What is the smallest project that you would take on?

The smallest fit out we’d work on is 100m2.  If your project falls under this level, please contact us to discuss your requirements and see how best we can help you.

Will I need owners consent to undertake an office fit out?

Yes, in order to obtain a Building Permit you will need to have full written consent from the owner of your tenancy.

What if I receive a more competitive quote?

When comparing quotes make sure everything in your brief has been taken into consideration and remember the cheapest quote may not always be the best quote.

Cooper Group Australia pride themselves on being upfront and honest with with their quotes in order to minimise any unexpected variations during your fitout.

When you say you are a “full office fit out company” what does this mean? 

We are a full design and construct company which means we will look after your entire fit out project, from the initial space planning & design, through to final construction and everything in between.

We can assist you with fitting out a new tenancy as well as refurbishing your existing tenancy if you don’t need to relocate.

We look after all the services & documentation required as well as organisation & management of sub-contractors. 

We can even help you find a new premises if required!

I run a medical practice and do not have time to meet during the day, do you attend out of hours meetings?

Yes, we are very flexible with our meeting times and understand that it can be hard to organise a site visit within normal office hours when it comes to medical fit outs, therefore we are more than happy to arrange meetings after hours and on weekends when required.

I like the look of timber flooring but am worried about hygiene in my medical clinic, what are my options?

These days there are a huge range of Laminate and vinyl boards that look just like timber flooring.

This gives you the look you want with the peace of mind when it comes to cleaning in areas that are prone to spills!

Why might you require a site visit in order to provide a quote?

In order to provide the most accurate quote possible we like to conduct an initial site visit in order to view the area in person. 

Generally these visits will only take between 45mins to an hour and gives us the opportunity to measure areas, as well as site any services that may need to be looked at. 

Services such as mechanical, electrical and plumbing can sometimes be overlooked and we like to make sure you are given a true indication of the work that needs to be done in order to obtain a building permit if required.

When I am looking to buy or lease a premises when should I get you involved? 

Cooper Group Australia’s Corporate Leasing Team can help you with this process if required therefore you can contact us from the moment you decide you need a new premises.

What does your Corporate Leasing Team actually do? 

Cooper Group Australia’s Corporate Leasing Team takes the stress out of finding a new tenancy to move into.  In short, we sit down with you & discuss your company’s requirements, send a property brief out to our selected Real Estate agents.  We then review all the prospective office tenancies and conduct thorough inspections on shortlisted tenancies.  You are then presented with a detailed report on our findings & space plans then we then take you out to site to view your preferred office or medical tenancies. 

What is space planning?

Space planning is the process of working out how your office space can be utilised in the most effective & efficient manner.  Based on your current & future growth requirements we can calculate how much space you will require.  You will be presented with space plan diagrams showing overall layouts of your new office tenancy or medical practice which may include workstation sizes and circulation space, treatment room layouts etc. 

I’m not very good at picturing fit outs from a plan, can you provide architectural 3D renders? 

As part of our design package we can provide architectural 3D renders in order to bring a flat floor plan to life and help you visualise your new fit out. 

These architectural renders can include all specified FF&E in order to give you a strong idea of what your final fit out will look like. 

Are there certain design regulations for medical clinics? 

Yes, when designing a medical clinic there are design regulations that need to be adhered to in order to get accreditation for your clinic. 

It is common for issues such as the number of sinks needed for certain rooms and placement of equipment to be overlooked. 

The team at Cooper Group Australia are specialists when it comes to medical design and can take the stress and headache out of space planning and item placement for you.

What is joinery?

Think reception counters, cabinetry for kitchens and bathrooms, office storage, display units, storage units for medical centres, showrooms, offices and much more. We can also custom make any items that you would like for your fit out or refurbishment.

What are partitions?

Partitions are the internal walls that surround offices, meeting rooms and boardrooms. They’re also used to section off larger open space offices and can be made out of glass, plaster or a combination of the two. They come in full height, ¾ height or ½ height and can be straight or curved, depending on the look you want. Partitions provide visual and auditory privacy while glass partitions allow natural light to be distributed throughout your office. 

Are there special parking requirements when looking to open a new Medical Clinic? 

Yes, when looking to open a new medical clinic the amount of practitioners you have in at any one time impacts on the parking requirements. 

The first practitioner will need to have 5 car spaces available and every additional practitioner will require the addition of 3 car spaces each. 

What type of acoustic insulation can be installed in solid partition walls?

We always discuss this topic with our clients, especially medical practitioners who require a high amount of privacy when discussing personal information with their patients.  To increase the acoustic rating of your partitions we can use high density acoustic plasterboard as well as heavy density acoustic insulation to increase the noise absorption.

What are the other options for acoustics? 

Acoustics are a very important part of any medical practice or office and there are a number of ways to achieve the sound rating you require while maintaining the modern and up to date look of your medical or office fit out. From suspended acoustic panelling to acoustic pin boards we can offer solutions that not only look good but are also practical for any fit out. 

What is the difference between a t-bar ceiling and a plasterboard ceiling?

A t-bar (or grid) ceiling is where large ceiling tiles sit in a grid and are found in the majority of office buildings. The usual sizes are 1200x600mm or 600x600mm and they come in a range of different finishes. Lighting sits flush in the grid meaning unsightly air-conditioning ducts, electrical and data cables are hidden away above the ceiling tiles. While a plaster board ceiling, found in most houses, is attached to the ceiling beams.

What is EWIS? 

An Emergency Warning & Intercommunication System (EWIS) is a requirement in certain buildings (based on their building classification).  The system is used to aid in the orderly evacuation of a building during an emergency. The EWIS will include manual/automatic alarm activation as well as an audible and visual alarm system to alert building occupants that they need to exit the building.

