Office Refurbishment or New Build?

Deciding how to transform your office space goes far beyond floorplans and furniture. It’s a strategic move that affects your people, your culture, and your ability to grow. If you’re unsure whether to refurbish your current space or start from scratch with a new office design and build, this guide will help you find clarity.

At Bates Studio, we guide clients through this process every day. We’ve helped organisations reimagine tired workspaces through smart, well-planned refurbishments, and we’ve built purpose-designed offices from the ground up. This guide explores both options, helping you choose the route that suits your business best.

Is it better to refurbish or build a new office?

Choosing between an office refurbishment and a new build starts with a closer look at your current and future needs. If your existing space is structurally sound, well-located, and needs only strategic upgrades, a refurbishment often makes more sense. It’s typically faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive to daily operations.

If your office limits your team’s potential, struggles to meet compliance standards, or requires costly updates, starting fresh with a new build might be the smarter long-term decision. A clean slate allows for total alignment with your vision and future needs.

Here are a few key questions to help clarify your direction:

Does the current location still suit your team and clients?
Will the space support your business over the next 5–10 years?
Are the costs of refurbishment approaching those of a new build?
Are there physical or technical limitations holding you back?

Speaking with an experienced office design and build partner can help clarify your priorities early.

How office refurbishment supports your business goals

A refurbishment can revitalise your office. It aligns your workspace with your brand, supports modern working styles, and strengthens team collaboration.

Here’s where an office refurbishment can create real advantages:

Cost efficiency: Reduces the major expenses tied to land acquisition and ground-up construction.
Faster project timelines: Many refurbishments can happen in phases to minimise disruption.
Environmental responsibility: Retrofitting minimises waste and lowers environmental impact.
Cultural reinforcement: A thoughtful redesign can significantly lift morale and collaboration.

Partnering with an office design and build firm ensures your refurbishment focuses on what matters most to your people and goals.

Why a new office build may better suit your vision

Sometimes, your ambitions outgrow your current building.

Building new is often the right choice when:

Your building has structural or regulatory challenges.
You’ve outgrown the available space.
You need a headquarters that strengthens your brand identity.
You want a highly sustainable, future-ready facility.

A new build offers the freedom to create an environment that matches your business culture and ambitions without compromise. The right office design and build partner brings this vision to life.

How do costs compare between refurbishment and new build?

Costs often drive this decision.

Office refurbishment typically requires lower upfront investment because you’re working with an existing structure. It avoids land costs, groundwork, and lengthy planning phases.

New builds demand more initial investment but can offer long-term savings through energy-efficient designs and operational improvements.

When weighing your options, factor in:

Immediate project costs
Fees for design, planning, and consultancy
Temporary workspace or relocation expenses
Long-term operational and maintenance savings

An experienced office design and build partner like Bates Studio helps you analyse the true, long-term value of each route.

What risks should you plan for in an office project?

Every major project carries risks. Managing them early protects your investment.

Typical refurbishment risks include:

Discovering hidden building issues
Project scope changes
Business disruption if phasing isn’t planned well

Typical new build risks include:

Planning and construction delays
Budget overruns from site complications
Extended project timelines impacting business continuity

At Bates Studio, our office design and build services integrate early discovery, thorough risk planning, and proactive communication to keep your project moving forward.

How Bates Studio supports your office design and build journey

At Bates, we simplify complex office projects. Our office design and build services cover every stage from concept to completion.

Here’s how we support you:

Workplace consultancy: We learn what drives your people and operations.
Space planning: We ensure every square foot delivers value.
Interior design: We create spaces that inspire, reflect your brand, and feel welcoming.
Build management: We coordinate all site works, ensuring efficiency and quality.
Aftercare: We continue supporting you post-move, ensuring your space functions exactly as planned.

With Bates Studio, you gain more than a project team — you gain a long-term partner invested in your success.

Ready to plan your next office move?

The decisions you make now will shape your business’s future workspace, productivity, and culture. Whether you’re planning an ambitious refurbishment or a new build from the ground up, Bates Studio is ready to guide you with experience, creativity, and care.

Speak to our team today and discover how a tailored office design and build solution can move your business forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it cheaper to refurbish or build new?

Most of the time, refurbishment costs less upfront. However, new builds can lead to operational savings over the long term.

Can we keep working during an office refurbishment?

In many cases, yes. Careful phasing allows parts of your team to remain operational throughout the project.

How long does a new office build take compared to a refurb?

New builds usually take 12–24 months. Refurbishments often complete faster depending on the project scope.

What is included in an office design and build service?

We cover everything: workplace strategy, space planning, creative design, full build management, and post-move aftercare.

Why choose Bates Studio for office design and build?

Our integrated service delivers thoughtful design, precise delivery, and long-term support all tailored to your business’s future growth.