Tips on How to Compare Commercial Fitout Quotes

07 March 2023

Getting a brand-new fit out for your commercial space will benefit your business more than you can imagine. However, requesting and then analysing fitout quotes can sound pretty intimidating for someone with minimum experience in this field. To ease your confusion, list the top 3-4 fitout experts you’d want to hire for your project and then ask them for detailed quotes. Now, compare these quotes thoroughly and then make a final call.

But then again, how are you going to compare these quotes? Based on what? That’s exactly why we’ve created this blog! So, just read on, and by the end, you’ll learn everything you need to know about comparing fitout quotes like a pro!

Request a Quote at the Right Time

Assuming you’ve chosen to work with a fitout specialist, they’ll often handle the project’s designs and approvals. But if you choose to deal with independent designers, certifiers, etc., ensure these steps are completed before you start requesting quotes. Additionally, it would be fantastic if you could take some time to research the costs of the raw materials and trades in your particular location before requesting quotes. This will enable you to determine whether the fitout specialists’ quoted rates are reasonable.

Take Your Time and Read Every Quote Thoroughly 

Receiving all the estimates from the companies you’ve chosen for the job can take a week to three weeks. However, after receiving them, you must carefully review them before deciding. Do not feel under any obligation to respond to the proposals straight away. Ask for a few more weeks if you are still trying to figure it out, even after a week, but don’t provide your answer immediately. Take your time, do some research, do a few background checks, and only decide to hire someone when you are satisfied.

Know the Difference Between Fixed Price Contract Vs Cost Plus Contract

Learn about the two basic contract types frequently used in this industry: fixed-price and cost-plus contracts. Contracts with fixed prices are those that have a fixed, upfront cost. Even though the amount is fixed in these contracts, there is still room for additions through provisions like “allowances which were not established by the time the contract was signed” or “last-minute changes to the designs or layouts,” etc.

In cost-plus contracts, you pay the builders’ actual costs plus their margins and service fees. Ensure you thoroughly read and comprehend the terms and conditions before agreeing to this kind of contract. Cost-plus contracts can escalate in cost. Therefore, only sign one of these contracts if you are certain of what you agree to.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

Before choosing someone, make sure you fully understand their process and prior experiences. Ask them how they plan to approach the project, what resources will be used, if they will be using independent contractors or in-house employees, what precise models and makes they will be using, etc. Ask for clarifications if you have any doubts about any particular contract provisions. Or, if there is something in the quote or the contract that you do not understand, ask them to elaborate or clarify. If you want to know if someone has understood your expectations, you should ask questions. Before you give them the go-ahead to begin working on your project, ensure that all of your issues have been satisfactorily addressed.

It doesn’t have to be difficult if you know how to compare fit-out quotes properly. It only takes a little organisation, research, and shortlisting of some excellent possibilities.

At BRL Contracting, we are always transparent and honest with the quotes we provide to our clients. If you want to work with a trusted and reliable fitout specialist, call us at (03) 9545 0955, and our team will be glad to assist you and provide fitout services like no other!

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