A commercial fit-out has the power to completely transform your space — but only if it’s done properly. Whether you’re setting up a new office, giving a retail unit a refresh, or rolling out a multi-site refurbishment, the fit-out phase is where everything comes together.
It’s also the stage where costly mistakes can start to creep in.
From missed details to poor coordination, there are a few common pitfalls we see time and again. The good news? They’re all avoidable with the right preparation and the right people on board.
Here are five commercial fit-out mistakes to steer clear of — and how to get it right from day one.
Commercial Fit-out Mistakes
1. Skipping over the planning stage
In the rush to hit the ground running, it’s tempting to dive straight in. But in fit-out projects, poor planning at the start almost always leads to delays, disruption and added costs.
One of the most common issues is a lack of coordination between trades. When schedules aren’t aligned and handover points aren’t clear, things quickly fall apart. You might have decorators turning up before the boarding and partitions are built, or joiners arriving to find dimensions have changed. Time gets lost, and so does money.
How to avoid it:
Get every trade involved from the start — painters, joiners, partition teams and more. Let them review the plans, ask questions and flag potential issues early. A good contractor doesn’t just follow instructions; they bring smart solutions that prevent problems before they happen.
At Intertech Contracts, we offer full-service decorating and fit-out support. That means we don’t just carry out the work — we help manage the process from the beginning, so everything runs more smoothly.
2. Forgetting about compliance
It might seem like a given, but building regulations are often overlooked in the design stage. We’ve seen cases where fire doors were incorrectly placed, or accessibility requirements missed entirely. These aren’t just minor mistakes — they can result in failed inspections, hefty fines, and serious safety risks.
Commercial fit-outs need to meet strict standards, especially in public buildings or high-traffic areas. From fire safety to access and energy efficiency, compliance matters.
How to avoid it:
Work with contractors who understand regulations inside out. At Intertech, for example, we don’t just install fire doors — we inspect them, maintain them, and help you stay compliant long after the job is done.
3. Treating decoration as an afterthought
Painting and decorating often come at the end of a fit-out — but that doesn’t mean they should be rushed. Unfortunately, decoration is sometimes squeezed into tight timeframes or limited budgets, which shows in the final result.
Think mismatched colours, poor surface prep, or decorators trying to work around leftover trades. It’s the last thing you want after investing time and money into the rest of the space.
How to avoid it:
Involve your decorating team from the outset. Make sure they’re scheduled in properly and have the time and conditions they need to deliver a high-quality finish. A professional commercial decorating contractor can also guide you on paint types and finishes that support your brand and stand the test of time.
4. Overlooking the joinery details
Joinery is one of those elements that’s easy to underestimate — but it makes a huge difference to both look and longevity. From skirting and trims to door frames and fixtures, good joinery ties a space together and helps everything work as it should.
We’ve seen what happens when it’s not done well. Poorly fitted doors, uneven edges and years of annoying snags that could have been avoided.
How to avoid it:
Choose skilled trades who care about the details. Joinery isn’t just about putting timber in place — it’s about understanding how each element interacts and contributes to the finished space. At Intertech, our decorators and joiners work closely together to deliver clean, consistent results that last.
5. Letting cost override quality
Every project has a budget, but focusing too much on the cheapest price can backfire. Poor workmanship, lack of coordination and cheap materials often lead to rework — and rework costs.
We see this especially with decorating. A low-cost job might look fine at first, but fast forward six months and the cracks start to show — literally. Flaking paint, bubbling surfaces, and finishes that just don’t hold up.
How to avoid it:
Work with a contractor that values quality as much as you do. At Intertech, we’ve built a reputation for reliable service, high standards, and hands-on project management. We spot problems early, offer better solutions, and leave you with a space you’re proud to show off.
Partner with a team that gets it right first time
Avoiding these five common mistakes can make all the difference to your next commercial fit-out. At Intertech Contracts, we bring experience, reliability and a joined-up approach to every project — managing painting, decorating, joinery, partitions and fire safety all under one roof.
Let’s talk about how we can help bring your space to life, without the stress.Get in touch with Intertech Contracts today.
Source: Cosmo Politian
