A commercial fit-out can transform your space when it’s done properly. Whether you’re setting up a new office, reworking a retail unit, or rolling out a full-scale refurbishment across multiple sites, the fit-out phase is where plans take shape.
But it’s also where costly missteps can occur.
From vague specifications to last-minute decisions, we’ve seen the same issues crop up time and again. The good news? With the right planning and the right team, these mistakes are entirely avoidable.
Here are five common fit-out pitfalls and how to make sure your next project stays on track.
1. Rushing the Planning Phase
Getting work started quickly is always tempting—but glossing over the details early on can unravel the whole project later.
One frequent issue is poor coordination between trades. Without clear drawings, timelines, or handover points, the site can quickly become a bottleneck. Painters and decorators might be scheduled before boarding or partitions are fully installed. Joiners might arrive to find key measurements have changed. Delays pile up, and costs start creeping in.
How to avoid it:
Bring all key trades—decorators, joiners, partition installers—into the planning process from the beginning. A collaborative review of the schedule helps flag issues early and ensures everyone’s working from the same page.
At Intertech Contracts, our full-service approach means we handle multiple trades under one roof. That makes planning more efficient and reduces the chance of miscommunication.
2. Overlooking Compliance and Safety
It might seem obvious, but building compliance is often sidelined when aesthetics take priority. Misplaced fire doors, overlooked accessibility needs, or non-compliant materials can lead to expensive fixes or worse, legal trouble.
A commercial fit-out isn’t just about how things look. They must meet strict safety, access and energy regulations, especially in public or high-traffic environments.
How to avoid it:
Work with contractors who understand building regs inside and out. For example, we don’t just install fire doors—we inspect them too, helping you stay compliant long after the handover. When regulations matter, experience makes all the difference.
3. Treating Decorating as an Afterthought
Painting and decorating are often the final phase of a fit-out—but they shouldn’t be an afterthought. When they are, the result is rushed finishes, poor surface prep, and workarounds to fit into already tight schedules.
This affects not just the look but the longevity of the project. Low-quality finishes wear quickly and can undermine the entire design.
How to avoid it:
Include decorating in the project timeline from the start. Allow enough time for prep and finishing, and make sure decorators aren’t working around unfinished trades. A professional decorating team will also help you choose the right paints and finishes to suit your brand, your usage, and your maintenance needs.
4. Underestimating Joinery and Finishing Details
Joinery is often overlooked—but doors, skirting and trims make a big impact on both look and function. Poorly fitted woodwork can lead to years of niggles, from sticking doors to awkward edges and uneven surfaces.
We’ve seen projects plagued with snags and rework simply because the joinery wasn’t prioritised.
How to avoid it:
Use skilled joiners who understand more than just carpentry—they get how every element of the space connects. Our joinery team at Intertech works closely with decorators and other trades to make sure everything lines up, literally and visually.
5. Letting Cost Trump Quality
Budget always matters—but cutting corners to save upfront can lead to bigger problems down the line. Cheap labour or materials often result in sloppy workmanship, coordination issues, and expensive re-dos.
In decorating especially, you might not notice problems right away. But give it a few months, and bubbling paint or uneven finishes start to show—affecting both your space and your reputation.
How to avoid it:
Choose a contractor based on track record, not just price. A professional team will flag issues early, manage the site effectively, and deliver a result that lasts. With Intertech, you get experienced project managers, reliable communication, and a finish you’ll be proud to show off.
Work with a Team That Gets It Right First Time
Avoiding these common pitfalls gives your fit-out project the best chance of long-term success.
At Intertech Contracts, we handle commercial fit-outs across offices, healthcare, education and more—bringing painting, decorating, joinery, fire safety and partitions together in one cohesive package. One team. One clear plan. Delivered on time and on budget.
Talk to Intertech Contracts about your next commercial fit-out.
