Commercial fit-out costs in the UK vary wildly — and most businesses don't know what's reasonable until it's too late.
Typical Cost Ranges (Rough Guide)
But here's the truth:
Two projects with the same specification can differ by hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Why Costs Vary So Much
Large-scale commercial projects require careful cost control and independent oversight
- Contractor margin stacking — Multiple layers of markup
- Over-specified design — Gold-plated solutions you don't need
- Duplicated scopes — Paying twice for the same work
- Risk pricing — Contingencies on top of contingencies
- Lazy procurement — No competitive pressure
Your Risk
Without independent oversight, you're negotiating blind.
You don't know if £150/sq ft is fair or inflated. You don't know if that M&E system is necessary or over-engineered. You don't know if you're being quoted market rates or contractor rates.
What You Can Do
Get an independent cost review before you sign. We'll show you:
- What you should actually be paying
- Where costs are inflated
- What you can challenge
- What realistic market rates look like
For a focused look at how cost is structured in commercial refurbishment specifically, see commercial building refurbishment cost review.
If you're reviewing a quote or preparing to tender, an independent fit-out cost review identifies where cost risk is already embedded before you commit.
Request an Independent Cost Review
Get clarity on what you should really be paying.
Related Insights
Is Your Fit-Out Quote Too High?
Get an independent review before you sign.
Why Refurbishments Go Over Budget
Common causes of overspend and how to stop them.