Commercial electrical fit-outs are one of the most important investments any business makes when moving into, upgrading or expanding a workspace. While many people think of fit-outs as carpentry, joinery and interior finishes, the truth is that a successful fit-out relies just as heavily on detailed electrical planning.
The electrical system is the backbone that keeps the entire environment functioning — it delivers power, supports lighting, enables communications, protects safety, and ensures a business can operate efficiently from day one.
But when planning a new fit-out, most business owners and property managers ask the same question:
How much does a commercial electrical fit-out cost in Australia?
The short answer is: it depends, but a realistic range looks like this:
- Basic electrical fit-out: Approx. $50–$120 per m²
- Mid-range electrical fit-out: Approx. $120–$250 per m²
- High-end integrated or specialised fit-out: $250–$500+ per m²
However, these numbers only scratch the surface. Many critical factors — like building age, design complexity, power demands, existing infrastructure and compliance requirements — can influence the final cost.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know, including price ranges, inclusions, cost drivers, real-world examples, budgeting tips and how to choose the right contractor.
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Commercial Electrical Fit-Out?
A commercial electrical fit-out involves designing, installing or upgrading the electrical systems that power a commercial space. While the scope varies depending on the business type, most fit-outs will include some or all of the following elements:
Power Distribution
- Installation of general power outlets
- Dedicated circuits for appliances, machinery or IT systems
- Upgrades or replacement of switchboards
Lighting Systems
- General LED lighting
- Feature or architectural lighting
- Emergency and exit lighting
- Lighting automation, sensors and dimming controls
Communications & Data
- Structured cabling
- Communications racks
- Network points
- Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for wireless access points
Safety Systems
- Smoke detectors and fire alarm integration
- Emergency lighting
- Occupancy sensors
- Surge protection
Security & Access
- CCTV power feeds
- Card readers
- Access control systems
Energy Management
- Submetering
- Energy-efficient upgrades
- Smart building integration
As you can see, a commercial electrical fit-out is far more than simply adding powerpoints and lights. It’s an engineered system that ensures safety, compliance, performance and future scalability.
The Main Cost Ranges in Australia
Electrical fit-out pricing varies by location, scope and complexity. Below is a more detailed breakdown of common cost categories.
Basic Fit-Out ($50–$120 per m²)
Suitable for:
- Small offices
- Simple retail stores
- Tenancies with existing infrastructure
Typical inclusions:
- Standard LED lighting installation
- General power outlets
- Minimal switchboard changes
- Basic data cabling
- Simple emergency lighting additions
Businesses with straightforward needs often fall into this category.
Mid-Range Fit-Out ($120–$250 per m²)
Suitable for:
- Corporate offices
- Multi-room workspaces
- Clinics and professional environments
- Businesses requiring moderate AV and data systems
Typical inclusions:
- Designed lighting layout + sensors
- Power for meeting rooms, kitchens, IT equipment
- Structured data cabling
- Upgraded switchboard or distribution board
- Integrated emergency and exit lighting
- AV and conferencing power
This is the most common range for many Australian commercial spaces.
High-End or Specialised Fit-Out ($250–$500+ per m²)
Suitable for:
- Medical, dental or lab facilities
- Large retail or hospitality venues
- Industrial operations requiring high-power loads
- Premium corporate headquarters
- Buildings needing full compliance upgrades
Typical inclusions:
- Complex lighting plans
- Heavy-duty or high-capacity circuits
- UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems
- Server rooms and cooling equipment power
- Complete switchboard replacement
- Smart building automation
- Security and access control networks
These fit-outs require more engineering, higher-grade materials and specialised expertise.
Factors That Influence Cost
Understanding what drives price helps business owners plan more accurately and avoid surprises. Here are the major cost influencers.
Size of the Space
The simplest rule: larger area = higher total cost, though the cost per square metre may drop slightly due to economies of scale.
A 150 m² fit-out will not cost the same per m² as a 1,500 m² corporate floor.
Complexity of the Design
More complex layouts — such as boardrooms with integrated video conferencing or medical consulting rooms with specialised equipment — require additional wiring, power distribution and equipment.
Existing Infrastructure
Older buildings often require:
- Switchboard upgrades
- Rewiring
- Bringing systems up to code
- Replacing non-compliant cables or conduit
A property with poor existing electrical infrastructure can add thousands to the budget.
Energy Efficiency Goals
Businesses aiming for Green Star, NABERS or high-efficiency smart controls will require:
- LED fittings
- Sensors
- Timers
- Intelligent automation systems
While these features increase upfront cost, they significantly reduce long-term energy bills.
Power Requirements
High-power industries (commercial kitchens, workshops, data centres, clinics, warehouses) require:
- More circuits
- Bigger switchboards
- Dedicated mains or submains
- Larger capacity transformers or power supply agreements
This can dramatically change pricing.
Compliance, Testing & Certification
All commercial electrical work must meet:
- Australian Standards
- Workplace safety requirements
- Building fire safety regulations
- Landlord or centre management rules
Final certification (like test sheets, compliance statements and as-built documentation) must be budgeted for.
