The term ‘fit out’ refers to the process of creating an interior space suitable for occupation. In the commercial sense, fit out is a general term for changes to the interior of a property. This may involve a complete refurbishment to upgrade an interior, a conversion to change the use of a commercial property, a re-stack to optimise the use of space or reinstatement after damage to a commercial property.

What is included in a fit out will depend entirely on the needs of the project and the pre-existing state of the property. The most common fit out phases are:

• Shell and core
• Category A fit out
• Category B fit out

Throughout the process, work is carried by various trades, including Structural Engineers, Mechanics, Electricians, Plumbers and Painters and Decorators. A commercial fit out contractor, such as Axis, will manage each of these contractors and coordinate the project from start to finish.

Shell and core is the very first stage of a property’s fit out. In shell and core state, a property is in its most basic condition. This generally comprises of:

• The brick and mortar structure
• The completion of common areas such as receptions, staircases, toilets
• Connections to external mains gas, water and electricity
• The base plant
• Cladding
• Insulation
• Clear structural floor heights
• Air conditioning chambers
• External windows and doors
• Roofs
• Fire detection and sprinkler systems

In this most basic form, clients have a blank canvas to work from, giving large amounts of flexibility to adapt or change a property for commercial use.

We are able to complete works on new builds in a shell and core state, or reinstate properties back to a shell and core state, stripping the properties of category A and B fixtures and fittings.

As a commercial fit out contractor, we are able to complete works on a wide range of commercial premises. Some of which include;

• Offices- works spaces, meeting rooms, communal areas, toilet and washroom facilities, lobbies and reception areas
• Hospitality venues – restaurants, public houses, hotels, leisure facilities and tourist attractions
• Commercial kitchen – upgrades and installations in pubs, cafes, restaurants and cafeterias
• Shops – grocery stores, hair salons, estate agencies, high street stores and supermarkets

From upgrades, to complete conversions, Axis can provide a suite of fit out services based on our client’s needs and specifications. We also support our clients to achieve smooth and efficient moves and changes, taking the complexity out of commercial moves and preparing clients’ new premises for use.

We have a great deal of experience and work with clients operating across many industries, including a financial institution in Canary Wharf, Council offices as well as pubs and restaurants.

To find out more about some of our most recent commercial fit out projects, click here.

Each fit-out project is uniquely tailored to the client’s needs and specifications; therefore, there is no fixed price for a commercial fit-out project.

Of course, a basic office fit out that comprises of new flooring, light fixtures and redecorations will cost significantly less than a high-spec fit out that includes structural work for installations of raised floors, suspended ceilings and mechanical and electrical services. Square meterage will also contribute to the cost of a fit out project.

We also factor in the pre-existing condition of the property. Some properties require a full strip-out of existing features back to shell and core before any refurbishment work commences. And, for properties being converted for change of commercial use, there may be additional demolition and building works required.

Axis will always work alongside the client to create a project plan that works around their budget and long-term goals.

We carry out a vast range of refurbishment works, giving our commercial clients fresh new spaces with functional purpose. Providing a thorough job from start to finish, we’ll take care of everything from the initial strip out to the last drop of paint applied by our painting and decorating division. Here’s a list of just some of the refurbishment works we are able to complete:

• Strip back to shell and core and category A and B strip out
• Mechanical and electrical works – including the strip out, maintenance or upgrade of existing electrical infrastructure
• Door and window replacement and installation
• Relocating or replacing fixtures, fittings and furnishings
• Lighting and emergency lighting
• Boiler replacement and maintenance
• Plumbing and maintenance – including the installation of vanity units, washroom facilities and commercial dishwashers
• Fire alarm systems
• Installation of new flooring, ceilings, walls and partitions
• External refurbishment – including asbestos removal, DOFF cleaning, installations of gates and fencing and redecorations
• Painting and decorating

For buildings of special interest, including listed buildings, we are also able to provide refurbishment work that adheres to the specific guidelines and restrictions of a property.

By definition, reinstatement refers to the process of restoring something back to its former state. Commercial property reinstatement is exactly what it says on the tin. There are several circumstances where commercial clients may require property reinstatement works.

Where a property has become damaged due to a flood or fire, reinstatement works would enable the client to repair the property and restore it to its former glory.

