In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the critical steps and considerations involved in planning and budgeting for office fit out and refurbishment work, and how to get yours started:

Step1: Define Your Goals and Objectives
Before you dive into the details of your office refurbishment project, you need to establish clear goals and objectives. To do this, ask yourself the following:

• Are we using the space to its maximum potential?
• What specific needs and improvements are we looking to address?
• How will the new layout enhance productivity, space utilisation, aid employee wellbeing, etc.?
• Are there any aesthetic or branding considerations we should take into account?

Nowadays our workspaces are more than just a space to work from – it is the environment that forms the basis of how we operate. By defining your workspace objectives upfront, you can tailor your planning and budgeting to align with your organisation’s overarching goals.

Step 2: Create a Detailed Project Plan
While it’s important to understand what it is you want to achieve from your space transformation, it’s not uncommon for businesses to feel unsure of how to achieve it.  But don’t worry, that’s where we come in…

Whether you know exactly what you want to include within your workspace refurb, need a little inspiration, or perhaps you’d like a team of experts to reveal your space potential for you, Cubex can help!

We’ll visit your commercial premises and design a bespoke refurbishment project specific to your requirements.  At this stage, we’ll review:

1. The scope of work – what’s included to achieve the desired outcome, e.g. space planning, interior design, partition walls or a new mezzanine?
2. The timeline – we advise timescales by the point of order, if not before. Here at Cubex we specialise in modular building solutions which are normally dry trades (quick and clean!) This can result in a small office being installed in as little as 1 – 2 days for example.
3. The project team – we understand how important it is to know and trust the individuals you’re working with. The Cubex team are small enough for you to know who’s on the other end of the phone, but large enough to manage your commercial fit-out as Principal Contractor.
4. The budget – it’s an obvious point to make, but you’ll need to allocate a budget for the refurb project based on your objectives and expected outcomes. Our team are exceptionally talented and it’s not uncommon for us to make design suggestions which help our clients save money, time or both!
5. Accreditations and compliance – you’ll want a commercial contractor who has the relevant qualifications and accreditations to legally (and successfully) execute the works within your project. Not all of them do.  But Cubex Contracts are annually audited and certified – you wouldn’t expect anything less, right?

Of course, if you already know what your project will entail and it’s merely the cost you’re unsure of, why not give our online Project Estimate a go?  While refurbishment projects are typically a one-time cost, the exact amount will always differ as no two projects are the same.  But with our Project Estimate, you can get a ballpark figure for your commercial works as a handy budgeting guide.

Step 3: The Quotation
When you partner with Cubex, getting a quote for your project out is simple.  Once we have visited your premises (for free and with no obligation), discussed your requirements and conducted a full site survey, we aim to return a quotation that encompasses your business space requirements within 7 – 10 working days.

It’s also worth noting that we’re not in the habit of quoting a price and then producing a list of extras at the invoice stage.  We aim to cover every eventuality when producing a quotation.  That said, we understand customers sometimes alter their requirements.  Therefore any alterations to the original quotation are signed and agreed before the project work begins, so you know exactly how much your project is going to cost.

Speaking of cost, many companies prefer to spread the expense of their mezzanine rather than take a hit on the upfront capital cost. That’s why we work with a specialist leasing company to give our customers the flexibility of options. If you think you might be interested in a lease option, let us know and we can liaise with our chosen lease company at the quotation stage.

Things to Consider
Planning a new workspace can be a very exciting time!  But that excitement can soon turn to trepidation when it comes to wondering about the logistics.  But constructing your perfect premises is our specialty.  That’s why we ensure customers of Cubex have considered and understand the requirements that come with an office fit out. For example:

• Mezzanine floor installations – if your project involves a mezzanine floor installation, it’s important for businesses to consider load-bearing capacity, structural integrity, and accessibility.
• Partitioning systems – when budgeting for partitions, think about material quality, sound attenuation, flexibility, aesthetics, lighting requirements and electrical/data requirements too.
• Ceiling and flooring upgrades – these play a crucial role in the overall look and feel of your space. So you’ll want to consider materials that suit your aesthetic and acoustic needs, in addition to durability and maintenance upkeep.

The Details
Whether you want a full interior fit out or a partial refurbishment, Cubex Contracts offer a turnkey solution to meet your requirements and budget.  From mezzanines to meeting rooms, we’ve got you covered!  That’s why our proposals include:

• Fire exits and protected corridors – all commercial buildings must have a protected escape route. We offer guidance to customers regarding these regulations and consult with them and Building Control throughout the design and installation process.
• Health and safety – we work with a health and safety partner to ensure comprehensive risk assessments and method statements are submitted for all works – and we are comfortable working to site-specific requirements.
• Building Regulation Approval – depending on the scope of works, your project may require building regulation approval. We will advise you accordingly, however, as a general rule of thumb, if the means of escape in the case of fire are being affected in any way, then your project will require building regulation approval. But once appointed, Cubex will administer the application on your behalf – that’s one less thing for you to worry about!

Changes to work culture, technology, numbers of office-based staff and safety mean the work environment is ever-changing.  Make better use of your workspace with Cubex.  Contact us today to get your commercial fit out and refurb project started!

