An office refurbishment is more than a cosmetic upgrade. It is a strategic investment that can improve staff productivity, enhance client impressions, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Whether you are updating a tired workplace, reconfiguring for growth, or aligning with a new brand identity, the success of your project depends on cost transparency and careful planning.
At BSG Commercial, we understand that knowing the real office refurbishment costs upfront allows you to budget effectively, minimise disruption, and achieve long term value.
This guide explains the factors that influence pricing, typical cost ranges, and how to approach your refurbishment project with confidence.
What Influences Office Refurbishment Costs?
The cost of an office refurbishment varies greatly depending on the scope and complexity of the project.
Some of the most important factors include:
- Office size and layout complexity – Larger areas or irregular layouts generally require more labour and materials.
- Scope of works – Cosmetic updates, such as painting, are less costly than full reconfigurations involving partitioning, services, and finishes.
- Level of finish and design specification – Premium materials, designer furniture, and smart technologies increase upfront costs but often improve long term value.
- Services integration – Electrical, data cabling, air conditioning, and lighting systems need to be updated or reconfigured in many projects.
- Furniture, fixtures and equipment – Desks, workstations, storage, and meeting room furniture make up a significant portion of most refurbishments.
- Working in occupied spaces – Completing work while staff remain in the office requires staged execution, often increasing time and cost.
- Compliance with building codes and safety standards – Projects must align with Safe Work Australia requirements and Australian building regulations.
- Location based cost variations – Projects in CBD locations may attract higher labour costs and delivery charges compared to suburban or regional offices.
Cost Breakdown Examples
According to industry guides such as the Total Fitouts pricing overview, average office refurbishment and fit-out costs in Australia are generally calculated on a per-square-metre basis.
Exact figures vary depending on project scope, finishes, and location, but the following ranges provide a useful starting point for budgeting:
- Basic refurbishment: $800 – $1,200 per m²
Cosmetic updates such as repainting, new carpets, and minor lighting improvements. - Mid range renovation: $1,200 – $2,000 per m²
Partitioning, upgraded flooring, new workstations, and improved lighting and services. - High end fit-out: $2,000 – $3,000+ per m²
Complete redesign with premium finishes, acoustic treatments, integrated technology, and feature areas such as breakout spaces or executive suites.
Other common budget allocations include:
- Furniture and joinery: 20–30% of project cost
- Electrical and data cabling: 10–15%
- Mechanical and air conditioning upgrades: 10–20%
- Permits, compliance, and project management: 5–10%
These figures provide broad guidance. For accurate budgeting, it is always best to request a tailored quote that reflects the unique size, complexity, and compliance requirements of your project.
Office Refurbishment vs Fit-out vs Renovation – What’s the Difference?
Many people use the terms interchangeably, but understanding the distinctions helps in planning:
- Refurbishment – Refreshing an existing office with new finishes, furniture, and services without major structural changes.
- Fit-out – Transforming an empty shell or base build into a fully functional office ready for occupation.
- Renovation – Structural changes or significant reconfiguration, often required in older buildings or when adapting space for new purposes.
If you are unsure which category your project falls under, BSG Commercial can assess your workplace and provide clarity before you begin.
Office Refurbishment Process
Every office refurbishment project follows a structured process designed to deliver results with minimal disruption:
- Initial consultation and site survey – Understanding your goals, space requirements, and current challenges.
- Concept design and budget estimation – Preparing preliminary layouts and indicative costs for review.
- Detailed quotation and timeline – Providing a transparent breakdown of costs, schedules, and inclusions.
- Permits and compliance – Securing approvals and ensuring the project aligns with building codes and Australian Government Fit-out Guidelines.
- On-site works – Delivering the refurbishment in stages where required to allow business continuity.
- Handover and final QA checks – Conducting inspections, delivering documentation, and ensuring the space is ready for use.
What are the Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
Office refurbishments are complex, and failing to plan properly can lead to delays and budget blowouts.
Mistakes to avoid include:
- Underestimating hidden costs such as compliance upgrades or service relocations
- Rushing the design stage without considering layout efficiency or future growth
- Ignoring acoustic and ergonomic requirements, which can reduce productivity
- Failing to allow a contingency budget of at least 10% for unforeseen items
When is the Right Time to Refurbish?
Knowing when to invest in a refurbishment ensures you maximise the value of your workplace. Signs that it may be time include:
- Declining staff productivity due to poor layout, lighting, or acoustics
- Outdated branding or an office that no longer impresses clients
- Safety issues or non-compliance with current building standards
- Business growth, restructuring, or new ways of working that require updated space planning
Why Choose BSG Commercial?
At BSG Commercial, we bring extensive commercial building experience across a wide range of industries, from corporate offices to education, healthcare, and retail.
Our clients choose us because we offer:
- A team of experienced commercial renovation specialists dedicated to quality
- Full-service approach from consultation to completion
- Expert planning, design, and execution for a seamless transformation
- We work with the best local suppliers to source quality and affordable materials
- On-time, on-budget delivery with minimal disruption to your business
Plan Your Office Refurbishment with Confidence
At BSG Commercial, we deliver tailored solutions across office refurbishments, commercial renovations, and full fit-outs. Our team combines local knowledge, proven expertise, and a strong focus on safety to ensure every project is completed to the highest standard.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.