Starting a commercial fit-out is exciting – whether it’s a brand-new café or restaurant, customising a space for a medical practice or just refreshing a tired retail store. But before you can start pulling down walls and painting, there’s a lot to think about to ensure your fit-out runs smoothly and meets all your business needs.
At Preston Building, we've completed a wide range of commercial fit-outs on the Gold Coast and Northern NSW, delivering high-quality, innovative upgrades. With our experience, we know exactly what goes into the early stages of planning a fit-out. Here’s a practical guide to help you get started with your commercial fit-out.
Understand what you really want from your space
Choosing colours, finishes, and floor plans is exciting, but before diving in, it's important to take a step back and plan ahead. Think about what your space needs to do - not just now, but in the future. Ask yourself:
- Is your team growing?
- Do you need more meeting spaces or collaborative areas?
- What do you want your clients or customers to see when they walk in?
- Do you need accessible features to meet compliance?
- How will the layout support productivity?
Getting clear on these things at the start will help you make smarter design decisions and avoid costly alterations down the track.
Budget – beyond the build
We know budget is always on your mind, but it’s not just about the build cost. A thorough budget for your commercial fit-out should also include:
- Design and planning
- Compliance upgrades (like fire or accessibility)
- Strip out and make good (if you're exiting a previous tenancy)
- Permits or approvals
- Contingency (trust us, always factor this in)
- Furniture, technology and signage
If this feels overwhelming, don’t worry – our team is here to work with you to understand the potential costs so there are no surprises later.
Don’t skip the design stage
A clear, well-thought-out design is the foundation of a successful commercial fit-out. Rushing this stage can lead to headaches down the track. During design, consider:
- Traffic flow and functionality
- Lighting and natural light
- Storage needs
- Accessibility compliance
- Visual appeal (this is where your brand comes to life)
Compliance
When it comes to compliance there are many things to consider, from fire safety and asbestos regulations to accessibility compliance and building approvals. This is where the Preston Building team really shines and our experience pays off.
We take care of the details so you can focus on your business. Our commercial fit-out services include:
- Fire compliance upgrades
- Accessibility compliance
- Commercial building compliance
- Repairs, refurbishments and insurance work
- Strip out and make good
Plan for the future
A good fit-out solves today’s challenges and prepares for tomorrow. This could mean:
- Making room for future team growth
- Adding in flexible workspaces
- Prepping for evolving technology
- Using durable, low-maintenance finishes
- Creating sustainable solutions that lower long-term costs
At Preston Building, we specialise in future-ready commercial spaces that will grow and evolve with your business.
Gold Coast and Northern NSW commercial builders
Every commercial fit-out has its own unique challenges, from tight timelines, tenancy rules, to custom design elements, and more. The best way to avoid stress and delays is to partner with a builder who knows the process inside out.
At Preston Building, we have years of experience delivering quality commercial fit-outs. From high-end office refurbishments to shop-fitting, medical spaces, and building improvements, we handle the lot with attention to detail, experience, and a solid commitment to getting it right.
If you're ready to transform your space, get in touch – call us at 1300 506 622. We’d love to hear about your project. Contact us today to discuss your plans or request a quote.