When commencing a commercial interior design and fit out, there is a lot to consider. Often, the most asked questions is:

How long will my commercial interior design and fit out take?

Influencing Factors
The length of time you need to allow is determined by a number of different factors which include the following.
Condition of the premises
  • Is there any demolition and strip out required?
  • Are the premises ready to occupy?
  • Are there sufficient services such as fibre connected into the building?
Size and complexity
  • Large and small areas require multiple trades.
  • A typical commercial interior design & fit out has 6-12 trades on site at any given time.
  • Building offices takes longer than creating workspaces or open plan areas.
Lead times
  • Is furniture being manufactured locally or overseas?
  • Are hard surfaces such as laminate or veneer stocked by the supplier?
  • Can long-lead items be ordered now or only when other elements are built?
Approval processes
  • Approvals are likely to include obtaining consent from the landlord, and a building permit from the council.
  • Are you changing the use of the building or external look (including signage)? If so, a planning or development application will be required.
  • Further information regarding building permits can be seen here.  Building Commission – Information on obtaining a building permit
The Time Frames
Task
Weeks
INITIAL SEARCH FOR PREMISES
2-6
This is dependent on what properties are available and the amount of time you have to devote to searching. Our article Signing a lease – what do I need to think about?, mentions the effectiveness of employing a tenants representative. They can undertake a search of potential suitable spaces and advise you on the legalities. Alternatively, Bellfort can visit any shortlisted properties and advise on their suitability to your business.
SITE AUDIT & YOUR REQUIREMENTS
1
Initial site survey will include a complete measure and assessment of existing building features. Your brief should incorporate a list of what you want to include in your commercial interior design and fit out. However, you may want to prioritise your list in case budget determines that some can not be included.
OUTLINE DESIGN DOCUMENTATION
1-3
This includes a proposed floor plan, specification, costs and programme/timeline. The extent of this documentation will be dependent on a number of factors. Size of the space, the complexity of the fit out and information available contribute to the level of information required.
DETAILED DESIGN DOCUMENTATION
2-4
This will include developing the design and producing detailed information such as plans and elevations. Accompanying documentation should also include joinery details plus electrical, mechanical and, fire services. This information is required so you have a clear understanding of what’s to be built. It’s also used for obtaining consent from the landlord and for the building permit
APPROVALS
2-3
Statutory consents for a building permit include obtaining a certificate of design compliance. Ideally, this is required prior to submission to council for a building permit.
PLANNING APPROVALS
6-12
Planning or development applications are dependent on a number of factors. The development size, change of use classification and amount of works required, determine if you need to seek planning approval. Your commercial interior design and fit out specialist can advise if you need to seek this approval.
CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
4-12
This will be dependent on the size of the space, how many offices and type of finishes. A typical open plan 200m2 space with one meeting room and standard finishes can be completed in 4 weeks. A 2000m2 space with offices and high standard of finishes can be completed in 8-10 weeks. And a café, with new stainless steel counters and feature finishes can be completed in 10 weeks.

There is an advantage to you when Bellfort provide a complete turnkey commercial interior design and fit out solution.  Time, cost and quality are our focus. From design through to construction, we can overlap all the above tasks and save up to 30% of time. This is also accompanied with considerable cost savings together with our intense attention to detail.

FOR COMMERCIAL DESIGN AND FITOUT ENQUIRIES, CONTACT US DIRECTLY.
Emailinfo@bellfort.com.auPhone+61 (08) 6141 1030Office

79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

WANT TO KNOW HOW BELLFORT CAN HELP WITH YOUR COMMERCIAL FIT OUT NEEDS?
Testimonials
  • We have just worked with Bellfort on a major refurbishment of our facility. This could have been a complex difficult project as we have a number of smaller groups co located with us BUT the team at Bellfort managed the situation with great sensitivity, professionalism, creativity and craftsmanship. The project was headache free!!! (for some of us) and we are totally indebted to Richard for being so generous with his time and resources. John and the tradies for having an unbelievable can do attitude always with a smile on their face and a commitment to a great end product . Jenny for her creativity and brilliant design skills..she really captured who we are and what we do and pushed the design into a brilliant end product. Bellfort delivered on time and on budget BUT they delivered much more !! which was a great experience for all and a facility we are so proud of.
    TRY TEAM BELLFORT YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED :).

    Kathy MccoyCentre for Neurological Support
  • We engaged Bellfort for the design and fitout of our new office. The team has been really helpful from start to end and delivered great (and in time) results. Bellfort has shown a very professional attitude and we liked the transparency in relation to the budget. Jenny, the designer, is incredible and has been really creative in her design proposals which worked out so well for us. Overall, the end result is amazing and has such a positive influence on the overall atmosphere in our company. We would definitely consider Bellfort again for a next office move.

    Desiree KrolMammoet
  • We highly recommend Bellfort, from the very first meeting through too completion, our fit out has been a pleasure. The entire Bellfort team are professional, friendly and accommodating. Bellforts values are clear and the entire team are invested, like a family.We are extremely happy with our new showroom.

    Andrew BrownBlum WA
  • We have just worked with Bellfort on a major refurbishment of our facility. This could have been a complex difficult project as we have a number of smaller groups co located with us BUT the team at Bellfort managed the situation with great sensitivity, professionalism, creativity and craftsmanship. The project was headache free!!! (for some of us) and we are totally indebted to Richard for being so generous with his time and resources. John and the tradies for having an unbelievable can do attitude always with a smile on their face and a commitment to a great end product . Jenny for her creativity and brilliant design skills..she really captured who we are and what we do and pushed the design into a brilliant end product. Bellfort delivered on time and on budget BUT they delivered much more !! which was a great experience for all and a facility we are so proud of.
    TRY TEAM BELLFORT YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED :).

    Kathy MccoyCentre for Neurological Support
  • We engaged Bellfort for the design and fitout of our new office. The team has been really helpful from start to end and delivered great (and in time) results. Bellfort has shown a very professional attitude and we liked the transparency in relation to the budget. Jenny, the designer, is incredible and has been really creative in her design proposals which worked out so well for us. Overall, the end result is amazing and has such a positive influence on the overall atmosphere in our company. We would definitely consider Bellfort again for a next office move.

    Desiree KrolMammoet
  • We highly recommend Bellfort, from the very first meeting through too completion, our fit out has been a pleasure. The entire Bellfort team are professional, friendly and accommodating. Bellforts values are clear and the entire team are invested, like a family.We are extremely happy with our new showroom.

    Andrew BrownBlum WA
  • We have just worked with Bellfort on a major refurbishment of our facility. This could have been a complex difficult project as we have a number of smaller groups co located with us BUT the team at Bellfort managed the situation with great sensitivity, professionalism, creativity and craftsmanship. The project was headache free!!! (for some of us) and we are totally indebted to Richard for being so generous with his time and resources. John and the tradies for having an unbelievable can do attitude always with a smile on their face and a commitment to a great end product . Jenny for her creativity and brilliant design skills..she really captured who we are and what we do and pushed the design into a brilliant end product. Bellfort delivered on time and on budget BUT they delivered much more !! which was a great experience for all and a facility we are so proud of.
    TRY TEAM BELLFORT YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED :).

    Kathy MccoyCentre for Neurological Support