The cost of a shop renovation is never black and white, with the final commercial renovation cost being affected by factors such as location, size and scope, electrical work, materials, a the complexity of the job.

Additional costs may also occur depending on the timeframe of the project. Projects which need to be completed quicker will increase the cost of a shop renovation. This may also apply to renovations that have to occur on a strict schedule, such as within certain hours or dates.

You may occasionally hear the two used interchangeably but an office refurbishment and office fit-out are two distinct design and construction services.

An office fit-out often starts with a blank slate. It includes the installation of amenities such as toilets, staff kitchens, reception areas and board rooms and is usually required to transform the area into a workable space.

On the other hand, an office refurbishment is often completed in an existing office space and can take the form of much smaller jobs. Minor design changes such as changing out the carpet or adding new colour can be undertaken in an office refurbishment, but it is also suited to larger jobs such as stripping back the office almost completely and redoing things from the ground up.

Depending on the extent to which an office refurbishment is undertaken, it may involve more or less work than an office fit-out.

The main difference between a commercial refurbishment and a commercial renovation is not in the outcome itself but in the scope of work.

While a commercial refurbishment typically starts from an existing space, a renovation begins with more of a blank slate. A renovation will often involve extensive work such as altering the layout, modifying the structure, or even expanding the space entirely. As a result, renovations will often require permits and may also involve changes to electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems.

On the other hand, a refurbishment will call for less extensive changes such as replacing finishes, fixtures, and furniture. This is often done to create small improvements in the area's functionality or to adjust the style of the space, without redeveloping it entirely.

While a commercial building renovation encompasses a wide array of complexities, a broad overview of the stages would include:

1. Building assessment – the first stage is to assess the current state of the building to inform on the next steps and design possibilities.
2. Planning – it is at this stage that the basic elements are decided upon such as the renovation's scope and budget.
3. Design – with an objective and budget in mind, various designs are then tested along with materials and finishes to determine the best possible commercial renovation.
4. Construction – the execution of the design plan, this would follow from a careful client consultation regarding project timelines and requirements.
5. Inspection – before handing over the key it is an integral step in the commercial renovations process to ensure strict compliance with all Australian safety codes and full functionality of the premises.
6. Handover – the premise is now ready for use. Post-construction checks may follow from this stage depending on the extent of the renovation.

The scope of work for a warehouse renovation can vary greatly depending on the reason for the renovation, the functionality and design objectives, the budget, and the allocated time frame.

On the smaller end, a warehouse renovation can include minor modifications to improve its overall functionality such as new plumbing systems, new heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or new lighting.

Meanwhile, a larger warehouse renovation, which can entail anything from transforming the space into an office to greatly increasing the storage or equipment opportunities for industrial use, can encompass a much larger scope of work. This includes raising the ceiling height, adding new sections or levels, reinforcing the foundation, or major changes to the structure's utilities access.