An office refurbishment is a powerful opportunity to align your workspace with evolving business goals, culture, and ways of working. Whether you're aiming to boost collaboration, support hybrid working or reflect your brand more effectively, preparation is key to success.

We believe great spaces start with great planning. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for a seamless and strategic refurbishment.

1. Define Your Why

Start by understanding what’s driving the need for change. Are you:

• Scaling up or downsizing?
• Shifting to hybrid or more flexible work?
• Looking to improve wellbeing, collaboration or productivity?
• Rebranding or repositioning your business?
• Responding to employee feedback or changes in behaviour?

Clear objectives will inform every decision you make and ensure your refurbishment delivers long-term value.

Related: Office refurbishment or office relocation: which is right for your organisation?

The factors that drive a refurbishment differ for everyorganisation but can be broadly categorised into these three areas.

‍

‍

‍

2. Engage Early and Often

Your people are your biggest asset and they’ll be the ones using the space every day. Bring them into the conversation early through surveys, focus groups, or informal feedback sessions.

This helps surface real insights into what works, what doesn’t, and what’s missing from your current space. It also builds buy-in and eases change management later on.

‍

3. Audit Your Current Space

Before you start designing the future, take stock of the present. Assess:

• How your space is being used (and underused)
• Which areas cause friction or frustration
• How different teams work and how they interact

A workplace consultancy or utilisation study can offer data-driven insights and identify opportunities you might otherwise miss.

4. Set a Realistic Budget

A well-planned refurbishment doesn’t have to break the bank, but it does need a clear, well-managed budget. Think beyond the basics:

• Design and consultancy fees
• Construction and materials
• Furniture, tech and AV
• Temporary relocation or phased working
• Contingency for the unexpected

Investing time upfront in proper planning can save time, cost and complexity later.

‍

5. Build the Right Team

A successful office refurbishment is a team effort. Identify key internal stakeholders (like IT, HR, facilities and leadership) and appoint a project lead who can keep everything moving.

Then bring in experienced partners who understand workplace strategy, design and delivery. The right team won’t just execute a brief, they’ll help you challenge assumptions, refine ideas and deliver a space that works.

‍

‍

6. Minimise Disruption

Refurbishments can be complex—but they don’t have to be chaotic. Talk to your delivery team early about how to minimise disruption to your people and your operations.

Options include:

• Phasing the works
• Creating swing space
• Supporting remote or hybrid work during the project
• Keeping communication clear and consistent
  

Want to know more about minimising disruption? Read How to make your in-situ office refurbishment a success

7. Think Long-Term

Great workspaces aren’t just beautiful—they’re built to evolve. Design for flexibility so your space can adapt as your business, people and priorities change.

That might mean:

• Modular furniture
• Multi-purpose spaces
• Scalable tech infrastructure
• Sustainable materials and low-carbon systems

The more future-ready your space, the more resilient your business.

Looking to factoring in more sustainable element into your workplace? Read more here - Five workplace sustainability trends to look out for in 2025

‍

8. Celebrate the Change

Once the dust settles and the ribbon’s cut, take time to celebrate the transformation. Launch the new space with intention:

• Host a welcome event
• Capture before-and-after content
• Share the story internally and externally

Your refurbished workspace isn’t just a place to work—it’s a statement about who you are, how you work, and where you’re going.

‍

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in an office refurbishment plan?

A solid office refurbishment plan includes clear objectives, a realistic budget, stakeholder engagement, space audits, and a trusted project team to manage delivery with minimal disruption.

How long does an office refurbishment take?

Timelines vary depending on the size and scope of the project. Small refurbishments can take a few weeks, while full transformations may take several months. Early planning helps streamline timelines.

How can we reduce disruption during a refurbishment?

Consider phased work, remote or hybrid setups, swing spaces, and clear communication. A good delivery partner will help you maintain business continuity throughout.

What are the benefits of an office refurbishment?

Office refurbishments can boost employee engagement, support hybrid working, improve space utilisation, and reflect your brand and values more effectively.

What’s the difference between a refurbishment and a fit out?

A refurbishment typically updates or improves an existing space, while a fit out often involves fitting a new, empty space from scratch. Both aim to make your workspace more effective.

Need Support?

TSK partners with ambitious organisations to create workspaces that reflect their culture, support their people and drive better performance.

If you’re considering an office refurbishment—or exploring how your space could work harder for your business—get in touch with our team. We’d love to help you make work amazing.

‍