a competitor’s and see whether it still works.Commercial fitouts providers with a real commitment to innovation and creativity should be able to find ways to express what makes a business unique in its designs. This includes the materials to be used and every other aspect involved in creating great commercial fitouts.A provider must also be agile in adapting to changes during the fitout process, as ad hoc tasks are often unavoidable however carefully planned a project is. During initial discussions with a prospective provider, it is recommended to ask what their protocols are or what their experience is in managing such changes.Maintaining Completed Fitout Projects The partnership between a business and a commercial fitouts provider does not end upon completion of the project. Find out what their after-support and maintenance services are to know whether a provider can be relied upon for the upkeep of the fitout.Take a closer look at the provider’s warranty and maintenance policies to see how long they will be valid and whether they include services such the following:Operational MaintenanceWarranty CareDilapidation ManagementNote that the warranty coverage of most commercial fitouts providers only include what was agreed upon in the fitout project scope. Should the materials or the work done during the fitout process become damaged or deteriorate due to normal, everyday use, that damage will not be covered by the warranty. This makes regular maintenance indispensable to keeping commercial fitouts looking about as good as the day they were completed. It is likewise recommended to determine the response time and availability of a commercial fitouts provider should emergency repairs be needed.Deciding on a Fitout ProviderBusinesses will have different priorities when it comes to choosing the right commercial fitouts provider. These priorities may be influenced by industry that the business is in or by its specific needs and circumstances. These, in turn, will influence key decision makers when weighing the pros and cons of each provider.A business in retail, for instance, may prioritise creativity and innovation while a business in finance and services may place more emphasis on cost-effectiveness. Another business with a smaller team may prioritise a provider who will be able to manage most of the fitout process independently. A business with a larger team, on the other hand, may be represented by a team member who has to answer to upper management. This business may therefore favour a commercial fitouts provider open to more frequent communication and collaboration.Ultimately, the choice boils down to the provider who can work best alongside a business, as well as give it the best value for its budget. The decision must not only be a quantitative one, or one supported by solid figures and references, but must also be qualitative, or “feel right”.The Fitout Provider of ChoiceChoosing the right commercial fitouts provider is a crucial decision with a huge impact on a business’ potential for growth, and as such, must be made circumspectly. Well-executed commercial fitouts inspire employees to provide great service, and inspire customers to not only keep coming back, but to tell everyone they know about that business.Making a well-informed decision requires thorough research which involves vetting prospective fitout providers for their experience and expertise as demonstrated by their portfolios and case studies. How a provider manages every aspect of the fitout process from planning to execution must be carefully considered before a business entrusts them with their future growth.Greater Group is a multi-disciplinary global retail design agency. We have been creating award-winning retail spaces, customer experiences and workplaces since 1989, utilising our combined expertise to deliver high-impact, high-return design, fit-out and manufacturing solutions and provide clients with one point of contact throughout.Contact us at contact@thegreatergroup.com to discuss how we can elevate your brand through innovative, future-proof retail design solutions. Learn more about our shopfitting design and retail design today!Share :
No one would dream of going into business with a random partner. Because the growth potential of a business depends on that partner’s skill and experience, a business owner would think twice before making such a decision.Much like choosing a business partner, engaging the services of a commercial fitouts provider is a weighty decision with a direct impact on business growth. Productivity levels drop due to poor office space planning, and customers are driven away by unappealing commercial fitout design. While great commercial fitouts require a significant investment, the ROI from a well-executed fitout can provide excellent returns in terms of customer acquisition and employee morale.A good commercial fitouts provider is a partner on whose capabilities and track record business owners can rely to have the success of the business in mind.Identifying Fitout RequirementsBefore getting in touch with a prospective commercial fitouts provider, it is best to prepare a preliminary fitout project scope to brief the provider.Be sure to include industry-specific requirements and considerations that may unique to a specific team or circumstances. A software company, for instance, may be more likely to use smart office technology than a cafe or a restaurant. Fitouts opening out onto the street will have different requirements from those on the upper storeys of a mall or office building.There