A retail handover starts with the right scope.
A shop defit removes the tenant’s agreed fit-out so the premises can be handed back or prepared for the next stage. Counters, shelving, display units, ceiling features and floor finishes may all be involved. The starting point is the landlord’s make-good schedule or marked-up demolition plan, rather than an assumption that everything must come out.
Shopping-centre and street-front tenancies have different access constraints. For a centre, we need the fit-out guidelines, approved working hours, loading arrangements and any requirements for separating the work area from trading areas. For a street-front shop, vehicle access, pedestrian access and space for waste collection need to be considered.
Retained shopfronts, fire-rated walls, base-building ceilings and active services should be identified before work starts. Isolations and alterations to electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire services need the relevant trades. Include those responsibilities in the handover plan so removal work and follow-on trades are coordinated.
For a broader commercial premises or showroom, see our commercial strip-outs and defits.
What we can include
Your quote will identify the items included for your project. Depending on the scope, these may cover:
- Sales counters, shelving, display joinery and agreed fixtures
- Non-structural partitions and fitting-room fit-outs
- Suspended ceilings, bulkheads and signage identified in the scope
- Carpet, vinyl and tiles specified for removal
- Loading, transport and disposal of the agreed strip-out waste
How is a shop strip-out priced?
The quote depends on the tenancy size, fixtures, ceiling and floor construction, retained areas and access. A requirement to remove adhesive or grind the slab needs a separate allowance from lifting the floor finish. Restricted loading slots, long handling routes and after-hours work also affect the price. Send the same scope to everyone quoting so that the removal and make-good allowances are comparable.
Help us quote accurately
Send the tenancy address and floor area, photos, demolition drawings, landlord’s handover schedule and required completion date. Include the centre guidelines and any loading-dock or waste-collection restrictions. Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 7am–5pm; after-hours and weekend work is agreed and quoted separately.
The written quote defines the handover condition. New fit-out installation, structural demolition, hazardous-material removal and service alterations are excluded unless separately assessed and expressly included. Reinstatement and certification are not automatically included in a shop defit.
Common questions
What is the difference between a shop defit and make-good?
The defit is the removal work. Make-good is the condition required by the lease or landlord at handover, which may include repairs or reinstatement. We quote the agreed items rather than assuming the two scopes are identical.
Can you quote a shopping-centre strip-out?
Yes. Send the centre’s access and fit-out guidelines with your plans. Work is subject to the centre requirements, agreed hours and the site arrangements confirmed for the project.
Can the shopfront or ceiling stay?
Yes, where it is shown as retained in the agreed scope and can remain safely. Mark retained items on the drawings and confirm any landlord requirements before quoting.
Is concrete grinding included after floor removal?
Only if the quote specifically includes it. Let us know the slab finish required by the landlord or next flooring installer so the preparation can be priced.