How to Pick the Right Fit-Out Company (Without Losing Sleep or Money)
So You’ve Got an Empty Space… Now What?
So you’ve got a blank office or a half-finished house. Exciting, right? Until you realize you have no clue where to start — and every fit out company claims they’re “the best.”
One friend says “Go cheap!”, another says “Go big or regret it!” Meanwhile, your budget sits there shaking in a corner. Been there? Yep — me too.
What a Good Fit-Out Company Really Does
Let’s keep this simple: they make empty rooms usable. They bring in walls, doors, floors, lights — the stuff that makes you think, “Ahh, home” or “Yep, we can work here.”
They also juggle trades, chase permits, boss people around (nicely, hopefully), and keep the whole circus from falling apart. Handy, huh?
Why You Can’t Just Pick the Cheapest Option
Here’s where people mess up: they pick whoever’s cheapest, sign too fast, and then wonder why things run late or fall apart.
Your cousin’s neighbour’s friend might say they can do it cheaper — but will they show up when you’re calling them at 7pm about a leak? Probably not.
A Quick Gut-Check List
Okay, you’re talking to a fit out company. What now? Don’t just nod — check this stuff:
Seen their real work? Not just fancy Pinterest shots.
Got any word-of-mouth reviews? Ask your uncle’s boss’s neighbour.
Do they explain costs in normal words, not mumbo jumbo?
Do they answer calls? (No answer = big nope.)
Are they licensed? Covered by insurance? No paper, no deal.
A Little Story, Just So You Know
My buddy once hired a super cheap “team.” They quoted him low, knocked holes in the walls, disappeared for a week, came back with excuses — then ghosted for good. He paid double to fix it. Moral of the story? Pay once for good work or twice for bad.
What’s This Gonna Cost You? A Ballpark
Everyone hates this answer: It depends. But it really does. Tiny café? Maybe $400–$800 per sqm. Fancy full house redo? Could be triple that.
What matters more:
Get a real quote in writing.
Ask what’s not included.
Keep a 10% rainy day stash — there’s always something.
Ask This — Or Kick Yourself Later
Before you sign:
Who’s in charge if stuff goes wrong?
Can I pop by during the work? (If they say no… odd, right?)
Who handles permits?
What if my plan changes mid-way?
How often do I pay — and when?
Staying Put or Moving Out?
If it’s just a new wall or small fix, you might stay in. But dust, hammering and random folks in your kitchen at 7AM? You might wanna pack a bag for grandma’s house for a bit. Trust me, your sanity will thank you.
A Few Red Flags
Run if you see:
Prices that make you say “No way, that cheap?”
No written contract — no, WhatsApp is not a contract.
Bad vibes. If they brush you off now, it only gets worse.
How Long’s This Gonna Take?
Could be four weeks. Could be four months. Depends on how big the job is, how fast you pick tiles, and if the weather decides to play nice. A decent company will map it out for you.
FAQs — Because Someone Always Asks
What does a fit out company actually do?
Make your empty shell livable. They handle build-outs, finishes, fittings — so you don’t have to play site manager.
How long does it usually take?
A café fit out? Maybe a month. Big home? 2–4 months easy. Faster if you don’t change your mind every week (it happens).
Can I stay while it’s happening?
Maybe. But a lot of folks regret it halfway through. It’s loud, dusty, and awkward.
Last Bit of Advice
Look — you’re about to spend good money to make your space work for you. Take your time. Ask dumb questions. Read the fine print. Get the paperwork.
And hey, if you need a straight-talking, no-surprises fit out company, reach out. We’ll walk you through it — no hard sell, just honest work.