Office Fit Outs - FAQs

Undergoing a workspace refurbishment, office relocation or an office fit out and design can be an exciting prospect, after all, who doesn’t love working in a fresh and modern office design? But knowing where to start can be daunting too, so it’s natural to have a lot of questions and queries that need answering before you make your final decision. That’s why we’ve put all of the questions we are most commonly asked by our clients into one handy blog. 

Do I Need Planning Permission For an Office Fit Out?

Planning permission is not usually required for an interior commercial office fit out, however, if you are thinking of making any major changes, particularly structural alterations, you will probably need to obtain building regulations approval and permission from your landlord if you are renting your workspace. 

When a commercial property lease comes to an end, most leases require you to return the premises to the landlord in their original condition in order to retain your deposit. This is called office dilapidation, something you can find out more about in our recent office dilapidation blog.

How Long Will My Office Fit Out Take?

Timescales differ depending on the size of your project and whether there are any complications involved. Before the works commence we always agree timings and deadlines with our clients and our office redesign projects are carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption to yourself and your employees.  

We are proud of our track record for delivering projects on time and to budget, however, if there is a need for a change in timescales, our continuous communication throughout each project ensures our clients are always up to date and satisfied with our service.

Will I Need to Manage the Project Myself?

Great news! There is no need for you to worry about managing your office refurbishment or fit out yourself. McFeggan Brown is made up of an experienced team of designers, consultants, coordinators and project managers that’ll deal with every detail on your behalf. You can find out more about the team who will be in charge of your next workspace project here.

Is It Possible to Finance an Office Fit Out? 

Financing your office fit out can give your organisation the opportunity to expand and improve its workspace without having to pay the full cost upfront. 

At McFeggan Brown, many of our clients make use of our leasing service, allowing you to spread the cost of your project over a period of time.

Will My Office Need a Fresh Air Supply? 

In one word, yes. A fresh air supply is a must for building regulations. Every workspace requires an adequate supply of outside air to dilute pollutants that are released by equipment, building materials, furnishings, products and of course office employees. 

Our experienced designers and technicians will incorporate a suitable ventilation and airflow system, suitable for your office needs and in keeping with building regulation requirements.

What is a Cat A Fit Out? 

A Cat A office fit out will provide a basic level of finish above that provided in a shell and core. This may include raised floors, suspended ceilings and internal surfaces, along with basic mechanical and electrical services. While Cat A spaces will have a floor and walls, they'll be quite basic and often finished to an industrial standard.

What is a Cat B Fit Out? 

A Cat B office fit out provides you with a workplace that's ready to move into. During your Cat B fit out, this is where you design your floor plan, finish and ultimately design your office. 

Your Cat B fit out will cover everything from interior partitions to ceiling design, staircase installation and choosing your furniture if needed. You’ll also choose the final finish for the floors, walls and doors to reflect your corporate culture and branding. Cat B fit outs also cover the planning and installation of your new IT infrastructure - from power outlets and height-adjustable desks to connected meeting rooms. It can be an exciting and transformational time for your business.

What Are the Key Benefits of a Fit Out?

There are many benefits of an office fit out, from improving employee wellbeing and boosting productivity to making a great impression on current and potential clients. 

Investing in your workspace demonstrates your commitment to your team and staff members are much more likely to work hard for a business that tends to their wellbeing. 

If you're relocating to new offices or would like to refresh your current working space, please get in touch and organise a consultation with one of our experts to further explore the interior design and social distancing solutions available to you.