Labour Costs
Electrician labour rates generally range from $80–$130+ per hour depending on:
- City
- Level of specialisation
- Time of day
- Urgency
- Licensing level
After-hours or weekend work (common in retail or hospitality fit-outs) increases labour cost.
Realistic Examples of Electrical Fit-Out Costs
Below are example scenarios commonly seen in Australian commercial fit-out projects.
Example 1: Small Office (120 m²)
Scope:
- Standard LED lighting
- 20 power outlets
- Basic boardroom power
- Emergency lighting
- Light data cabling
Estimated cost: $8,000–$14,000
This falls neatly into the basic category.
Example 2: Medium Warehouse Office + Shopfloor (450 m²)
Scope:
- New LED high-bay lighting
- Emergency exit routes
- Switchboard modifications
- GPO circuits for office and machinery
- Outdoor lighting
Estimated cost: $45,000–$90,000
Warehouses require more powerful lighting and often more robust wiring.
Example 3: Medical Clinic (300 m²)
Scope:
- High-capacity circuits for equipment
- Advanced lighting
- Compliance upgrades
- Data and networking
- Fire alarm integration
Estimated cost: $75,000–$150,000+
Medical fit-outs require strict compliance and specialist systems.
Example 4: Corporate Office (1,000 m²)
Scope:
- Lighting design with automation
- Full structured cabling
- AV-powered rooms
- UPS for IT systems
- Security access points
- Switchboard upgrades
Estimated cost: $180,000–$350,000+
How to Reduce Electrical Fit-Out Costs Without Cutting Corners
Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean compromising safety or functionality. Here are effective strategies.
1. Finalise Designs Before Starting
Late changes are extremely expensive.
Lock in:
- Lighting layouts
- Power locations
- Meeting room needs
- IT and AV requirements
before any contractor begins work.
2. Choose Energy-Efficient Fixtures
While premium fixtures can cost more initially, long-term electricity savings are substantial. LED and smart controls offer excellent ROI.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Specialty Lighting
Architectural lighting is beautiful, but costs can escalate quickly. Use feature lighting strategically.
4. Combine Trades Efficiently
If ceiling works, HVAC, partitions and electrical are coordinated, labour time is reduced. This is where experienced contractors add value.
5. Keep Infrastructure Accessible
When walls, ceilings or services are difficult to access, costs rise. Minimising structural changes saves money.
6. Work With a Contractor Who Provides Value Engineering
A good provider will recommend cost-effective alternatives, such as:
- More efficient wiring routes
- Equivalent but more affordable lighting brands
- Simplified switching systems
Contractors like Reds Electrical Fitout Solutions specialise in delivering budget-conscious yet high-quality solutions for commercial projects.
What’s Included in a Professional Electrical Fit-Out Quote?
A detailed commercial quote should include:
Labour costs
Hours, rates and skill level.
Materials
Lighting, cables, conduits, outlets, data points and fixtures.
Switchboard work
New circuits, breakers, safety switches, and labelling.
Testing and certification
Mandatory compliance documents.
Allowances for unknowns
Older buildings often require discovery allowances.
Project management
Scheduling, coordination and compliance checks.
Exclusions
Anything not included (e.g., ceiling works or AV equipment).
Transparent, itemised quotes help you compare suppliers fairly.
Timeframes for Commercial Electrical Fit-Outs
Time depends heavily on the scale and complexity of the project.
- Small office (100–200 m²): 1–2 weeks
- Medium commercial premises (300–600 m²): 2–6 weeks
- Large-scale fit-out (1,000+ m²): 6–12+ weeks
Add more time for:
- Switchboard manufacturing
- Custom lighting
- AV system integration
- Weekend or night work needed to minimise disruption
Proper planning helps reduce delays and cost overruns.
Choosing the Right Electrical Fit-Out Contractor
Selecting the right team can make or break the success of your project.
What to look for:
- Commercial experience
- Proven portfolio of similar projects
- Transparent and itemised quotes
- Ability to manage compliance and certification
- Strong communication skills
- Full licensing and insurance
Contractors like Reds Electrical Fitout Solutions bring experience, professionalism and cost-efficient engineering—making them a reliable option for businesses across Australia.
Final Thoughts
Commercial electrical fit-outs in Australia vary widely in cost, but understanding the typical ranges, cost drivers and what’s included helps you plan more confidently. Whether you’re upgrading a small office or building a full-scale corporate headquarters, electrical design and installation is one of the most important components of a successful fit-out project.
As a general guide:
- Basic electrical fit-outs: $50–$120/m²
- Mid-range build-outs: $120–$250/m²
- High-end or specialised: $250–$500+/m²
Always request itemised quotes, work only with licensed commercial electricians, and plan for some contingency to manage unexpected findings—especially in older buildings.
If you’re seeking expert support, a commercial specialist like Reds Electrical Fitout Solutions can help assess your site, provide a transparent quote and deliver a safe, compliant and high-quality installation that matches your budget and business needs.
