Picture this: your team has doubled in size, there aren’t enough desks to go around, meeting rooms are always booked, and everyone’s silently fighting over the single microwave in the pantry. Eventually, with a tired sigh, your boss agrees—it’s time to move.
As you start viewing potential offices, real estate agents keep asking you the same thing:
“Are you looking for a bare unit or a fitted one?”
If you’re not quite sure how to answer, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of what each option really means, and how to decide which is best for your office renovation or relocation project.
What Is a Bare Unit?
A bare office unit typically includes the most basic features—and not much else. Depending on the building, you might get:
- Open ceilings or grid ceiling tiles
- Standard lighting
- Centralized A/C provided by the building
- Bare flooring (cement screed, carpet tiles, or raised floors)
- No partitions, pantry, meeting rooms, or furniture
It’s essentially a blank canvas—which means more design freedom, but also more time and cost to fit it out.
What Is a Fitted Office Unit?
A fitted office unit comes with an existing layout, usually left over from the previous tenant. You’ll often find:
- Internal rooms already built (e.g., meeting rooms, manager’s offices)
- Finished floors and ceilings
- Working lights, A/C units, and ceiling fans
- A pantry or kitchenette
- Sometimes furniture, storage cabinets, or loose items
It sounds convenient—but it may not be a perfect match for your team’s needs. And when you start changing too much of the existing setup, it may actually cost more than starting from scratch.
How to Decide: Fitted or Bare?
If you’re wondering which option is right for your business, here are the four key factors to consider when planning your office renovation:
- Budget
Fitted units often come with a higher rental price—but may save you some renovation costs if the space suits your needs. Bare units usually mean a lower lease but higher upfront costs for the fit-out.
Tip: If you’re going to keep at least 60% of the existing layout in a fitted unit, it may be worth considering. But if you’re planning to change major elements (walls, ceilings, pantry, etc.), a bare unit might be the better option.
- Timeline
Are you under a tight timeline, or can you afford to wait for design, permits, and construction?
- A fitted unit may allow for a faster move-in.
- A bare unit gives you full control, but adds several weeks or months depending on the project size.
- Fit for Function
While fitted units offer convenience, the layout was likely customized for someone else. Will it work for your team? Think about workstyle, collaboration spaces, and future growth. If you’re trying to “make it work” but feel boxed in, it might not be worth the compromise.
- Existing Conditions
Not everything is as move-in-ready as it seems. Some elements might need replacing due to wear and tear, outdated systems, or building code issues. An experienced office renovation specialist can inspect the space and advise what’s salvageable—and what could quietly blow up your budget.
So, Which Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your decision depends on:
- Your goals for the space
- The condition of available units
- Budget and timeline constraints
- How much control you want over design and function
When in doubt, consult with an office interior designer or design-and-build team. They’ll help you evaluate the space (bare or fitted), clarify your needs, and map out the renovation timeline and cost more accurately.
Need Help Evaluating Your Office Options?
Whether you’re moving into a blank slate or updating an existing unit, our team specializes in custom office renovation projects—from layout planning to design, budgeting, and build.
👉 Reach out today for a free consultation, and let’s create a workspace that works better for your team.
