Refurbishment and fit-out are two related concepts of work in the construction industry, but distinct in type. It encompasses a wide range of interventions, including maintenance, repair work, alterations, and modernizations and offers financial, time and environmental benefits over new development, making it an increasingly attractive option for construction projects, as this can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than demolition and rebuilding. Our goal is to extend the life cycle of the building and improve its performance characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the key differences between them:
- Refurbishment: Our refurbishment work involves the renovation or reimagining an existing space that has already been used and occupied. The primary goal of our refurbishment is to extend the life of the building, increase its functionality and improve its appearance.
- Common refurbishment activities include repairing damaged structures, replacing outdated systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical), repainting, and updating interior finishes. It is focused on enhancing the quality appearance and aesthetics of a space.
- Refurbishment is generally less labor intensive than full renovations because they do not involve major structural changes.
- Refurbishment projects often include retrofit measures to improve the building’s energy efficiency and sustainability, such as upgrading the building’s insulation, windows, and engineering utilities.
- Refurbishment allows existing buildings to be repurposed to better meet the changing needs of residents or the community.
- Fit-out: By fit-out we mean the process of transforming an empty or unfinished space into a usable and functional environment. Our fit-out works include installing structural elements such as window placement, door hardware, heating, plumbing and ventilation to make the space livable.
- In fit-out we also include the installation of interior design elements such as partitions, floors, ceilings and furniture to customize the space according to our Client’s specific requirements.
- Fit-out is commonly associated with commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores and restaurants, where the interior must be tailored to the needs of the business. However, we also specialize in interior design and interior decorating of residential buildings for private Clients.
- We classify fit-out works into different types including Shell & Core, Category A and Category B, depending on the level of completion and customization required. We have international experience in various categories and types of buildings.
- Fit-outs typically take longer to complete than refurbishments as it involves more extensive construction and customization work, as well as implementing the Client’s individual specific requirements.
Therefore, we carry out both refurbishments, which aim to improve and update an existing space, and fit-outs, which involve transforming an empty or unfinished space into a fully functional and customized environment. Nevertheless, both processes play an important role in the construction industry: with refurbishment being more about enhancing an existing structure and fit-out being more about creating a new, tailored space.
To find out more, please contact us at info@ek-innovative.com to receive information from experts competent in the respective field.