More Than Just Offices: What a Good Refurbishment Partner Should be Able to Deliver
When you’re searching for office refurbishment services, it’s not just about redecorating. It’s about finding a team that knows how to improve your space in ways that support how your business runs.
From project planning and compliance to aftercare and sustainability, a good refurbishment partner will guide you through the entire process. They’ll help you keep business running smoothly while creating a space that works for your team.
What services should office refurbishment companies include?
A company offering serious office refurbishment services or commercial office redesign support should bring more than builders and brochures. At minimum, they should offer:
- Space audits and usage reviews
- Sustainability assessments
- Compliance advice (fire safety, accessibility, DDA)
- Coordination with landlords or facilities teams
- IT and AV coordination
- Phased works to minimise disruption
They should care about long-term results, not just completing the build.
How do you choose the right office refurbishment partner?
A reliable refurbishment partner won’t just deliver what you ask for. They’ll help you figure out what you need. That means asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and designing solutions based on how your team works.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Culture-first thinking
A good partner will ask about your culture and values. They’ll also consider how the space impacts wellbeing, talent retention, and team performance. The right office refurbishment services provider will factor in those cultural drivers at every design stage.
2. End-to-end delivery
Refurbishment doesn’t stop at fit out. The partner you choose should be able to manage the process from planning and compliance to post-occupancy aftercare. Look for services such as:
- Workplace consultancy
- Space planning
- Project management
- Furniture sourcing and install
- Minor works and upgrades
Full-scope office refurbishment services ensure your needs are covered from first sketch to final snag.
3. Sector experience
Schools don’t work like start-ups. Law firms don’t work like design agencies. Each sector has different needs, timelines, and compliance considerations. The right team will bring relevant case studies, not just generic portfolios.
At Bates Studio, we’ve worked with everyone from creative studios to education providers, tailoring each refurbishment to the rhythms of that organisation. Our office refurbishment services flex with each client’s context and ambition.
4. Human-centred design
Good refurbishment work is shaped around real people. That means thinking about wellbeing, neurodiversity, accessibility, and day-to-day interaction not just desk counts and meeting rooms.
Design should help people feel better in the space and function more effectively. Any team offering meaningful office refurbishment services will embed this thinking into their process.
5. Honest communication
Your partner should be transparent about budget, timing, risks, and solutions. Refurbishment can be disruptive. A no-nonsense team will help you plan realistically and stay in control of the project.
Why do businesses choose refurbishment over relocation?
Office refurbishment can be a smarter move than relocating especially for teams that want to reduce costs, avoid disruption, or retain a well-located space. Businesses often choose refurbishment over a move because:
- It’s more cost-effective than taking on a new lease and buildout
- The timeline is often shorter and easier to phase
- There’s no need to reconfigure logistics, commutes, or suppliers
- Teams remain in familiar surroundings with minimal upheaval
Refurbishing your office lets you improve how space is used without compromising on quality or starting from scratch. Choosing experienced office refurbishment services makes this transition smooth and low-risk.
How do you plan an office refurbishment?
If you’re considering refurbishment, planning early and strategically helps avoid delays and unnecessary costs. Here’s a checklist to guide the process. For example, we often start with a space audit to identify underused areas and turn them into high-value zones like quiet pods, breakout nooks, or hybrid-ready call booths:
- Assess current space usage and performance
- Define clear goals: hybrid working, space efficiency, wellbeing, etc.
- Gather input from leadership and teams
- Set realistic budgets and timelines
- Choose a partner with end-to-end office refurbishment services
- Plan for IT, AV, and infrastructure upgrades
- Decide on finishes, lighting, and acoustics
- Agree phasing to minimise workplace disruption
A good partner will walk you through each of these steps and help you avoid common mistakes.
What are the key office refurbishment trends in 2025?
A well-timed refurbishment helps your team stay agile and ready for new demands. Here are trends we’re seeing influence modern refurb decisions:
- Flexible layouts: Spaces that can be reconfigured as teams grow or priorities shift
- Sustainability-first materials: Low-VOC finishes, recycled materials, and reuse of existing assets
- Integrated tech: Video-ready meeting rooms, smart sensors, and seamless AV systems
- Acoustic zoning: Sound management for open areas, quiet rooms, and hybrid meeting setups
- Employee wellbeing: Access to daylight, biophilic elements, and inclusive design principles
These shape what employees expect from their workplace. Great office refurbishment services help organisations integrate these trends in a practical, achievable way.
Planning a refurbishment?
You might be looking at the same layout you’ve had for years knowing it no longer supports how your team works today.
If your current space no longer works for your team, it’s worth rethinking how it could.
Your team spends a third of their week here. Let’s turn that time into something more valuable. Speak to Bates Studio about our full range of office refurbishment services from workspace consultancy and culture-led design to smart phased delivery and futureproofed upgrades.
Explore our recent projects or get in touch to start a conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an office refurbishment usually take?
It depends on the size and scope, but most projects range from 4 to 12 weeks. Phased delivery can reduce disruption in live environments.
Can we refurbish while the team is working on-site?
Yes. We regularly carry out phased refurbishments that allow staff to remain on-site with minimal disruption.
What are the typical costs?
Costs vary by scope and finish level. We’ll work with you to define a clear budget and avoid hidden surprises.