by Paul Ellis
Published on 22nd January 2025
With over 30 years of experience, we’re here to help you understand office refurbishment costs at Lyntech Systems.
This guide will break down the factors that influence office refurbishment costs and provide you with figures to help you plan your budget effectively and make informed decisions about your project.
What Is an Office Refurbishment?
Does your workspace no longer feel like it meets the needs of your business or your employees? An office refurbishment could be the solution. Refurbishment involves improving or reconfiguring your existing office to better meet your team’s needs, whether by updating layouts, upgrading furniture and technology, or refreshing the overall look of the office. They can also include sustainable upgrades, saving costs over time.
The Difference Between Office Refurbishment and Office Fit-Out
Office refurbishment transforms an existing workspace, focusing on updates and improvements. In contrast, the average office fit-out involves creating a new office from a blank canvas, often in an undeveloped space. While the office fit-out process may take longer and involve more complexity, refurbishments generally provide quicker results without compromising quality.
If your office needs reimagining rather than building from scratch, you’re looking for a refurbishment.
Office Fit-Out Cost Compared to Refurbishment
Typical office fit-out costs are higher than refurbishment costs because they involve creating entirely new features, such as installing brand-new washrooms, rather than upgrading existing ones.
Average Office Refurbishment Costs in the UK
Here’s a detailed look at office refurbishment costs per square foot. The costs involved depend on the type of refurbishment and how you choose to transform your office design.
Low-Specification Refurbishments
A low-spec refurbishment focuses on basic updates, such as:
Wall, ceiling or floor refurbishment.
Fresh décor.
Installing glass partitioning.
This typically costs £20 per square foot.
If additional upgrades like new lighting or power systems are included, the cost rises to £25-30 per square foot. This is an affordable option for businesses wanting essential improvements without a major overhaul.
Medium-Specification Refurbishments
A medium-spec refurbishment goes further, often including:
New ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Updated heating systems.
Upgraded washrooms.
This level of work typically costs £35–£45 per square foot. Adding new furniture—such as ergonomic desks and chairs—brings the total to £60 per square foot or more.
High-Specification Refurbishments
High-spec refurbishments offer a premium finish, and might involve structural changes, such as mezzanine floors (floors that add usable space without increasing the building’s footprint). Costs are usually around £70 per square foot. While this is the most expensive option, it delivers a highly tailored and innovative workspace.
Factors That Impact Office Refurbishment Costs
When planning an office refurbishment, many factors can affect the cost and results. The size and type of your office, the level of customisation, and even the location all play a part. Understanding these factors can help you make smarter decisions and get the best value for your budget.
The Size and Type of Office Space
The size and type of your existing space play a key role in determining the office refurbishment cost. Larger offices may require more materials and labour, while the type of space—whether a basic office, flexible co-working hub, or high-end corporate suite—can shape design needs and costs.
For example, refurbishing a basic office may involve updating layouts and finishes, whilst premium office spaces might include bespoke branding or luxury features. Regardless of size, a well-thought-out refurbishment ensures value for every pound spent.
Customisation and Specifications
Customisation allows you to create an office tailored to your unique needs and vision. While tailored solutions, such as branded elements or high-quality furniture, may increase the investment, they ensure a space that truly reflects your business values.
Location
Location influences many aspects of an office refurbishment, but it doesn’t have to be a hurdle. Offices in major cities like London may have higher costs due to labour and material demands. However, businesses in high-demand areas often find that investing in thoughtful designs and layouts helps them to stand out in an otherwise busy area, increasing the business’s value over time and appealing to potential new hires.
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E)
Your choice of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) is an investment in both quality and longevity. Opting for high-quality furniture or eco-friendly materials doesn’t just upgrade the look of your office—it also provides lasting durability.
For example, opting for energy-efficient features, such as sustainable materials or modern air conditioning systems, can reduce long-term running costs whilst lasting longer than their alternatives.
Timelines and Contingency Budgets: Planning for Success
The time required for an office refurbishment can vary, but with good planning, you can achieve a seamless transformation.
Allocating a contingency budget ensures that any unexpected changes or opportunities can be managed effectively. With a well-structured timeline, you can enjoy the benefits of refreshed office space without unnecessary delays.
Benefits of Office Refurbishments
What makes the investment in office refurbishment worthwhile?
Improved Employee Productivity and Well-Being
Does your office layout support your team’s daily tasks, or does it create barriers to productivity? According to a report by Savills, almost a third of workers (32%) say their workplace’s design or layout reduces their productivity, increasing to 45% for those working in hot-desking environments.
Client Impressions and Brand Image
Your office is more than a workspace—it’s a reflection of your business. A thoughtful refurbishment can make a lasting impression on clients, partners, and visitors, reinforcing your professionalism and commitment to quality.
Long-Term Savings
Refurbishments also provide an opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient solutions. Upgrades like LED lighting, improved ventilation, and smart climate control systems can reduce your energy consumption, lowering utility bills over time.
Why Choose a Professional Office Refurbishment Company?
At Lyntech Systems, we go beyond delivering refurbishments—we act as consultants, listening to your specific challenges and creating tailored solutions for your office space. With over 30 years of experience, our attention to detail and focus on quality ensure you receive a result that exceeds expectations.
Here’s how we can help:
Turnkey Solutions: We handle every aspect of your refurbishment project, so you don’t have to manage multiple contractors. From ceilings and flooring to electrical wiring, air conditioning, decoration, and even furniture installation, we take care of everything to deliver a fully finished, ready-to-use workspace.
Mezzanine Floors: Need more space but don’t want to relocate? A mezzanine floor is an extra level added within your building, giving you additional room for offices, storage, or work areas—without extending your premises.
Partitioning: Whether you want open spaces or private offices, we provide solutions to suit your needs. Glass partitions create modern, transparent workspaces, while solid partitions offer privacy and soundproofing where it’s needed most.
Let’s make your office work for you.
Case Study
Find out how we helped UK Servers with an office fit out, delivering exceptional results while staying within their budget.
"Throughout the project Martin and the team at Lyntech have been a pleasure to work with and the enthusiasm and pride the team have is shown in their work. From a mezzanine floor, suspended ceilings, access flooring, bathrooms and general office fit out the work of their team has been exemplary. Having experienced spiralling extra costs when using other firms in the past, Lyntech's fair approach and quality workmanship has been refreshing and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend."
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some of the most common questions on the cost of office refurbishment below.
How much does it cost to refurbish an office?
A low-spec refurbishment typically costs around £20 to £25 per square foot, while a mid-spec refurbishment costs £35 to £60 per square foot. High-spec refurbishments can cost approximately £70 per square foot if structural changes are involved.
How much does it cost to furnish a new office?
Furnishing an office typically costs £500–£600 per person for a basic re-fit, while high-spec furnishing can range from £900 to £1500 per person.
Can I refurbish my office while it’s still in use?
Yes, it’s possible to refurbish an office while continuing to operate, though this depends on the level of work required. To minimise disruptions:
Schedule work during off-peak hours.
Use temporary partitions to section off work areas.
Communicate the refurbishment plan clearly with your team.
Choose a company that actively avoids disruption as much as possible.