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Luxury Vinyl Tiles
LVT flooring can be water resistant, making them an ideal choice for restaurants and cafes looking for an easy to clean and low maintenance floor type.  They also offer incredible durability.  In fact, they’re (almost!) indestructible, making them a suitable choice for offices as they can withstand heavy foot traffic and the sliding of swivel chairs.  LVT are also known for their resistance to stains, scratches and general wear and tear.  What’s more, with proper care, your commercial LVT could last for decades, making it an economical design choice.

When designing your workspace, a key element to consider is thermal efficiency – we bet half of your team feel the cold, and the other half complain about being too warm?  It’s a difficult balance to get right.  But you’ll be pleased to know commercial luxury vinyl tiles have inherent thermal properties that contribute to the energy efficiency of your office.  Through their multi-layered construction, luxury vinyl tiles help regulate the indoor temperature by retaining coolness during the warmer months.  They can also be combined with underfloor heating systems for added warmth, ideal for the colder seasons.

And let’s not forget how LVT is available in an extensive range of colours, patterns and finishes – you can create a professional, visually appealing atmosphere that also aligns with your brand identity.

The list of advantages doesn’t end there; luxury vinyl tiles are also resistant to moisture and dampness, economical and hygienic (they don’t trap dust or allergens, promoting a healthier indoor environment).  But they do have some disadvantages too including:

• Difficult to remove if glued down (labour intensive).
• Discolouration – the outer layer of LVT is not UV resistant and is therefore prone to fading over time. Of course, this is only an issue dependant on where your tiles are laid –  for example near south-facing doors or windows.
• Non-sustainable – the materials used for LVT flooring are not bio-degradable and therefore not environmentally friendly.

Carpet Tiles
Another popular choice to complete your office fit out are commercial carpet tiles.  Just like luxury vinyl tiles, they also have multiple benefits including design versatility.  Carpet tiles are available in every colour and in a variety of sizes and textures too.  This makes it possible for you to create a visually appealing working environment that encourages creativity and comfort.  It’s also worth noting that carpet tiles are great for odd-shaped spaces that are either hard to get to or where space is tight.

Carpet tiles can last for 10 – 20+ years before showing any real wear and tear.  Pretty impressive, eh?  And when carpet tiles do begin to show their age, they are easy to replace (unlike a traditional broadloom carpet installation) as you can swap out individual tiles rather than replacing the entire floor.

Another significant advantage of carpet tiles is their ability to absorb sound (a must-have for any busy office).  Through absorbing the sound of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day operations, carpets help to minimise noise levels, subsequently reducing distractions, creating a more productive workspace. This makes them a great choice in areas with high foot traffic or where meetings and confidential discussions take place.

Other advantages of carpet tiles include:

• Easy maintenance – they are low pile so tend to collect less dirt than other commercial floor types. Regular vacuuming will keep your carpet tiles in tip top condition.
• Access – office carpet tiles can be individually lifted should you need to access the floor below.
• Comfort – offering a softer and cushioned surface, carpets are ideal for areas where employees spend extended periods standing or walking. Compared to alternative commercial flooring options, carpets are comfortable!
• Safety and slip resistant – commercial carpet tiles offer excellent slip resistance, minimising the risk of accidents in the workplace.
• Easy to install – arguably one of the most attractive benefits of carpet tiles is how convenient, straightforward and efficient they are to handle, store, transport and replace. The same goes for the installation process.  In fact, the relative speed of using carpet tiles will see a reduction in disruption and downtime throughout your refurbishment.
• Cost effective – carpet tiles are a popular choice within commercial refurbishments where time and money are of the essence. This is because they are simple and quick to install, and are a cost-effective alternative to other commercial flooring options.

While there are many pros to installing carpet tiles in the workspace, there are also a few cons.  For instance, carpet tiles are available in loose forms and installed one-by-one. Over time, this increases the chances of wear around the seams of each tile.  The good news here is that this can be prevented through proper upkeep and monitoring, particularly in high foot traffic areas.

While installing carpet tiles is straightforward, you first need to ensure the subfloor is even.  Any visible dents, heightened spots or cracks will need treating before laying the carpet tiles otherwise the end result will not have the perfected look it deserves.  It’s also worth noting that carpet tiles are made of different layers and so it is possible for the backing layer to partially separate from the tile resulting in a lumpy and out of shape appearance. And finally, because of their many seams, carpet tiles can’t provide a complete waterproof protection.  It is therefore possible for spills and stains to be absorbed into the sub-floor beneath the tiles.  Replacing the carpet tile itself will remove visible stains, but it won’t eliminate odours that may have soaked into the floor beneath.

Choosing between luxury vinyl tiles and carpets tiles for your office flooring is a decision that requires careful consideration.  While LVT offers durability, easy maintenance and a wide range of design options, carpets provide comfort, acoustic benefits and a cozy, comfortable aesthetic.

Selecting the right flooring will contribute to a productive and visually appealing work environment, so choose wisely.  For expert guidance on your commercial fit out and refurbishment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Cubex Contracts! 

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