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Plan it, price it, then pick the builder
Get your cost range in 60 seconds, check what approvals apply, then browse licensed shopfitters in your state.
Retail is the fastest-moving fit-out sector — and the one where a late approval hits hardest, because the lease starts and trading days are lost. Here's what a retail build involves and what each state requires.
Six layers, in build order. Budget blowouts almost always come from layer four — services — discovered late.
Glazing, automatic or manual entry, awnings, signage zone. The most approval-sensitive element — façade changes usually trigger planning consent.
Feature, ambient and display lighting. Track and LED profiles dominate. Circuits and switchboards must be sized by a licensed electrician.
Counters, shelving, wall bays, fitting rooms. Fixed joinery is usually exempt from building approval if it doesn't touch egress or structure.
Power, data, security, HVAC extension. Retail in older arcades often needs switchboard upgrades — check capacity before design is locked.
Commercial-grade flooring, wall linings, ceilings. Fire-rated linings apply near egress paths in most states.
Occupation certificate (if approval was needed), fire safety updates, landlord handover documents.
| Work item | Approval? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New joinery, displays, fitting rooms | Usually exempt | Keep exit paths and egress widths clear. |
| New shopfront or façade change | Approval required | Planning consent for façade/signage + building approval for glazing and egress. |
| Illuminated signage | Depends | Small fascia signs often exempt; projecting or heritage-zone signs need consent. |
| Change of use (e.g. bank → fashion) | Approval required | Development consent, then building approval. Biggest timeline risk. |
| HVAC extension or new system | Depends | Often landlord/centre approval plus certification; sometimes building approval. |
| Cosmetic refresh (paint, floors, loose fixtures) | Usually exempt | Landlord consent only — check lease make-good terms. |
Full 14-item matrix in the approvals guide.
Indicative ranges, excluding GST. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
| Grade | $/m² | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Basic refresh | $700–1,200 | Cosmetic update, existing services reused, simple joinery package. |
| Standard retail | $1,200–2,000 | New shopfront elements, feature lighting, full joinery, new flooring. |
| Premium / flagship | $2,000–3,000+ | Custom joinery, architectural lighting, premium finishes, AV and security integration. |
State multipliers and size factors apply — the calculator handles both.
The licensing body differs in every state; the work itself doesn't. Start with your state — NSW first, the country's biggest retail market.
Building Commission NSW licensing (work over $5,000). Shopfront signage via local council. Sydney CBD and arcade tenancies often add heritage or centre design review.
Registration with the Building and Plumbing Commission. Melbourne laneway and CBD tenancies commonly trigger heritage overlays on façades.
QBCC licensing, including the restricted shopfitting class. Centre-managed tenancies (Westfield etc.) add their own design approval layer.
Registration with Building and Energy (DEMIRS). Perth arcade tenancies: check strata and centre by-laws early.
Licensing through Consumer and Business Services. Adelaide CBD heritage streets require early planning advice for shopfront changes.
CBOS licensing. Hobart heritage precincts: façade and signage almost always need planning consent.
Access Canberra licensing. Canberra centre tenancies follow the centre's design criteria closely.
Building Practitioners Board registration. Cyclone-rated shopfront requirements apply in Darwin region (Region C/D).
Browse licensed retail shopfitters state by state — NSW directory is the largest.
Get your cost range in 60 seconds, check what approvals apply, then browse licensed shopfitters in your state.