are also building codes and standards to be adhered to for specific industries and locations, particularly in Australia. Different codes exist, for instance, for commercial properties such as retail stores and office buildings, and for industrial properties which may include flexible spaces used for work.A key element in preparing a fitout project scope and office space planning is determining the objectives and desired outcomes of the commercial fitouts to be created. These are essential not just for guiding the the commercial fitouts to completion but also for evaluating ROI and performance afterwards.Researching Prospective Fitout ProvidersPreparing a shortlist of commercial fitouts providers and narrowing them down to a few to interview is general best practice. Online research is the usual way to begin, but observing the fitouts of competitors and finding out who their fitout providers were, could be an alternative. Also consider the fitouts of businesses that may not be in the same vertical but may have similar target customers. Even better is asking direct contacts or colleagues about their own commercial fitouts providers if the work of these providers meets the business’ standards.In conducting online research, be sure to look for online reviews and testimonials and check whether these reviews are real. If a review was written by the representative of a company, for instance, find out whether the person or company exists by looking them up on LinkedIn. If possible, get in touch with the author of the review and ask for feedback directly.Portfolios and case studies are also key indicators of a reputable commercial fitouts provider. Read each case study carefully and look for multiple quality photos of each fitout, whether it showcases a retail space, office space planning or other commercial use. Check whether the objectives of each space were mentioned and whether they were met by the design. Vetting Fitout Provider QualificationsCommercial fitouts providers with portfolios that demonstrate several years of experience and a proven track record are preferable, particularly those with completed projects in specific industries. Find out whether the provider has a thorough knowledge in not just the relevant building codes and standards but also specific industry trends and best practices. While this level of expertise of a prospective commercial fitouts provider can be gleaned from their portfolio and case studies, it can be better gauged by an interview with the provider themselves.Even before an interview, however, a prospective provider’s areas of specialisation may be determined from the number of completed projects that they have in a certain vertical. For example, a commercial fitouts provider has more case studies that involve office space planning rather than retail fitouts. That provider may therefore be better suited to a Tech & Telco company rather than a business focusing on Luxury & Beauty.Considering the Fitout Budget The fitouts project scope used to brief a prospective commercial fitouts provider will need to include a budget for the provider to determine how to give the client the best value. Expenses involved in a commercial fitout include:Construction and materialsElectrical, plumbing and mechanicalFurniture and fixturesProfessional fees Smart office technologyThere will also be various miscellaneous expenses that must be factored in.Businesses must also be aware of the cost structure used by most commercial fitouts provider, which usually charge according to fitout type and per square metre. A smaller space, however, does not necessarily translate into a lower overall cost, as the cost per square metre will likely be higher. Business fitting out larger spaces are also more likely to be able to negotiate for lower or wholesale rates. In comparing proposals from prospective commercial fitouts providers, the lowest quote is also not necessarily the best, and more often than not, should be avoided. Extremely low quotes should likewise be questioned as they are likely to leave out the aforementioned miscellaneous expenses or may be a sign of inexperience. Also make sure that the proposal includes the cost of compliance, approvals and other government requirements.A balance must be struck between cost-effectiveness and the quality of the design and execution of the commercial fitout plan. Examine each proposal against the original fitout project scope and consider whether the costs detailed in the quote provide the best value for the specified budget.Collaborating with Fitout ProvidersAs crucial as number crunching is in choosing the right commercial fitouts provider, instinct can be just as important a factor in making that choice. If a provider is transparent and consistent in communicating during consultations and the proposal stage, they are more likely to be the same during the actual construction. Preferences for certain communication styles and approaches to collaboration vary between providers and their clients. Some stakeholders prefer real-time, up-to-the-minute project updates and want to be involved in every aspect of planning and construction. Others prefer consolidated, periodic updates and would rather leave the heavy lifting to the providers.During the complex and protracted process of office space planning and execution, it becomes necessary for providers to make their clients feel good about working with them. Business owners have to be able to trust their partners, after all, and completing commercial fitouts can be said to be a real partnership