Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Tips
Office Fit-Out Tips for London Businesses
10tips
Budgetcontrol
Leasechecks
Avoiddelays
In short: The biggest fit-out savings come from decisions made before anyone picks a finish: right-sizing the space, checking the lease and fixing the brief. Fraser Bond delivers office fit-outs and can help you plan from the start.
10 tips that save time and money
- Plan for how many people are in on a busy day, not total headcount.
- Read the lease alterations clause before you design.
- Ask the landlord for a contribution or rent-free period for the works.
- Keep wet areas (kitchens, showers) near existing risers.
- Reuse existing ceilings, lighting and partitions where they work.
- Decide on meeting-room numbers early; each one adds M&E cost.
- Order long-lead items (glass, furniture, AV) as soon as the design is fixed.
- Hold a 10% contingency and track variations.
- Agree out-of-hours working rules with building management.
- Record what you install so reinstatement can be priced at lease end.
What Fraser Bond does on office fit-outs
- Space search and lease negotiation, if you still need premises
- Test-fit and space plan for your headcount
- Cat A or Cat B design, M&E and IT/AV specification
- Landlord licence for alterations and building control
- Managed fit-out with one programme and one point of contact
- Handover with certificates, O&M manual and reinstatement record
How it works
1
Brief and surveyWe visit the space, measure up and agree headcount, budget, timing and how you want to work.
2
Space plan and designA test-fit layout, then design, finishes, M&E and IT/AV specification for sign-off.
3
Quote and programmeA written, itemised price and a week-by-week programme, with the landlord's licence for alterations applied for in parallel.
4
BuildStrip-out, partitions, ceilings, lighting, power and data, kitchens and finishes, managed by one project manager.
5
HandoverSnagging, certificates, an O&M manual and a record of what will need reinstating at lease end.
Office fit-out budget
Works estimate–
With contingency–
Per desk (about 100 sq ft a desk)–
Illustrative central London ranges. Your quote follows a survey and a brief.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the most common mistake?
Starting design before checking the lease and the building's rules, which leads to redesign and delay.
How early should we start?
Ideally 6–9 months before you need to move, including the property search, legal work, design and build.
Planning a fit-out?
Send us the address and what you need. We will arrange a visit or call and give you a written quote.
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