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01 · Ask
Retail, restaurant or office?
Different specs, different regs. Describe the unit and intended use, the AI tells you scope.
Fit out an office.
Open-plan office fit-out — partitions, electrics, IT, furniture and finishes — by a coordinated team.
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Hire a shop fitter. Leased, regulated, phased.
Read the brief on lease terms, building control and milestone payments — then let Three local shop fitters quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Lease reinstatement clauses, Building Regs (commercial), Equality Act 2010, fire safety risk assessment. Know the rules.
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03 · Compare
Compare 3 fitter quotes
Three local fitters quote on the same drawing — strip-out, fit-out, M&E — so you compare cleanly.
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Top tips
Hiring a shop fitting, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Lease terms before fit-out spec.
Reinstatement clauses in the lease determine what you can install. Read your lease (or get a solicitor to) before designing the fit-out.
Building Control for any structural.
Knocking through, mezzanine, change of use — Building Control sign-off is mandatory. Skip it and you can't open.
Fire safety + Equality Act.
Commercial fit-outs must comply with the Equality Act 2010 (accessibility) and Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Penalties for non-compliance are heavy.
Phased payments tied to milestones.
Never pay more than 25% upfront. Milestone payments (strip-out, first-fix, snags) keep both sides honest.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Basic shopfit (per m²)
£600–£1.5k/m²
Mid-range fit-out (per m²)
£1.5k–£2.5k/m²
Premium fit-out (per m²)
£2.5k–£5k/m²
Small shop (50m² basic)
£30k–£75k
Restaurant kitchen install
£50k–£250k
Strip-out + reinstatement
£8k–£35k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Shop Fitting briefing.
Infographic
Shop Fitting quick-view
Video guide
Shop Fitting explained
Office fit-out — partitioning, IT infrastructure, FF&E. CAT A landlord shell, CAT B tenant fit-out. Expect to pay £500–£2,500 per m² for UK office fit-out.
What Does the Work Involve?
Office fit-out contractor. CAT B occupier fit-out: glazed partitions, kitchenettes, meeting rooms, breakouts. IT cabling, AV. Carpet, lighting, ceiling. FF&E (furniture, plants, signage). Phased move-in.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT A shell (per m²) | 500 | 1,200 | Landlord standard |
| CAT B basic fit-out | 500 | 1,200 | Per m² |
| CAT B mid-spec | 1,200 | 2,000 | Per m² |
| CAT B premium | 2,000 | 3,500 | Per m² |
| Small office (200m²) | 100,000 | 400,000 | Single floor |
| Glazed partitions per metre | 400 | 1,200 | Premium |
| Kitchenette/breakout | 20,000 | 80,000 | Per area |
UK Regulations
Building Regs. DDA accessibility. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regs 1992. BCO Guide to Specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
CAT A vs CAT B?
CAT A: landlord delivers shell (carpet, ceiling, basic services). CAT B: tenant fit-out for occupation.
How long office fit-out?
Small (200m²): 6-10 weeks. Medium (500m²): 10-16 weeks. Large: 4-8+ months.
Reinstatement obligation?
Lease usually requires reinstatement. Schedule of Conditions key.
BCO standards?
British Council for Offices specifications. Industry benchmark.
Best UK specialists?
ISG, Overbury, Wates Interiors, Morgan Lovell.
Cost per workstation?
£2,500-£10,000 per desk all-in. Premium up to £15,000.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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