Getting a new office space can take a lot of steps. Getting the lease done is only one thing. But, there is still the need for an office fit out which can be challenging. For those not familiar, a fit out pertains to the end-to-end process of making an interior space into a complete working space that is ready for use. This means including other features from lighting, furniture, to other facilities such as pantries, restrooms, meeting rooms, and the like.
Fit outs and the importance of project management
What makes office fit outs so stressful? A design for the office must be made and the right contractor must be found. All while meeting the schedule so as to not waste rental costs. There are a lot of stakeholders needed in an office fit out. Starting from the management, staff, consultants, contractors, and vendors. All these can all add to the pressure of the fit out.
This is where the importance of a project manager comes in as they are skilled at tailoring the fit out based on the client’s space utilization requirement and budget. With their experience, they can help lower the costs by means of value engineering exercise together with the design team and provide sensible recommendations through their wealth of experiences & knowledge from various industries from pre-construction activities, managing projects risks, cost tracking, procurement, construction monitoring, and technical & financial closeout.
Advantages of having project management
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Leveraging their industry knowledge and experience
By far the biggest upside to getting an external project management team to handle your office fit out is leveraging their experiences and resources without any overhead. They have worked in multiple projects of varying kinds. They know the industry well and the best practices which can be vital in keeping the schedule and costs in check. Clients need not waste time learning the right practices when it comes to fitting out an office space. Instead let the experts do their job.
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Streamline the occupancy process
Project managers are experienced at the full funnel from planning, executing, and closing each fit out. They can do many projects simultaneously which is great for clients who are expanding. They know the ins and outs of the different components that an office fit out requires from possible issues arising to the key decisions to make.
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Advisory and acquisition support
Project managers can be involved as early as the stage of selecting the spaces to evaluate. They can help clients narrow down the office space locations against different parameters against the goals of the business. They can aid in giving clients access to trusted contractors and designers all while sticking to the agreed upon schedule and budget.
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Managing the fit out proper
When a project manager is brought on board, they begin by qualifying proposals. They also make negotiations with various contractors. They then oversee the construction, procurement, set up of the furniture and equipment, and take charge of all logistics involved. This is done all while keeping with the budget and schedule and ensuring that all challenges are overcome. They are in charge of also making sure warranties are put in place, things are properly recorded. Also, all contracts are met within the project parameters.
Finding the right project manager for the fit out
It is important to evaluate the project manager and see if they are technically qualified by having the right certifications and whether their work and communication styles can properly work with the business.
Santos Knight Frank is a renowned real estate agency with years of experience in various real estate services from project management, facilities management, real estate brokerage, consultancy, advisory and more. Learn more about the partner in property by visiting the official website of Santos Knight Frank at https://santosknightfrank.com/.
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