What are turnkey office fit-outs?

If you’ve been looking into redesigning or fitting out your office, you’ve likely encountered the term ‘turnkey’. If you’re unfamiliar with this term, our article breaks down what it means by examining how turnkey office fit-outs differ practically from traditional construction projects, as well as comparing them to other types of office fit-outs. Through our decades of experience in creating people-focused workspaces, we hope to show how the benefits of turnkey office fit-outs for your organisation.

What are the benefits of a turnkey office fit-out?

Simply put, a turnkey office fit-out is a complete end-to-end service where a single contractor manages everything from the initial concept and design to the final finishing touches. When you walk into your newly fitted office, it’s ready to go – you just have to turn the key and open the door – hence the term “turnkey.” This approach simplifies the process so businesses can focus on what they do best while the experts take care of the nitty-gritty.

Traditional construction projects or renovations often come with a host of complexities and considerations. Timelines can feel drawn out and at the end of it, you just want to settle into your new office and get back up to speed. Fortunately, with turnkey office fit-outs, the project delivers a ready-to-use workplace that’s purpose-built for your needs while keeping costs and timelines in check.

Opting for a turnkey office fit-out has some great advantages for creating a space that both looks fantastic and functions perfectly for your needs. Here’s a quick rundown of why a turnkey solution might be an ideal choice for those looking to rejuvenate their workspace:

1. Streamlined process

Instead of juggling multiple contractors, suppliers and timelines, you have a single point of contact who manages the entire project. This can alleviate some of the administrative and mental burdens of orchestrating an office fit-out right off the bat. We understand that time is always of the essence, and this approach reduces the complexity and stress of coordinating various aspects of the fit-out so that everything runs smoothly and on schedule.

2. Cost-effective

Anyone who has been involved in a construction or renovation project will know all too well how costs can spiral when liaising with multiple contractors, suppliers and stakeholders. A turnkey approach can often be more cost-effective than traditional methods. With a single contractor handling everything, there’s better control over the budget and unexpected costs are less likely. There’s less back and forth, negotiating with multiple parties or mismatched expectations. Turnkey providers can also leverage their relationships with suppliers to secure better deals on materials and services, passing those savings on to you.

3. Consistent quality

With one contractor overseeing everything from design to construction, there’s a unified vision and attention to detail. You want to be sure that the final result meets your expectations and reflects your goals. You want the team creating your space to be on the same page and do everything with a clear and distinct purpose. With consistency, careful oversight and teamwork comes quality. 

4. Reduced downtime

One of the main concerns with any kind of new construction or renovation is how much downtime will be incurred. A turnkey fit-out minimises lost time by keeping the project on track so that everything is completed in sync and per your schedule. This means your business can move in and get up and running much sooner than with a traditional fit-out. Plus, you won’t have to constantly chase multiple contractors or builders or wait on ever-changing schedules – which is always a plus.

5. Tailored solutions

By investing in a purpose-built office fit-out, you get a functional space that exudes your unique brand identity and meets the needs of both current and future employees. Rather than trying to fit your needs into the parameters of a cookie-cutter solution, a decent turnkey provider will work with you to understand your specific requirements. As part of this, they’ll get to grips with what works, what hasn’t worked in the past, and what people genuinely want and need. The end result is a tailor-made destination office where people can come to and perform at their absolute best.

6. Future-proofing

The most thoughtfully designed and meticulously built office can feel outdated relatively quickly if it hasn’t been built with the future in mind. A good turnkey office fit-out should be adaptable to changing and future needs, whether your company’s or the industry at large. Turnkey providers often incorporate elements of flexible workspace design that allow for easy modifications as your business grows and evolves. You may need to upscale, downscale or pivot going ahead, so a future-proofing approach ensures your office remains functional and relevant.

Turnkey office fit-outs from Interaction

At Interaction, our turnkey CAT A Plus office fit-outs offer that highly sought-after balance of style, functionality and flexibility. If you’re unsure as to how this differs from other types of fit-out – here’s a brief overview:

• CAT A Fit-Out: This is a basic fit-out that includes the essentials such as electrical and mechanical systems, suspended ceilings, raised floors, and basic lighting. It creates a blank canvas that’s ready for customisation.
  
• CAT B Fit-Out: CAT B involves tailoring the office space to meet the specific needs of the occupants. This includes adding partitions, installing bespoke furniture, designing the layout to reflect the company’s brand, and integrating technology. Essentially, CAT B is where the space really starts to come to life.
  
• A CAT A Plus fit-out is essentially a near-complete space that only requires minor finishing touches to be move-in ready. This combines the structural foundation of CAT A with the personalised elements of CAT B. This approach ensures that your office is not only functional but also a true “destination” workplace that reflects your brand’s identity and culture.

Interaction recently completed a CAT A Plus fit-out for commercial landlord EPIC, who wanted to regenerate the top floor of Bristol’s Linear Park building in order to attract high-calibre tenants. We gave the space a lease of life with modern decor, brand new fittings, a refreshed kitchen and breakout space and a bright colour palette that was ready to suit any company.

Another example is our work with GPE to transform their London Woolyard site. We designed and fitted out three offices of varying sizes ready to attract vibrant and creative businesses. Working with GPE, we made the space as sustainable as possible, achieving a Gold SKA rating. Much of the furniture was recycled or second-hand, and there was a focus on choosing one-of-a-kind vintage styling items that made the offices feel immediately home to any new tenant.

Choosing a turnkey office fit-out offers your business a hassle-free way to create a workspace that inspires and engages, while personally suited to your unique needs. With Interaction’s years of experience in office design and fit-outs, you can be confident that your new office will not only meet your current needs but also adapt to your future growth. 

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