How Long Does an Office Space Renovation or Build-Out Take?

From initial design to the day you open the doors to employees and clients, an office space renovation or build-out can be a somewhat lengthy process. But exactly how long should you expect the whole thing to take?

Well, the short answer is, it depends. The primary factors that can determine the timeframe for your office build-out are:

• What condition is the space currently in? Is it in shell condition or are you taking over a second-generation space?
• How big is the project?
• What is the scope of the build-out? I.e. are you just putting in carpet, paint, and cubes, or do you have grand designs for your new office?

In this article, we will provide estimated timelines for both a shell and second-generation space based on a mid-sized tenant with a standard Class A build-out.

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Building Out Office Space

Office Space Renovation and Build-Out Process

No matter the scope of your office build-out, there are four basic steps that each project will follow. An experienced project manager can help guide you through this process and take day-to-day management off of your plate.

Read Now: What is a Project Manager and What do They Do?

Lease Execution

The lease execution is the date that the lease is signed by both you and the landlord. This gives all subsequent phases (design, bidding, and construction) the green light to begin.

Design/Architecture

If you have already engaged an architect and/or project manager, some of the design work may already be underway.

Once the lease is signed, the design process will move into schematic design, in which the layout of out of the space will be finalized and the look and feel will begin to take shape. Next, the project will move into design development, and the architect and engineers will produce the final construction drawings for the project.

Bidding and Permitting

During this phase, completed construction drawings from the design phase will be used to get construction pricing and submitted to the city to apply for a building permit.

Once pricing has been received, you will compare bids and award the project to a General Contractor (GC).

Once a GC is selected and the permit has been approved, the project can move into the design stage.

Construction

This is when your project comes to life and the physical build-out is completed according to the design specifications. A project manager can be a huge help throughout this phase- assisting in construction process evaluation, consistent job site inspection, timeline insurance, and thorough communication between all parties.

Once construction is complete, you will need to coordinate your furniture deliveries, commercial movers, data cabling and internet installers, etc., before the office can be fully ready for move-in day and occupancy.

To learn how a project manager can help guide you through this process and take the day-to-day management off of your plate, read our article What is a Project Manager & How Can They Help Manage My Office Build-Out?

Shell Condition Office Space Build-Out Schedule

A shell condition space is an unfinished space within an office building. Shell spaces typically require installing all of the interior features that convert an empty suite into an office, including:

• Framing and Drywall
• Doors, frames, and hardware
• Ceilings
• Finishes including paint and flooring
• Millwork
• Mechanical Systems
• Electrical Power and Lighting
• Plumbing for restrooms and breakroom areas

An example of shell condition space, before any build-out has been completed.

Depending on what you are specifically wanting to configure, you can expect a shell space build-out to take up to eight months. Here is a sample timeline for a 20,000-square-foot shell condition space requiring a Class A quality finish out.

Second-Generation Office Space Renovation Schedule

On the other hand, second-generation space, commonly called “2nd Gen,” is a bit of a different story. A 2nd Gen space will already have ceilings, millwork, plumbing, etc., and is typically more of an aesthetic renovation.

An example of what second-generation space may look like

As there is less build-out to be done, 2nd Gen build-outs can usually be completed faster than shell condition spaces. Here is a sample timeline for a 20,000-square-foot second-generation space requiring a Class A quality finish out:

Learn more about the difference between shell space and 2nd gen space in our article Shell Space, 2nd Generation & Spec Suites: Real Estate Definitions & Benefits of Each.

As you can see, the timeline for your project will be largely determined by the current condition of the building you are moving into. These timelines can fluctuate, based on the size of the space and the complexity of the design.  

Once you have identified the quality of the project you are looking to produce and the amount of work to be done, you can better estimate your project’s time frame.

We hope this article has given you a great starting point for your project expectations. To learn more about budgeting for your office build-out, check out these articles:

• 5 Things That Affect the Cost of Your Office Build Out
• Cost to Build Out Office Space: How to Plan and Budget
• Value Engineering: Definition and How to Save Money on Office Build-Outs

Or download our Office Budget Template to start planning your own office build-out budget.