An office fit-out involves more trades working in sequence than most people expect going in, and the projects that stay on programme are usually the ones where that sequence was agreed properly at the start.
Starting point: what condition is the shell in
A Cat A space, raised floor, suspended ceiling grid, mechanical and electrical services already in, is a faster starting point than a bare shell, where all of that has to go in before partitioning even begins. Confirming which you're actually working with changes the programme significantly, so it's the first thing we check.
The sequence that actually happens
Partition walls and ceiling grids go in first, since everything else references off them. First fix electrics and containment for data cabling follow, ideally coordinated directly with your IT contractor rather than working around whatever they install later. Then plastering, flooring and decoration, followed by second fix electrics, fittings and furniture.
Breakout areas and staff kitchens usually take longer than people expect, since they involve plumbing connections that a standard office partition doesn't need.
What keeps it on programme
The biggest cause of delay isn't usually the building work, it's decisions arriving late: furniture specs, branding, final room layouts. Confirming these before partitioning starts, rather than part way through, is the single biggest thing a client can do to protect the programme.
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About the author
Written by JLS Building & Property Development Ltd, a family-run building contractor covering Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. FMB member and SafeContractor approved. More about us. This guide is general information, not professional or legal advice for your specific project.