How it works

Planning Your Fit-Out: From Concept to Completion

A successful retail or office fit-out is more than just measuring walls—it begins with your building’s foundation and extends to the final colour scheme and branding details.

What to Consider When Planning a Fit-Out?

Understanding the key stages of a fit-out helps ensure a smooth and efficient process. We’ve outlined the six essential phases of a fit-out, along with a comprehensive FAQ section to guide you through every step.

📌 Explore our step-by-step guide and FAQs to start your fit-out journey today!

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6 Steps to Fit Out

  • 1

    Initial brief

    Achieving the best results starts with collaboration. Our expert team will work closely with you to gain a deep understanding of your business, ensuring your fit-out is tailored to your specific needs and objectives.

  • 2

    Site analysis

    Our team conducts a thorough site visit to take precise measurements, assess pedestrian flow, evaluate natural light conditions, and ensure compliance with planning regulations and other key requirements.

  • 3

    Planning and design

    We design a functional and visually cohesive space, selecting the ideal layout, finishes, and materials to match your needs. With 3D layout drawings, you can preview and refine the design before construction begins.

  • 4

    Manufacturing

    Our Orchard Hills, Sydney facility uses state-of-the-art fabrication and estimation systems to manufacture your joinery with precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

  • 5

    Project management

    We handle council requirements and coordinate with our site crew and trades, including electrical, plumbing, painting, and more, ensuring a seamless fit-out process.

  • 6

    Installation

    We manage the delivery and on-site installation of all manufactured and custom-made products, overseeing the process through to final completion, handover, and Occupation Certificate (OC) approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer flexible services tailored to your needs. Whether you require end-to-end fit-out solutions or assistance with specific stages—such as design, manufacturing, project management, or installation—we can collaborate seamlessly with your team or independently manage the process.
Fit-out costs vary based on factors like the completeness of your space (e.g., existing ceilings, floors, shopfronts) and the quality of finishes desired. For instance, a basic or standard fit-out may range from $800 to $1,500 per m², while higher-quality bespoke finishes could range anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 per m². To provide an accurate quote, we conduct a thorough assessment of your specific requirements.
The timeline depends on project scope and location. Council approvals can vary, taking anywhere from one week to many months. Typically, fitting out a standard shop size of 80–200 square metres without major structural work takes approximately three to six weeks.
Our experience spans all base building systems and primary mechanical systems, including all certification, along with the following works:
  • Demolition and refurbishment
  • Fire protection requirements
  • Electrical and gas work
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
  • Plumbing and drainage
  • Wall and ceiling construction
  • Floor finishes
  • Joinery
  • Signage
  • Security systems
  • Shop implants and kiosks (for shopping centres and trade fairs)
  • Shop-in-shop setups (boutiques within department stores)
  • Ongoing maintenance
Once the base building work is complete, we offer a comprehensive range of interior fittings, including joinery (shopfronts, service counters, showcases, wall display units and kitchen or bathroom joinery), workspaces, reception counters, foyers, meeting rooms, consult rooms, breakout facilities and much more. For examples of our work, please visit our Projects page.
We provide ongoing maintenance and servicing to ensure your fit-out remains in optimal condition. Please contact your project manager to discuss our after-sales support options.
Ryder assigns a dedicated project manager from its managerial team to each client project. Your project manager inspects the site regularly and liaises with the site foreman, keeping you up to date with progress on your fitout.
Yes, our project management services include handling council requirements and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, streamlining the approval process for your project.
Absolutely. Our team can develop bespoke designs tailored to your needs or collaborate with your existing design plans to bring your vision to life.
We assign a dedicated in-house project manager to oversee each project, ensuring quality control and efficient execution. Our experienced project managers and foremen supervise all work, coordinating in-house employees and trusted contractors to maintain high standards of craftsmanship and compliance.
For full fitout projects - our standard payment terms typically involve a 10% deposit invoice, followed by 2 progress claims valued at 40% each, with the remaining 10% invoiced at practical completion, all payable within 7 days. We also work with finance companies and banks if you are financing your project, ensuring a flexible approach to suit your budget and financial arrangements. Specific terms may vary depending on the project's scope and requirements. 
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We'll discuss your business needs, conduct a site analysis, and guide you through the planning, design, and execution phases to bring your vision to fruition.
We predominantly operate in New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), but also service all eastern states, including Queensland (QLD), Victoria (VIC), and Tasmania (TAS). Depending on the project, we either deploy our own team or collaborate with trusted partners to ensure seamless service and high-quality fit-outs.

To ensure a smooth and efficient fit-out, we recommend using our full range of services, including our trusted trades, who are experienced in working with our processes and quality standards. This avoids delays caused by coordinating multiple contractors and ensures seamless execution.

Being financially prepared before the project begins also helps prevent unnecessary hold-ups. Additionally, organising your space in advance, such as de-merchandising your shop before work starts, allows our team to begin immediately and keep the project on schedule.

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