Office fit outs are an essential part of any business’s transition to a new space or renovation of an existing one. Whether you’re moving to a new office building or redesigning your current space, an office fit out can greatly impact the functionality, aesthetics, and culture of your workplace. However, one of the most common questions that arises is, how long does an office fit out take?

The timeline for an office fitout can vary depending on several factors. These include the scope of the project, the type of office space, the complexity of the design, and the availability of materials and labor. In this article, we will discuss the typical timelines involved in office fit outs, the different stages, and factors that can influence the length of the process.

Understanding the Office Fit Out Process

An office fit out is essentially the process of making an office space ready for use. It includes everything from structural modifications, installations of furniture and equipment, to interior design and branding. The scope of the fit out can range from minor adjustments, such as reconfiguring existing furniture, to major renovations, which involve reworking electrical and plumbing systems, adding new walls, and installing new floors, ceilings, and lighting.

Generally, there are three types of office fit outs:

Shell and Core Fit Out – This is where the building is provided with basic infrastructure such as walls, floors, and windows, but there are no internal finishes, partitions, or furnishings.
Category A Fit Out – This includes the basics such as partitions, lighting, and air conditioning, making the office functional but not fully furnished or personalised.
Category B Fit Out – This is a fully personalised fit out, including furniture, interior design, branding, and any specific requirements the business might have. This is often the most time-consuming and costly fit out.

Typical Timeline for an Office Fit Out

Timelines vary with the size and complexity of the project. The typical stages of an office fit out are:

Pre-Fit Out Planning and Design (2-6 Weeks)

In this stage, businesses define their design vision, goals, and requirements for the new office. They meet designers and contractors to discuss layout, aesthetics, and functional needs. The planning and design stage usually takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how quickly decisions are made and how detailed the plans are.

This stage includes:

Conducting site surveys
Establishing a project brief
Deciding on design elements such as furniture, colors, layouts
Finalising special requirements such as electrical outlets, data cables, and lighting

The speed of this stage depends on how quickly stakeholders respond and how clear their vision is. Design changes or revisions can extend this phase.

Approval and Budgeting (1 to 4 Weeks)

After finalising the design, the team goes through the approval process. They obtain building permits and approvals from local authorities or from the landlord if there are structural changes or changes to electrical or plumbing systems. At the same time, the business finalizes the budget. They calculate costs for materials, labor, and add contingency funds for unexpected expenses. The duration of this phase depends on the speed of approvals and budget confirmation, and it usually takes 1 to 4 weeks.

Construction and Build (4 to 12 Weeks)

This stage forms the main part of the office fit out process. The duration depends on the size and complexity of the project. A Category A fit out usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. A Category B fit out with more details can extend to 10 to 12 weeks or longer.

The construction stage usually involves

Structural work such as installing partitions and walls
Electrical and plumbing work such as wiring for lighting, air conditioning, and internet connections
Flooring and ceiling installation
Painting and finishing touches

This phase can take longer if complications arise such as delays in material delivery, labor shortages, or building related issues.

Furnishing and Detailing (2 to 4 Weeks)

After completing construction, the team furnishes the office with desks, chairs, storage units, and other required furniture. They also add branding elements, artwork, and interior design features to create personality and improve the work environment. The process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on the office size and design complexity. Custom furniture and items that need assembly can extend this phase. Delays in delivery or installation also affect the timeline.

Read More – What is an Office Fitout?

Testing and Final Adjustments (1 to 2 Weeks)

Before the office opens, the team tests all systems to confirm full functionality. They check the electrical and plumbing systems, test IT infrastructure and data connectivity, and inspect furniture to confirm proper condition. This phase usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. If adjustments or fixes are needed, the process may take longer. This step ensures everything works properly before employees move in.

Handover and Move-In (1 Week)

After final approval, the move-in process begins. The team relocates employees into the new space and sets up workstations. This phase usually takes 1 week depending on the team size and setup complexity.

Factors That Affect the Timeline of an Office Fit Out

Several factors can impact how long an office fit out takes:

Size of the Office

A larger office requires more time for design, construction, and furnishing. More employees also increase the need for workstations and specialized setups, which extend the overall timeline.

Complexity of the Fit Out

A simple Category A fit out with basic partitions and furniture finishes faster than a Category B fit out. Category B involves detailed design features, custom furniture, and extensive electrical work, which makes the process longer.

Approval and Legal Requirements

Delays in approvals or permits extend the project timeline. This becomes critical when the project involves major structural changes or when the office building enforces strict regulations.

Budget Constraints

Limited budgets restrict resources and slow both material procurement and labor hiring. Financial choices made during the project also stretch the planning and construction phases.

Unexpected Delays

Supply chain disruptions, hidden structural issues, and unfavorable weather create unforeseen delays. Project teams add contingency time to manage such situations.

Read More – Office Fitout Costs Guide 2025

Conclusion

An office fit out usually takes 6 to 12 weeks depending on the scope, size, and complexity of the project. Simple fit outs may finish sooner, while larger spaces or detailed designs may take more time.

At Juma Project, we manage the entire process and streamlines every stage. Our team guides office fit outs from design to execution. We work with clients to meet requirements, follow timelines, manage budgets and also handle contractor coordination, procurement, and quality control. Juma Projects delivers office spaces on time with minimal business disruption.

How long does an Office Fitout take?