A building may look fine on the surface, but an outdated layout, worn finishes, or older services can reduce comfort and efficiency. A refurbishment works best when each step is planned in the right order, and key decisions are made early.
This blog outlines the six main stages of delivery, from setting objectives and carrying out surveys to design, cost planning, construction control, and a clear handover process.
Stage 1: Defining Project Objectives and Scope
This stage sets the direction for the whole project. Objectives should explain what needs to improve, such as space use, safety, or building performance. The scope should state what will be changed and what will remain, along with any time limits and access restrictions. A clear commercial refurbishment brief also defines responsibilities, decision-making steps, and the level of finish expected. This reduces confusion once work starts.
Stage 2: Feasibility Study and Initial Surveys
Feasibility checks whether the project can be delivered within the site limits, available time, and budget range. Initial surveys gather reliable information about the building, including sizes, key structural elements, existing services, and any visible defects. Surveys also help identify likely risks such as hidden damage, restricted access, or service limitations. Better early information leads to fewer surprises during construction.
Stage 3: Design Development and Compliance Planning
Design development turns requirements into a detailed plan that can be built. Layouts, building services, and finishes should be coordinated so that parts do not clash on site. Compliance planning should be handled at the same time to meet building regulations, fire safety needs, and accessibility requirements. Where internal zoning and light flow are important, glass partitions for commercial spaces can be considered as part of the overall design, not as an afterthought.
Stage 4: Budgeting, Cost Control, and Procurement Strategy
Budgeting should be based on the defined scope and survey results, with an allowance for measured risks. Cost control depends on managing change carefully. Any change should be reviewed for time and cost impact before it is agreed upon. Procurement strategy then sets how contractors and suppliers will be appointed, and how packages will be organised. For a project that includes a commercial fit-out, clear package boundaries help avoid missing items, duplicate work, or unclear responsibility.
Stage 5: Construction Phase and Project Management
This stage focuses on safe and organised delivery. The project should be tracked against clear milestones, with site access, deliveries, and work sequencing planned in advance. Quality checks should take place throughout, not only at the end. Design questions should be resolved quickly to prevent delays. If good control is required, an acoustic glass partition must be installed exactly as specified, including correct sealing and joint detailing.
Stage 6: Testing, Handover, and Post-Completion Review
Testing and final checks confirm that building services and safety systems work as intended. Handover should include essential documents such as certificates, warranties, as-built information, and user guidance for operations and maintenance. Any remaining defects should be recorded with agreed-upon close-out dates. A post-completion review then checks whether the original objectives were achieved and records improvements for future projects.
Conclusion
A successful refurbishment depends on clear planning and structured delivery. By defining a strong scope, confirming building conditions, developing regulation-ready designs, controlling costs, managing construction carefully, and completing a full handover, the project is more likely to meet its aims. Following these stages helps reduce delays, limit unexpected cost increases, and improve final building performance.