Choosing the best office fit out partner

Office Fitouts
March 25, 2020
At Vestra, we don’t work with just any client. Throughout the years we’ve become experts at knowing where we can add the most value for a customer, which is why carefully choose our projects and who we collaborate with based on a number of factors. If you’re currently looking for a fit out companies sydney to help with your next project, here’s what we think you should consider before you take the plunge.

Do they have a solid portfolio?

If you’ve been referred to someone by a person you trust, you probably already have a glowing reference. But not everyone is lucky enough to know someone who knows someone. If you can’t get a direct referral one of the first things you’ll want to see is a company’s portfolio.

Sure, every project is different, but a portfolio will help you get a visual of what a fit out company has delivered in the past.

Before you make contact with a fit out company, check out their website. Does it look professional? Are they providing informative advice about their service offering and project delivery process?

If you like what you see on their website, or in their portfolio, you might want to ask the company for past project information. Some companies can even arrange visits to previously completed projects, which is kind of like a reference for the company. It is also a good idea to check if they have any reviews on Google, this can often give you an unbiased view of the company from legitimate customers.

Some things you can ask include:

  • Can I visit any previously completed project sites?
  • Who was the previous project manager on those fit outs?
  • Was there a detailed project plan? And was it adhered to?
  • Where else can I see your work?
  • What experience do you have in similar sized projects?
  • Are you willing to let me speak to your past clients?
  • Do you offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee?

Do they take the time to get to know you?

If a potential fit out company fails to take the time to get to know you, then you can consider that a good sign they aren’t the right fit out partner for you.

When a fit out company takes the time to get to know you, and what your business is about, you can be sure they’ll create an office experience you’ll love, that not only reflects your brand but makes your staff happy too.

Are they rigid in their thinking?

Yes, you want someone who knows what they’re doing, but no, you don’t want to work with someone who is inflexible in their thinking about what the end product should look like. A talented creative team will be open to your ideas.

A good fit out company will come with their own inhouse design talent who’ll not only give you great ideas, but be flexible and open to your input too. This also goes a long way in helping you feel confident that the working relationship will be a smooth and enjoyable process for all parties involved.

Do they have expert strategy consultants?

Getting it right in the strategy phase helps set the project up for success, by coming in on budget, with less down time and stress, while still exceeding your expectations.

An expert can also help you analyse your specific needs — now and in the future — and advise you on the best way forward.

Some things you can ask include:

  • Do you offer workplace audits?
  • Can you organise staff input summaries?
  • Do you offer building appraisals?
  • How do they cost the various stages of the build?
  • Can you evaluate our lighting, ventilation, IT, power and air conditioning needs?

Do you have an in-house design team?

Design is an important part of a successful office fit out. The right fit out companies sydney will help you choose furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE), plus all colours, finishes, and any detailed joinery, in a thorough, methodical, yet creative process that covers all your bases.

Some things you can ask include:

  • Do you have an in-house design team? What are their qualifications?
  • Do you offer conceptual visuals such as 3D, renders, finishes and mood boards? How will you help me to see what the end product will look like?
  • Do you undertake full dimension surveys?
  • Can you provide a professional selection of fabrics and finishes audits?
  • How will you help me choose the right colours, fabrics, finishes and furniture for my fit out?

An in-house design team is critical to ensure cohesion with the entire project team, from initial contact through to the completion and beyond.

Do they have in-house project planning and management?

While it might seem obvious that any fit out companies in Sydney will plan and manage the project from start to finish, this isn’t always the case.

Some things you can ask include:

  • Do you have a dedicated project management team?
  • Is the project management an in-house person or sub-contractor?
  • Do you offer weekly project meetings?
  • Who arranges all the applications and planning permissions?
  • Do you liaise directly with the building landlord?
  • How often will I get a project report?
  • How do you manage sub-contractors?
  • What can I expect at each stage of the project?
  • What do you need from me at each stage of the project
  • Who will be the project manager on my fit out?
  • What is your handover and sign-off process?
  • How many projects do you usually have on the go at the one time?

What’s their financial health like?

Unfortunately, not all fit out companies sydney are financially responsible. You’ll want to work with a company that is financial healthy, reliable and trustworthy.

Some things you can ask include:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Who owns your business?
  • Who are your company directors?
  • Do you have a healthy balance sheet?
  • Do you offer a bank guarantee?
  • How will my project affect their cashflow?
  • What are the project payment terms?
  • Do you guarantee a move in date?

What else can they help you with?

A fit out is more than a floor plan, fabric samples, furniture choices and a colour palette.

Some things you can ask include:

  • What other services do you offer?
  • Can you provide IT advice?
  • Do you provide security advice?
  • What are your warranties?

Remember, it’s your unique workspace. You need to ensure your fit out partner is the right size for you and will take on your project as if they were working on their own office.

It’s ok to go with your gut

You didn’t succeed in business without your instincts, so trust them. If you have a shortlist of fit out companies Sydney you want to work with, invariably choosing the right fit out company for you will be about how they make you feel. Trust that feeling and don’t be dazzled by the big guys with their fancy presentations. Sometimes a smaller fit out partner, with a talented team, can give you the exact same professional finish, but with personal attention too.

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