Relocating your office is a major milestone—but what happens to the space you leave behind? Many Perth businesses underestimate the complexity of returning a commercial property to its original condition. In fact, failing to plan for office strip-outs in Perth can lead to delays, penalties, and unnecessary stress.
Whether you’re transitioning from a CBD office tower or downsizing to a remote-friendly workspace in West Perth, understanding how to manage your office strip-out is essential to a successful relocation.
What Are Office Strip-Outs in Perth?
An office strip-out, also referred to as a “make-good,” involves the removal of all non-permanent interior elements. These include:
- Workstations, shelving, and custom joinery
- Floor coverings and suspended ceilings
- Data cabling and lighting fixtures
- Kitchenettes, partition walls, and signage
In most commercial leases, landlords require tenants to return the property to a bare shell condition. With office strip-outs in Perth, this process must meet specific building codes and often requires professional oversight to comply with lease agreements and local regulations.
Think of it like moving out of a rental property: you’re expected to return the space in the condition you found it. But for commercial premises, that process is far more technical—and often more expensive if handled poorly.
Common Pitfalls in Office Strip-Outs in Perth
1. Overlooking Lease Obligations
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is assuming a basic clean-up is enough. Most Perth commercial leases contain detailed “make-good” clauses. If misunderstood, they can result in unexpected costs or disputes with landlords.
Tip: Review your lease thoroughly and confirm make-good responsibilities before planning your move. When in doubt, consult a legal advisor or a professional strip-out specialist.
2. Leaving It Too Late
Many companies underestimate how long office strip-outs in Perth actually take. A full strip-out of a mid-sized office can take anywhere from 5 to 10 business days, depending on the layout, building access, and scope of work.
Delays often occur due to:
- Coordination with building managers
- Power and data disconnections
- Disposal permits or hazardous material handling
Tip: Start the planning process at least 4–6 weeks in advance of your lease expiry date to avoid late penalties or rushed handovers.
3. Choosing the Wrong Contractor
Not all demolition or fit-out companies specialise in office strip-outs in Perth. Choosing a contractor without the right licensing, insurance, or knowledge of Perth’s commercial property regulations can lead to compliance issues or costly rework.
Look for a provider who:
- Specialises in commercial office strip-outs
- Understands WorkSafe WA requirements
- Offers a clear scope of work and disposal plan
- Can coordinate other trades (e.g. electricians, plumbers)
Tip: Ask for previous project examples and confirm they’ve worked in your type of building—especially if it’s high-rise or heritage-listed.
4. Inadequate Waste Management
Office strip-outs often produce large volumes of waste, from furniture to plasterboard to cabling. Perth councils are tightening waste disposal requirements, so improper dumping or lack of recycling can land your business in hot water.
A professional contractor will ensure all waste is sorted and disposed of responsibly—often diverting over 60% of materials from landfill.
Tip: Ask for a waste report and choose a team that aligns with your company’s sustainability goals.
Real-World Example: Efficient Office Strip-Out in the Perth CBD
A Perth legal firm recently relocated from a 450 m² office in the CBD to a new space in Subiaco. By engaging a local strip-out contractor early, they were able to:
- Complete the strip-out in 6 days
- Remove all partitions, cabling, and kitchen fittings
- Recycle over 70% of waste materials
- Return the office to base condition ahead of deadline
The result? A clean exit with no legal disputes or financial penalties—a textbook example of how to manage office strip-outs in Perth effectively.
Why Expert Planning Matters
Some businesses view strip-outs as a last-minute task. In reality, office strip-outs in Perth are a strategic element of any relocation. Done right, they:
- Help avoid legal disputes
- Prevent disruption to moving timelines
- Reduce waste and environmental impact
- Protect your reputation with landlords and stakeholders
Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or restructuring your team, a well-executed strip-out ensures a smoother business transition.
Conclusion: Set the Stage for a Successful Relocation
A business move is about more than finding a new space—it’s about wrapping up the old one professionally and legally. With the right planning, expert guidance, and timely execution, office strip-outs in Perth can be a straightforward, stress-free process.
Practical Takeaway:
Before relocating your office, review your lease, assess your make-good obligations, and consult an experienced strip-out specialist. When done right, office strip-outs in Perth help you exit your old space on good terms—and enter your new one with confidence.