with the provider.While project management styles may also vary between commercial fitouts providers, there are certain non-negotiables that a provider managing a commercial fitout project must have: Access to designers, contractors and other specialistsExperience in providing recommendations and managing costsExtensive knowledge of industry best practicesThe ability to facilitate logistics and processesThe ability to oversee actual construction and post-completion servicesAssessing Fitout Provider FlexibilityNo two businesses are alike, even if they should belong to the same industry in the same location. A good commercial fitouts provider must therefore be able to adapt to a business’s unique requirements and circumstances such as its team, location and target market.When considering a prospective fitouts provider, assess their readiness and ability to adjust or customise their services.And because no two businesses are alike, a business should be able to differentiate itself from its competitors. Branding expressed through standout commercial fitouts is arguably the most accessible means of doing just that.Interviewing a prospective provider and observing them during the proposal stage enables a business to gauge whether a provider is truly creative or following a template. An acid test for this is to replace the business’ name on a proposal or proposed design with a competitor’s and see whether it still works.Commercial fitouts providers with a real commitment to innovation and creativity should be able to find ways to express what makes a business unique in its designs. This includes the materials to be used and every other aspect involved in creating great commercial fitouts.A provider must also be agile in adapting to changes during the fitout process, as ad hoc tasks are often unavoidable however carefully planned a project is. During initial discussions with a prospective provider, it is recommended to ask what their protocols are or what their experience is in managing such changes.Maintaining Completed Fitout Projects The partnership between a business and a commercial fitouts provider does not end upon completion of the project. Find out what their after-support and maintenance services are to know whether a provider can be relied upon for the upkeep of the fitout.Take a closer look at the provider’s warranty and maintenance policies to see how long they will be valid and whether they include services such the following:Operational MaintenanceWarranty CareDilapidation ManagementNote that the warranty coverage of most commercial fitouts providers only include what was agreed upon in the fitout project scope. Should the materials or the work done during the fitout process become damaged or deteriorate due to normal, everyday use, that damage will not be covered by the warranty. This makes regular maintenance indispensable to keeping commercial fitouts looking about as good as the day they were completed. It is likewise recommended to determine the response time and availability of a commercial fitouts provider should emergency repairs be needed.Deciding on a Fitout ProviderBusinesses will have different priorities when it comes to choosing the right commercial fitouts provider. These priorities may be influenced by industry that the business is in or by its specific needs and circumstances. These, in turn, will influence key decision makers when weighing the pros and cons of each provider.A business in retail, for instance, may prioritise creativity and innovation while a business in finance and services may place more emphasis on cost-effectiveness. Another business with a smaller team may prioritise a provider who will be able to manage most of the fitout process independently. A business with a larger team, on the other hand, may be represented by a team member who has to answer to upper management. This business may therefore favour a commercial fitouts provider open to more frequent communication and collaboration.Ultimately, the choice boils down to the provider who can work best alongside a business, as well as give it the best value for its budget. The decision must not only be a quantitative one, or one supported by solid figures and references, but must also be qualitative, or “feel right”.The Fitout Provider of ChoiceChoosing the right commercial fitouts provider is a crucial decision with a huge impact on a business’ potential for growth, and as such, must be made circumspectly. Well-executed commercial fitouts inspire employees to provide great service, and inspire customers to not only keep coming back, but to tell everyone they know about that business.Making a well-informed decision requires thorough research which involves vetting prospective fitout providers for their experience and expertise as demonstrated by their portfolios and case studies. How a provider manages every aspect of the fitout process from planning to execution must be carefully considered before a business entrusts them with their future growth.Greater Group is a multi-disciplinary global retail design agency. We have been creating award-winning retail spaces, customer experiences and workplaces since 1989, utilising our combined expertise to deliver high-impact, high-return design, fit-out and manufacturing solutions and provide clients with one point of contact throughout.Contact us at contact@thegreatergroup.com to discuss how we can elevate your brand through innovative, future-proof retail design solutions. Learn more about our shopfitting design and retail design today!Share :