20 January 2025

If you’re curious about office refurbishment costs, this guide breaks down the different types of office renovations and what you can expect to pay for each in 2025.

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What Are The Costs Of An Office Refurbishment in 2025?

Having an enjoyable and constructive work environment can enhance productivity. This is why office refurbishment costs are more than worth it if you create an aesthetically appealing and functional office space. A well-planned office refurbishment can breathe new life into an outdated space and demonstrate a commitment to employee satisfaction. Understanding the average cost of office refurbishment projects will help you to budget accordingly, so you can design the perfect office that works for your industry, your staff and your long-term goals.

This guide will discuss the various options available; from low budget makeovers to high-end renovations and the key factors influencing the final price. Although the total will obviously vary for a number of reasons, at a glance figures for office refurbishments are:

Basic office updates - upto £19 to £50 per square foot

Mid to high end renovation - pto £50 to £100 per square foot

Complete overhaul and structural work - Upto £100 to £200 per square foot

Types of office refurbishments

Office refurbishment costs will vary according to the type of renovation you are undertaking. You might be looking at a basic office update or a completely new office fit out, which will impact your estimate and final amount considerably. Below are the average cost of office refurbishment projects depending on the scale of the renovation and the desired spec:

1. Basic office refurbishments

There are many reasons a basic office refurbishment might be needed. You may be on a tight budget or simply wish to make small changes to improve the office environment. Jobs like painting walls, installing new light fixtures, or adding new technology and more comfortable furniture are some of the ways companies give their offices a spruce up.

Office refurb costs for this type of work will range from around £19 per square foot to £50 per square foot.

2. Mid-range office renovations

Mid-range options offer a balance of cost and quality, with the budget covering elements like improved flooring, better-quality fixtures, and new office furniture. You might be planning to incorporate more breakout spaces, if hot desking has meant you now have more space, or overhaul meeting rooms to encourage better collaboration.

These types of renovations will incur office refurbishment costs of around £50 to £100 per square foot.

3. Full scale office refits

If you’re upscaling to high-end finishes and top-spec technology, then you can obviously expect the average cost of office refurbishment work to increase. This type of refit will usually mean a total redesign and could include new electrics, state-of-the art equipment and luxury materials. You may even be installing modern facilities such as podcast studios or tailor-made spaces for hosting events.

A project on this scale would range in price from around £100 to £200 per square foot.

What influences office refurbishment costs?

The type of office refurbishment you’re undertaking will only decide the cost to a certain extent. There are other key factors to consider, such as:

1. Size of the office

The size of the office space has a big influence on the office refurb costs. Larger offices require more materials and labour, and the cost per square foot will increase based on the total area needing refurbishment. Similarly, the number of staff you need to accommodate will alter the cost as you need to make sure employees have enough room and that you plan for the right amount of furniture.

2. Complexity of the project

Simple updates, like painting or replacing flooring, are less costly compared to a complete overhaul involving structural changes. Complex projects may also mean employing specialist teams, thereby adding to the expense.

3. Materials and finishes

High-end finishes, modern building materials, and bespoke office furniture often come with a hefty price tag. When planning your refurbishment project, decide if quality or aesthetics are top priorities; if you’re willing to compromise, you might be able to shave some money off and reduce your total office refurbishment costs.

4. Location

Location can cause cost fluctuations in many ways. City centre locations in big cities like London or Manchester might have higher labour and material costs. Additionally, difficult-to-access locations or those far from suppliers can incur extra logistics expenses. You’ll need to allow for this in any budgeting and shop around for the best quote.

Four reasons for an office refurbishment

Updating your office isn’t just an exercise in aesthetics; by creating a more functional and comfortable space, you can boost staff morale and enhance efficiency. These are some of the reasons companies choose to upgrade their existing set-up:

1. Addressing outdated designs

An unloved office can feel old and unwelcoming. A fresh design can better reflect a company's brand and culture, while updating the layout can also improve space planning, making better use of the available area.

2. Accommodating team growth

Business growth naturally leads to new hires, resulting in the need for a larger office space. Refurbishing can accommodate this growth, letting businesses expand their existing space without having to move; for example, by moving walls or creating flexible working areas.

3. Employee satisfaction

An inviting and well-organised workspace can help to improve productivity, foster creativity and encourage teamwork. Ergonomic office furniture, good lighting, and open spaces can also contribute to a happier work environment and make staff feel valued. Other elements, such as upgraded technology and improved layouts, minimise distractions so employees can focus and thrive. Office refurbishment costs can therefore start to pay for themselves with staff achieving more than in a dated and uninspiring environment.

4. Boosting company image

A modern, well-kept office in a sought-after location can elevate your company image, and incorporating your brand's colours and aesthetics can create a strong visual identity. Clients and partners notice when your space reflects professionalism and style which, in turn, can improve business relationships and open new opportunities.

Budgeting for contingencies in renovation costs

When estimating office refurbishment costs, it's crucial to budget for unexpected expenditure. These contingencies can impact your project budget and time frames. Here are some important points to plan for:

1. Initial sssessment - Start with a thorough evaluation of your office space, noting any particular problem areas.
2. Allocate contingency funds - It’s advised to set aside 10-20% of your total budget for unforeseen expenses, such as essential repairs or design changes.
3. Regular project reviews - Check in with your project manager often in order to keep your project on track and help to identify cost increases early on.

Save on office refurb costs with Colony

Revamping your existing workspace can provide multiple benefits, but it can also come with significant office refurbishment costs. Modern ways of working have caused companies to shift their thinking from the traditional office set-up and look to more all-inclusive, turn-key solutions. Serviced offices deliver the privacy and autonomy of a private office and also give the option to make use of coworking spaces.

Colony is a network of managed coworking offices with multiple locations across Manchester. Discover workspaces in sought-after areas, such as New Islington, Ancoats and Piccadilly and change the way you work. With amenities, utilities, breakout spaces and kitchens all included, there’s everything you need to get started with your own office and avoid expensive office refurbishment costs.

Talk to Colony and book a tour with us to see for yourself how our coworking spaces give you beautifully designed areas to work in at cost-effective, all-inclusive rates.