Choosing the right company for your office fit out is essential for a good customer experience, as well as ensuring that your new office meets your brief. The best office fit out contractors will be by your side throughout this journey – from the initial consultation to attentive post-project support.
There are many important considerations that go into choosing which office fit out contractor will be able to deliver your dream office. To help make those critical decisions easier, read on for expert advice on choosing an office fit out company.
Check out their portfolio
First things first, you’re going to want some inspiration for your stunning new office fit out. Most office fit out companies should have a decent portfolio of their most impressive projects. Not only does this show you what the company is capable of, but it might spark some ideas that you can incorporate into your own design.
It’s important to look through the portfolio of any office fit out contractors you’re considering to make sure they can deliver on the style of office you want. Whether you’re after an office that’s bold and bright like the Tote in Wigan, or calming and neutral like Juratek’s Doncaster office, it’s reassuring to know that your company of choice has worked on similar projects. However, don’t worry if you don’t see your ideas in their portfolio. Interior design is a creative profession, so chances are your office fit out contractors won’t shy away from a challenge.
Think about the design process
If your mind is racing with ideas for your new office design, draw up some rough sketches to bring them to life. A good office fit out contractor will ask plenty of questions about your brand and workplace requirements to help you create the best design. It’s also worth checking out how much the design process itself will cost – some companies offer a free initial design consultation.
3D visualisation
An exciting new technological development enables office fit out companies to create an interactive 3D model of your new office. Taking a virtual tour of your new space will really help you to decide on its practicality and looks before any construction work begins. This is extremely important as you’ll have an accurate vision of your office fit out, making it easier to change things around if needed.
Consider their expertise and reputation
When you choose an office fit out contractor, you’re putting a lot of trust in them. It’s important to do your research beforehand to make sure that they’re credible and reliable. Review websites can be helpful in seeing other customer experiences with different office fit out companies. It’s also helpful to ask around about the company – a reliable brand will have a positive reputation which precedes them.
It’s also helpful to see how long each company has been in business for. An office fit out contractor which has established itself in the industry for many years is always a safe bet. But, on the flip side, you don’t want to choose a company with outdated styles or values. For a more objective way of determining a contractor’s credibility, take a look at the accreditations and certifications they have in place. If an office fit out contractor has good policies in place for quality assurance and safety, you’ll know that they take their work seriously.
Look at their pricing and financing options
Now for the question on everyone’s minds – how much does an office fit out cost? Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question, as prices will vary depending on the size of your project, office area to be transformed, and the company you choose. However, be aware that office fit outs can be pricey, so make sure you define a clear budget that’s realistic for your business. Once you’ve agreed a budget with your office fit out contractor, they’ll be able to create the perfect office fit out that’s still within your budget.
Some office fit out contractors also offer financing – double check with them to see what options are available.
What’s their customer care policy?
Make sure you’re certain about just how involved your office fit out contractors will be throughout the whole process. If you’re leaving an old office behind, it’s worth checking whether they provide options to store or recycle excess furniture. Additionally, ensure there’s a warranty in place to protect your belongings from any loss or damage. Small things like this can make all the difference to having a stress-free office fit out experience.
Have great communication
Miscommunication is often the most common cause of problems during any construction work. It’s paramount to choose an office fit out contractor with a dedicated team who take you seriously as a customer. You should always have a reliable point of contact with a managerial figure on the team who you can go to with any questions or issues. Before deciding on your office fit out company, test the waters with how communicative they are and how seriously they take your needs.
Make sure they use high quality products
The last thing anyone wants is to spend a large sum of money on an office fit out, only for it to be filled with cheap furniture. Ask your fit out contractors about the products they use, what they would recommend, and where they get them from. Ideally they’ll work with a regular supplier, meaning delivery times and construction will be much more efficient. What’s more, if they have a good relationship with suppliers, you’ll likely benefit from lower prices.
A reputable office fit out contractor will also have a policy for Quality Assurance. As a customer, you should expect both products and service of the highest standard. This means reliable staff and products will be utilised to meet your expectations. Your furniture should also have a warranty in place, meaning your new office fit out is guaranteed to last for a good amount of time.
At Diamond Interiors, we pride ourselves in being a well-established office fit out company with over 20 years of expertise. Providing services for office planning, refurbishment, relocation and more, our team will guarantee you the best possible experience. If you’d like more information about planning an office fit out, take a look at our guide to office fit out and relocation planning or contact one of our friendly team members.
Featured image is of Morson Group PLC, Manchester.