Office dilapidations
Office dilapidations
Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or ending your tenancy, knowing how to strategically manage office dilapidations can realise significant business cost savings. Every commercial lease comes with obligations.
Dilapidation, also known as Cat A fit out, is the process of a tenant returning a commercial space to the landlord in its original state.
A balancing act
It’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to managing dilapidations. And if it’s mishandled it could cost you a year’s rent – not an insignificant sum. It’s important for you as a tenant to understand and manage your lease obligations while minimising liability and doing an adequate level of restoration work to reduce potential costs and claims.
Our professional team is experienced in phasing works around your business operations. We can schedule noisy or disruptive tasks outside your working hours and maintain clean, safe working environments.
A careful assessment
We’ve completed many dilapidations projects on behalf of tenants handing back-office spaces so know how to assess what repairs are necessary to meet your landlord obligations and what damage is likely to be viewed as reasonable wear and tear.
Moving in and out
Our clients who are relocating often hire us to handle both dilapidations for their old premises and the fit out of their new one. This means that they have one point of contact to do the dilapidations work at their old office, return it back to the landlord in its original state, then take out their furniture and set it up in the new office post fit out.
Office dilapidations projects
Questions & answers
What is office dilapidation?
Office dilapidations is the process of restoring a commercial office rental space to its original condition at the end of a lease. By skilfully managing the dilapidations process we can realise significant savings for tenants at the end of a contract term.
What exactly is a dilapidation survey?
A dilapidations survey documents your property’s condition at the start and end of your lease. It identifies any repairs or restoration work needed to meet your lease obligations, helping prevent disputes with your landlord. Make sure you keep it somewhere safe for the duration of your tenancy.
When should I start planning for dilapidations?
Ideally, you should start planning 12-18 months before your lease ends. This gives you time to assess obligations, set a realistic budget, and schedule remedial works strategically. Early planning can significantly reduce costs and stress.
How can you help us minimise dilapidation costs at the end of our lease?
We can assess your lease obligations early and walk the floors with you to strategically plan your fit out to reduce end-of-lease costs. We’ve done this process many times and can guide you on which elements can be reused or modified and potentially save you significant restoration expenses.
Can you handle both our new office fit-out and dilapidation works simultaneously?
Yes, we can coordinate both projects for efficiency and to minimise disruption to your business. This approach often reduces overall costs and makes it easier for you to transition between properties.
Do you work with surveyors and landlords during dilapidation works?
We collaborate closely with your surveyor and landlord throughout the dilapidation process, so all works meet lease requirements and professional standards. We have clear documentation and quality control processes in place to help prevent disputes.
What's your approach to sustainability in dilapidation works?
We prioritise recycling and reuse where possible, helping reduce waste and costs.