Shop Fit-Out Process — Week-by-Week Timeline

Eight stages, one critical path

Every fit-out that blows its programme does so for one of three reasons: the use wasn’t approved, a service didn’t exist, or a variation wasn’t documented. All three are solved before site start.

Week -8 to -6

Secure the right tenancy

Check permitted use, landlord fit-out guide, services capacity (power, water, grease line), floor loading and make-good obligations. A cheap tenancy with no grease riser is not cheap.

Week -6 to -4

Brief and concept design

Bring the shopfitter or designer in early. Layout, joinery, services and compliance should be resolved together — not value-engineered after approval.

Week -4 to -2

Confirm approval pathway

Certifier or building surveyor reviews the design and lists what’s triggered. Lodge development consent first if the use changes.

Week -2

Tender and contract

Three itemised quotes, scope exclusions in writing, programme with liquidated damages, and the licence number on the contract.

Week 0

Approvals issued, site start

Building approval, plumbing permit and trade waste consent in hand. Demolition and make-safe first, then services rough-in.

Week 1-6

Construction

Services and framing, then joinery install, then finishes. Every variation goes back through the certifier.

Week 6-8

Inspections and defects

Final building inspection, fire services certification, food/liquor inspection, then the punch list.

Handover

Occupation certificate and open

Certificate in hand, fire safety schedule filed, warranty documents and as-built drawings delivered.

Where programmes actually slip

Grease and trade waste: the water authority’s consent is a separate queue and often slower than building approval.
Fire services: sprinkler relocation or a new hydrant can add weeks and needs licensed contractors.
Joinery lead times: 6–10 weeks for custom joinery is normal; imported fittings add freight.
Landlord approval: centre design review runs in series with council, not in parallel.
Meter and connection upgrades: an electrical supply upgrade is a distributor job with its own timeline.

Rule of thumb: a retail refresh takes 4–6 weeks on site; a hospitality fit-out with new kitchen services takes 8–12 weeks; a flagship with structural work and a new façade takes 14+ weeks plus approvals.

The fit-out process, week by week