FAQs
The safety and security of workers is a priority. There are many simple measures that can be taken to create a safe office environment that adheres to COVID-19 government guidance and best practice. Altered layouts and floor plans, partitions, cleaning stations and signage can all help. Get in touch about how we can help you take the right steps to making your workspace safe.
Read our five top tips on making your office space safe post-pandemic.
A fit out involves taking an empty (often new) space and transforming it into one that meets your needs. This is common practice if you are leasing a space. The works can involve complex changes and structural alterations, or can be as simple as a few personal finishing touches.
A refurbishment refers to an existing space. A refurbishment may be freshening up a space with new décor and furniture, or it could be a complete renovation, stripping the space back to its shell and requiring a fit out.
The terms are often used interchangeably.
‘Shell and core’ often describes the state of a new building as left by a developer so that the tenant can arrange the space as needed. It is the structure of the building, so as part of a fit out or refurbishment it may involve installing new lifts, adapting the building envelope e.g. insulation or cladding, reception areas and staircases. It may also include space external to the building such as car parking bays.
Cat A is a more complex fit out and allows you to adjust the layout. Works may include raising floors and installing mechanical and engineering services.
Cat B is about the finish and creating that personal touch. This includes the décor, reception areas and meeting rooms, installing kitchen facilities, installing wiring for communications, and furnishings.
Find out more about our interior design and fit out service.
An office should be a comfortable and functional space that enhances the working environment for your employees. It should be a space where people can thrive, interact with others and be productive. It should have up to date technology, ergonomic furniture and be an attractive space. If you are thinking about a refurb, get in touch and we can advise you.
The modern office is an ever-evolving space. It should meet the needs of your workers and be a pleasant environment. Therefore, the key considerations are:
- Space for each worker (even more important with social distancing measures)
- A healthy environment – light, air quality, temperature, acoustics
- Technology
- Facilities and break out spaces
- Sustainability
- Furniture, furnishings, and equipment
- Aesthetics
- Flexibility and accessibility
Talk to us about how we can help you bring all these considerations together and find the perfect solution. View our portfolio of work for inspiration.
Yes, we are experts in heritage building refurbishments. Our extensive experience and knowledge of working with buildings as old as the 1700’s alongside the traditional skills possessed by our workforce means we are the best option for sensitively carrying out this type of work. See projects we have worked on before here.
Yes. We can sensitively design an office that is in keeping with the history of the building yet has all the state-of-the-art technology that you need. In past projects we have successfully hidden wiring without compromising the building and all these works are reversible. See how we overcame installing new audio-visual equipment in a Grade II listed building.
To set your brief, or scope, for a fit out or refurbishment, consider the reasons why you are doing it. This may include:
- Moving premises
- Need to adapt layout to create more space
- Company rebrand
- Space needs modernizing
- Damage to the building
- Attracting new talent
Once you have defined your reasons, speak to your workers about what they like and don’t like about the space. What do they need and want from a refreshed space? Who is the person that will lead the project and be the main point of contact? Give us a call. Share your ideas with us and we’ll take it from there.
Before building works begin, we will go through the whole process with you. We will take you through step by step so you know what is happening to enable you to forward plan coordinating your workers and operations while work is ongoing. Our aim is to minimise any disruption to your business while works take place. We keep communications open so you are always up to date and one step ahead. See our fit out process here.
Every project is different, but we have a general process for fit outs and refurbishments. See how it works here.
All interior design services are bespoke. Your building and your workers needs are unique and so is our approach to designing your new space. We are always up to date with the latest trends and legislation, so can advise on the best balance to create an inspiring and enticing workspace. Our vast experience in heritage buildings means even the finest architectural details are in safe hands. Find out more about our interior design service.
Our work is high-end and mostly in office space, yet we have ample experience in commercial spaces such as hotels, retail units, community spaces and healthcare buildings. We have also delivered one-off residential projects. See our portfolio of work here.
Sorrel Group is based in Essex and London, but we cover national and international projects. Get in touch and we’ll tell you how we can help.
Commercial property maintenance is ongoing. A fit out or refurbishment is an investment. To make it a lucrative investment requires ongoing maintenance. Thanks to modern technology, we can monitor buildings 24/7 and provide immediate response for any maintenance issues. We can also undertake your health and safety and fire safety assessments to advise you on the safest ways to protect your workers and the building. Find out more about our maintenance packages here.
Yes. We always aim to use sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials. One of our company values is responsibility, including being environmentally aware. Find out more about our commitment in our Sustainability Policy.
We have a wide range of plant equipment available to hire from excavators to telehandlers and dump trucks to scaffolding. All our equipment is compliant with relevant legislation and is regularly serviced. Find out more here.