A successful office fit out in Melbourne comes down to one thing: getting the sequence right. Start too early without a permit, choose the wrong builder, or underestimate the budget — and you'll pay for it twice. This checklist walks you through every stage, from lease review to handover.
Phase 1: Pre-Lease & Feasibility
Before you sign anything, do this:
Read the lease carefully — understand make-good clauses, permitted use, and what the landlord will and won't approve
Inspect the base building — ceiling heights, existing services, structural constraints
Confirm zoning and planning requirements for your intended use
Set a realistic budget with a 10–15% contingency built in
Work backwards from your target opening date to set a realistic construction timeline
Most cost blowouts in commercial fit out Melbourne projects start here — with a brief that's too vague and a budget that has no buffer.
Phase 2: Design & Documentation
Engage your builder before design is finalised, not after. In a Design & Construct model, the builder contributes to buildability decisions from the start — which prevents expensive redesigns mid-construction.
Concept designs aligned to your brand and operational workflow
Full construction drawings and specifications
Landlord approval on proposed works
Coordinated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design
Confirmed compliance with NCC, DDA, and any sector-specific standards
For restaurant fit out planning, medical fit out, and childcare facilities, allow additional time — these sectors carry extra regulatory layers.
Phase 3: Permits & Approvals
This is where timelines slip. Depending on your fit-out scope, you may need a building permit, planning permit, health department sign-off, or industry-specific approval. Start this process the moment your design is lodged — not after.
Permit delays are the single most common cause of commercial fit out companies Melbourne running over schedule.
Phase 4: Construction
With a Design & Construct approach, procurement and construction run in parallel. Materials are sourced, subcontractors are engaged, and site preparation begins while final documentation is completed.
Expect regular progress updates, milestone inspections, and clear issue escalation. A professional builder flags problems early — and brings solutions, not just news.
Phase 5: Handover
Walk the space with your builder before taking possession. Document any defects. A reputable builder will rectify these promptly and hand over all compliance certificates, warranties, and as-built drawings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Skipping contingency — hidden services and unforeseen conditions are the norm, not the exception
- ✗Starting construction before permits are in hand
- ✗Selecting on price alone without comparing scope
- ✗Ignoring your lease make-good clause until it's too late
Ready to plan your fit-out?
AxisPro manages the entire process — design, permits, construction, and handover — under one roof. Contact us to start with a no-obligation feasibility conversation.
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