Alternatively, commercial property reinstatement may also be required at the end of a lease, where the tenant’s lease agreement states that the property needs to be left in its original condition. This could involve the removal of additional features such as partitioning, flooring and light fixtures and fittings before a move to new premises.

Client’s who wish to change the commercial use of a building may also require us to carry out reinstatement works. Stripping the property back to its shell and core may on some occasions be required to lend agility to the new changes, giving the client a fresh, clean slate to work from.

Aside from an improved overall look and feel, there are many benefits associated with refurbishing an office space. We support our clients to get the very best out of their offices, offering a range of bespoke solutions tailored to the needs of individual projects.

We’ll consider the layout of the office, making use of wasted space and altering the layout to improve workflow and efficiency. This means that there’s no need to relocate, rather an office refurbishment can help our clients to get the best out of existing space available.

An office refurbishment enables businesses to upgrade tired-looking spaces, providing employees with a more comfortable and inspiring work environment. This is a great way of boosting staff morale and attracting new employees.

Additionally, refurbishment work also helps to improve the general long-term condition of a property. During a refurbishment project, we can replace or maintain any existing fixtures and fittings which aid the avoidance of issues arising in the future that may become problematic, expensive and disruptive.

With any office refurbishment work, we’ll also ensure that relevant health and safety standards and legislations are met, supporting the provision of safe working environments.

And finally, first impressions count. A warm and inviting office design could be the difference between gaining or losing a new client. We can also implement corporate branding, logos and colours within an office re-design so that our clients’ ethos and values are reflected visually throughout their commercial space.

The global pandemic has had a huge knock-on effect on how and where we’ve been able to work. Working arrangements have changed dramatically, and with a large percentage of employees continuing to work from home, many commercial property owners are starting to re-think how they could better use their space.

Some are opting for office refurbishments or re-stacks to adapt their workplace for fully remote or part-time office working. Creating meeting rooms and breakout areas that enable social distancing, hot desks for those looking to share or rent office desks and even sound-proof pods that enable employees to make video conferencing calls from within the office without disruption to other employees – there’s great scope and superb potential for businesses to adapt their workplace without having to relocate.

On the other hand, some landlords and commercial property owners are considering how they could change the use of their office space to make better use of their property investment. Office repurposing is on the rise, with many choosing to convert their office spaces into residential flats or apartments, commercial kitchens, supermarkets or even leisure facilities such as gyms.The possibilities are endless.

Providing a fresh start and breathing a new lease of life into underutilised properties that have been hit by COVID-19, we’re here to support our client’s ambitions. Axis offers a full suite of refurbishment and conversion work for those looking to adapt their former office space.

Yes, Axis provides a Moves and Changes service.

Moving to a new commercial premises takes time and planning. We’ll ensure that our clients can experience a smooth transition with minimal disruption to their business. Axis will move any furniture, IT hardware, relocatable fixtures and fitting such as signage and lighting, as well as equipment and hardcopy documents and files securely from A to B.

Once our clients have taken on a new lease or have purchased a commercial property, we’re able to make the relevant changes to adapt the interior space for its new use. Where the property’s use is changing, we can provide a complete conversion, stripping out old fixtures and fittings and remodelling the use of the space. Alternatively, we can refurbish the client’s new interior, optimising the existing space to support the businesses day-to-day operations. We can also implement on-brand redecorations, enabling our clients to put their own stamp on their new premises.

A re-stack is a specific type of fit out project that generally takes place in offices and workspaces. It involves re-organising an interior to optimise the use of space whilst creating a more efficient, dynamic and collaborative environment. It’s a great alternative to office relocation.

A re-stack project is more than just moving desks and chairs around. It’s about utilising unused space in the best way possible. In doing so, the overall aim is to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity and morale to achieve a more streamlined and communicative team environment and workflow.

To change the layout of space, a re-stack project can involve a range of works from full strip out, category A and B fit out, building additional walls, doors, ceilings and partitions through to lighting installations and painting and decoration works.

Axis are able to provide re-stack works for businesses looking to revamp, optimise the use of space or adapt their office to new ways of working. We strive to support our clients’ long-term visions and goals and place importance on creating spaces that work around our clients’ values and ethos.