"How long will it take?" is the first question of any client fitting out a commercial space. The honest answer is: it depends. But it depends on factors you can anticipate and control. Below are rough estimates and what really drives the timeline.
What the duration depends on
The duration of a fit-out isn't just about floor area. What matters is the initial state of the space (raw or existing), the complexity of the services, the number of special finishes, the lead times for ordered materials and, very importantly, how quickly decisions are made along the way.
Rough estimates by type of space
The figures below are indicative and vary from project to project. They help you plan, not something to rely on as a firm commitment — a real quote is made after a survey.
- Small or standard shop in a mall: usually a few weeks, if the space is ready and the finishes are standard.
- Coffee shop or small HoReCa venue: generally between a few weeks and two months, depending on the complexity of the kitchen and services.
- Medium-sized office space: often between one and two-to-three months, depending on partitions and finishes.
- Large showroom or complex space: can exceed three months, especially with bespoke design elements.
Stages and timing
Besides the actual execution, plan time for the phases that aren't visible "on site":
- Design and approvals: depending on the type of space and the building management's requirements.
- Material orders: some finishes and equipment have lead times of weeks.
- Execution: partitions, services, finishes, lighting.
- Checks and handover: snagging, final cleaning, commissioning.
How to shorten the time without losing quality
- Make finish decisions early — decision delays are the most common cause of overruns.
- Order long-lead materials in good time.
- Work with a single turnkey team to avoid gaps between trades.
- Prepare approvals and building access agreements before the start.
Conclusion
The duration of a fit-out can only be estimated realistically after a survey and a clear design. We carry out commercial fit-outs in Iasi, Bacau, Bucharest, Brasov, Cluj, Constanta and other cities, and the best way to hit the deadline is early planning: decisions made early, materials ordered on time and a single team coordinating everything.