Renovating an office space can be a very stressful experience, but it’s not without its rewards. In fact, a freshly renovated office space can work wonders for company morale, thus boosting productivity across the board. But of course, one of the biggest considerations before going ahead with such a big project is: how much is it going to set you back?

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some averages in Australia, with a focus on Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and Perth. Please note that the numbers offered up in this article are purely averages – many of which are estimations. As such, you shouldn’t take this as gospel.

In order to help you get a much clearer idea of what to expect, we’ll include a price guide. This will be instrumental in determining which factors can influence the overall cost of an office renovation project. In any case, we cannot overstate the benefits that a quality office renovation can bring. So, let’s get to it!

Average office renovations costs in Australia 

So, let’s begin with a quick look at the average costs for office renovations in Australia in general: 

• A fairly open plan renovation with a few smaller offices is likely to cost somewhere between $575 and $675 per square metre. 
• A more high-end ‘executive’ office renovation project, on the other hand, will be closer to $2,100 and $2,400 per square metre.

How much do office renovations cost in Sydney?

What about the average cost for office renovations in Sydney? This largely depends on where in Sydney your office is located. If you’re right in the heart of the central business district it is likely to be higher. In fact, Sydney is more likely to ask for a higher price per square metre than most other states in Australia. 

• For a typical mid-range office fitout, you’re likely going to be looking at somewhere in the region of $925 and $1,075 per square metre. 
• And as mentioned above, up to $2.5k and beyond per sqm. for an up-market fitout.

How much do office renovations cost in Melbourne?

• Office renovations in Melbourne fall around the $850 to $1,200 per square metre mark for typical mid-range renovations. This is the kind of budget that will allow you to create a positive working environment with additional features and innovations that can improve morale.

For higher market renovations, you can expect the cost per square metre to be closer to the $2k mark.

How much do office renovations cost in Brisbane?

And what about Brisbane? 

• For something more basic you might expect to pay anything from $250 per square metre, and upwards. 
• The average cost of a mid-range office renovation project in Brisbane is likely to fall around the $800 to $1,100 per square metre mark.

How much do office renovations cost in Gold Coast?

As you can imagine, there won’t be a huge amount of variation between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, given their proximity. It all really depends on the company that you choose, the precise location of your office, and the level of quality in which you are looking for. 

• For something more basic you might expect to pay anything from $250 per square metre, and upwards. 
• The average cost of a mid-range office renovation project in the Gold Coast is likely to fall around the $800 to $1,100 per square metre mark.

How much do office renovations cost in Perth?

The average cost of an office renovation project in Perth tends to be on the cheaper side when compared to other states in Australia, but that’s not always the case. Again, many factors can influence the overall cost. 

• In any case, the average cost for a basic office renovation in Perth is approx. $600- $800 per square metre.

Price Guide and Office Renovation Cost Indicators 

As mentioned throughout, the numbers offered here are merely averages and estimations. If you want an accurate quotation for an office fitout / renovation in the Gold Coast, for example, you do need to consult with a company that specialises in professional office fitouts in the Gold Coast.

Either way, these are some price indicators to give you a roundabout idea:

• The size of the renovation itself (naturally, larger projects cost more, though they can offer a more economical cost per square metre).  
• The accessibility of your site (the harder it is to reach / access, the more it will be reflected in the cost). 
• The overall quality of the work that you are looking for (do you want to renovate on a budget or go all out and receive a top-of-the-range finish?). 
• The design quality is important as well. If you want sensible plans drawn up to help you calculate materials and wastage prevention during renovation, you’ll need professionals to assist you. Things like this are reflected in the overall cost. 
• Materials tie in similarly with the overall quality of the work carried out. 
• The labour involved impacts cost as well. 
• Fit-outs and fixtures are other important considerations – particularly when looking for superior quality.

You should also add at least 10 to 20% of your budget on top. Consider it a backup plan if anything goes wrong (which things invariably do). It’s not uncommon for businesses to end up overspending on a project, so having the funds available and being prepared for such an eventuality will make it sting less in such an event. 

Conclusion

We hope that you have found this article helpful. Again, its purpose wasn’t to give you an exact figure on your office renovation, but some insight into the kind of things that can impact the overall cost. 

For the most accurate estimation, find a reputable office renovations company and start discussing ideas and drawing up some plans together, 

Either way, it’s going to take a fairly sizeable investment. That said, when there are so many practical advantages to having an office renovated – namely boosting morale and improving the overall workplace culture. All of these benefits when coupled together can bolster the productivity of your business and perhaps one day soon, you’ll say a sizeable return on your investment.

Amy Pearson