If you’re planning changes to your workplace, you’ve probably come across terms like office fit-out and office refurbishment. At first glance, they sound similar, but they refer to very different processes. Understanding the difference between a fit-out and a refurbishment is key to making the right investment in your space, whether you’re moving into a new building or improving your current office.
In this guide, we break down what each term means, what’s involved, and how to decide which approach suits your business needs best.
What is an Office Fit-Out?
An office fit-out refers to the process of transforming an empty or shell space into a functional, ready-to-use office. It typically applies to new buildings, vacant floors, or previously unused spaces that haven’t yet been equipped with internal finishes or services.
Fit-outs often come in stages, most commonly known as Category A and Category B fit-outs:
- Category A Fit-Out: This is the basic internal structure completed by the landlord. It includes essentials like raised flooring, suspended ceilings, basic lighting, HVAC, and fire systems. It’s essentially a blank canvas for tenants.
- Category B Fit-Out: This is where the magic happens. Category B involves all the design-led elements that make an office functional and reflective of your brand, including partitioning, meeting rooms, furniture, flooring, décor, break-out spaces, and IT infrastructure.
At SJP Interiors, we specialise in delivering complete office fit-out projects that turn empty spaces into inspiring, practical work environments tailored to your needs.
What is an Office Refurbishment?
In contrast, an office refurbishment involves updating, reconfiguring, or refreshing an existing workspace. You’re working within the current layout and structure, but aiming to improve it, whether for aesthetics, functionality, or to accommodate changes in team size or working style.
A refurbishment might involve:
- Redesigning meeting areas or open-plan spaces
- Updating flooring, lighting, and furniture
- Upgrading technology and cabling
- Improving energy efficiency
- Rebranding your space with new graphics or colours
- Phased renovations while teams continue working onsite
Unlike a fit-out, a commercial refurbishment is often carried out while the space is still in use, meaning careful planning is needed to minimise disruption.
The Key Differences at a Glance:
| Aspect | Office Fit-Out | Office Refurbishment |
| Purpose | Equipping a new or empty space | Improving an existing space |
| Starting point | Shell & core or Cat A space | Fully operational office |
| Scope | Full installation of systems, walls, services, and furniture | Redesign, upgrades, or layout changes |
| Disruption | Usually unoccupied during work | Often occupied during work |
| Common uses | New office move-in, expansion | Updating tired or outdated spaces |
When Do You Need an Office Fit-Out?
You’ll need an office fit-out if:
- You’re moving into a brand-new commercial space that’s currently empty
- The space only has a Category A finish and needs to be tailored to your team
- You want to create a fully bespoke office that reflects your brand and culture
- You’re expanding and taking on a new floor or building
An office fit-out is a chance to design a workspace from the ground up, factoring in everything from team workflows and acoustic needs to technology and employee wellbeing.
When Does an Office Refurbishment Make Sense?
An office refurbishment is ideal if:
- Your current office layout no longer supports your way of working
- You’re rebranding or modernising your company image
- You want to improve employee comfort and productivity
- You’re switching to hybrid or flexible working
- Your office just feels tired and in need of a refresh
A smart office refurbishment can often deliver big results without the need to relocate. At SJP Interiors, we work closely with clients to phase works, maintain business continuity, and minimise downtime.
How to Decide Which Is Right for You
When deciding between a refurbishment and a fit-out, ask yourself the following:
- Are you staying in your current building or moving to a new one?
If you’re relocating or expanding into a fresh space, a full fit-out will be required. If you’re staying put, refurbishment is likely the way forward. - What’s your main goal—growth, modernisation, or optimisation?
Fit-outs are perfect for scalable growth and bespoke design. Refurbishments are great for improving what you already have. - What’s your budget and timeline?
Fit-outs tend to be more extensive and can require larger budgets and longer lead times. Refurbishments can often be phased and scaled more flexibly. - Do you need to remain operational during the project?
If yes, refurbishment work needs to be carefully planned around your team’s needs.
Why Choose SJP Interiors?
Whether you’re starting from scratch with a full office fit-out or breathing new life into an existing space with a commercial refurbishment, SJP Interiors has the experience and expertise to guide you through the process.
We offer end-to-end project delivery, including design, planning, project management, and construction, so you can focus on your business while we transform your space.
- 20+ years of experience in office design and build
- Trusted by clients across commercial, education, and industrial sectors
- Fully tailored solutions with minimal disruption
Final Thoughts
An office fit-out and an office refurbishment serve different but equally important purposes. The right option depends on your current space, goals, and vision for the future of your business. At SJP Interiors, we help companies to unlock the potential of their workspaces – whether starting fresh or reinventing what they already have.
Need help deciding between a fit-out or refurbishment?
Get in touch with our team today, we’re happy to offer honest advice and tailored solutions to suit your business needs.
