Commercial Fit Out Trends

The commercial fit-out market is changing with the demands of our world. As work styles change and the demand for office space grows, the fit-out industry must respond to these changes. New trends include more efficient and agile spaces, focusing on employee well-being and sustainability. The following trends will help you navigate the commercial fit-out market. In getting started, read this article to learn more about the trends and what to expect from your next fit-out project.

office fit outs SACat A

Cat A commercial office fit outs SA involves the installation of audiovisual and IT equipment, as well as office furniture. The scope of a Cat A fit out varies depending on the business’ needs. This type of commercial fit out is often less expensive to install than a Cat B or C fit out, as contractors need fewer materials. In addition, these types of fit outs are often temporary, meaning they can be changed easily as a business’ needs change.

The general look and feel of Cat A commercial fit outs are clean, bright, and unadorned. These spaces don’t contain any design embellishments, including colour schemes. However, they often contain bare-bones features, including air conditioning, ventilation, and basic finishes on walls and floors. Regardless of size, Cat A fit outs can be a good choice for companies that don’t want to spend much on design.

A CAT A fit out requires the landlord’s agreement and should not be undertaken unless the landlord approves the plans. A CAT B commercial fit out, on the other hand, allows the tenant to customise the space with bespoke design elements and adapt the space to suit their needs. Again, a licence to alter is needed to obtain landlord approval. The commercial fit out process can take anywhere from six to twelve months. If it takes longer than you expected, you can choose to do a Cat C or B fit out.

Trends in commercial fit-outs

The global market for commercial office fit outs SA has grown substantially in recent years. FDI investments fuel the market growth in emerging countries, and the Asia-Pacific region will account for a large share of the overall market by 2021. Despite this growth, North America topped other regions in expanding its reach. This growth is mainly attributable to adopting emerging technologies, demographic changes, and cultural amalgamation.

Retail will experience huge growth in automation, with a contactless experience gaining momentum. Commercial fit-outs will need to appeal to many customers as consumers become increasingly discerning. Sustainability and flexibility will be critical, as will setting the right tone for customers. Finally, the experience-driven design will drive success in the restaurant industry, with restaurants looking for compact and multifunctional furniture. These three trends shape the future of retail.

Office space is becoming smaller and more open in commercial fit-outs, as employees increasingly work from home for focus work and in meetings. It requires a change in traditional office layouts. Additionally, social distancing has reversed its trend in office floors, which involved fitting more people into less space. With newer technologies such as smart lighting and occupancy sensors, commercial fit-outs are becoming more flexible.

Cost

One of the first steps towards a successful commercial fit out is obtaining a bank guarantee. Landlords require a bank guarantee before they grant access to the premises. This process can take a few weeks. Nevertheless, it is crucial to be prepared as this will help ensure a smooth transition. Commercial fit outs typically take at least six weeks. During this time, the tenant must pay for any costs related to the design of the space.

Construction costs account for about 50% to 70% of the overall cost of an office fit-out. The price per square foot also varies depending on the space size and the labour and material costs. There are also differences in cost based on the industry sector, with tech companies requiring higher specifications than other industries.