Can you assist with asbestos reports and removal? 

Yes, we have strong relationships with contacts that provide asbestos identification and removal of asbestos if required.

What design services can you provide?

Our architects and interior designers meet with you to get a full understanding of your requirements and envisage what your fit out will look like.  Cooper Group can create a range of designs for you from basic floor plans through to a 3D render of your refit or refurbishment.

How long does the design stage usually take?

This depends upon how detailed your fit out / refurbishment is and how many revisions are made along the way. We usually get the first draft out to you to review within a few days of the initial design consultation.

We already have some construction plans drawn up, will you work from our plans?  

Yes, although we do have an in-house architect, if you have your own plans we are more than happy to work from these.

Do you deal directly with my building facilities manager or do I have to get involved?  

During the design stage we deal directly with your building facilities manager & or leasing agent and submit all office or medical interior design documentation directly to them for approval.  With the majority of our projects the facilities manager will require a package to be submitted for landlord approval.  This package contains your interior designs ready for building permit approval, scope of works, finishes/colour board and all required insurance documentation. 

What is a Dilapidation Report? 

Dilapidation Reports are done before and after construction takes place in order to record any existing damage and any post construction damage to adjoining tenancies to reduce the risk of any future problems with either building.

Do you provide Dilapidation Reports? 

 Yes, when required we will organise a Dilapidation Report to reduce the risk of future claims or problems from adjoining tenancies.

 

 What is the general time frame to complete a office or medical fitout?

An office fit out or medical fit out can take from two to three weeks, to eight to ten weeks depending on the lead times of any specially made materials or joinery.  We usually allow a minimum of a fortnight from the signing of the contract for pre production, before starting on site.

Do you outsource work to Architects or Project Management companies?  

Cooper Group Australia pride themselves on providing in-house Architectural & Project Management services. We work closely with our architects to satisfy all your design requirements. 

Do I need a building permit?

We take care of any permits required as we have strong relationships with Building Surveyors, who issue building permits and carry out any inspections that may be required.

Can you organise our Building Permit for us?

Yes, we have strong relationships with Building Surveyors and can put together and submit all documentation needed in order to obtain a Building Permit for your new fit out.

Can you assist me with a Town Planning application?

Yes, we can assist you with preparation of town planning documentation. From liaising with the town planner to drawing up plans of your new tenancy for permit approval. 

What trades can you assist me with?

We have a team of quality tradesman that we’ve built up long-term relationships with over the last 30 years, so we know everyone working on your fit out or refurbishment works to the highest professional standards.

Our trade services include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, data/security, plastering, painting, mechanical (air conditioning), welding, carpet/vinyl layers, tiling, stainless steel, glazing, window tinting, fire services, cold rooms, signage, concrete cutters, and caulking.

Can you supply & install workstations in my new office? 

Definitely, we offer a wide variety of Australian made workstation options for you.  Whether it be a screened system for open plan offices or hot desk for your travelling sales team, 

Our library contains a large range of screen fabrics, bench top laminates and workstation leg designs so we can create a  workstation setup to suit your company’s needs. 

Do you have experience installing lifts? 

Yes, we have previous experience with lift installation and a strong understanding of the requirements and building standards that need to be met.

To what extent are you involved in structural engineering? 

We have a strong relationship with our preferred structural engineers and can have any required reports and calculations organised for you.

 Do you work on heritage buildings?

 Yes, we have worked on heritage buildings in the past and have a good understanding of the design constraints and processes that need to take place in order to complete works at a heritage site.

Do my staff have to move out during the fit out / refurbishment?

It depends on what you would prefer and the timeframe that you require the fit out to be completed in. Work can be completed in a shorter timeframe with an empty workspace, however we can work around you by splitting the fit out into stages.

Can you assist us with Mechanical, Hydraulic and Fire services? 

Yes, we have strong relationships with trusted companies in these specialised fields. 

 Our Project Managers can manage these contractors for you to ensure their proposals meet the requirements of your building and then work with them on-site to ensure installation is completed in a timely manner.

 

Can you supply furniture as part of the fit out?

The Cooper Group can supply you with quality furniture from larger items like workstations and boardroom tables, right through to artwork and sculpture pieces to decorate your reception or waiting area.

 

Who is my point of contact throughout my project?

We don’t believe in having a salesperson ‘sell’ the project to our customers then hand it over to a Project Manager. Your Project Manager will be with you from day one until completion of your project.

 

How do you keep me updated during construction? 

We update our clients regularly by phone and email.  Regular meetings on site with your Project Manager show you the progress of your office fit out or refurbishment.

 

 Can you provide my OH&S officer with your SWMS?

Yes, for each fit out project we create a ‘site specific OH&S package’ which contain all of our SWMS, policies and management plan. All our OH&S documentation is available any time during your fit out in our site folder & we will send a copy to your nominated OH&S officer prior to starting any fit out work in your office or dental practice.

We also provide you with currency certificates for relevant insurance policies and work cover as well.

What happens if I have any issues after the fit out is complete?

We provide a 26-week defect liability period on all of our work.  All you need to do is advise us of any queries and we will sort it out for you. 

What is the difference between ‘Base Building’ work & ‘Fitout’ work?

Depending on your lease agreement ‘Base Building’ works generally include the basic internal finishings, which may include carpet, ceiling grid, lighting, basic kitchen & toilet and a secure entrance. These items are usually maintained by the building manager.  ‘Fitout’ works are generally paid for by the tenant, these are the internal partitions to create offices, joinery, workstations (inc. electrical & data) and all the furnishings and additional finishes needed to suit your company’s specific needs.

Can you assist me with Make Good?

Yes, we have assisted numerous clients with make good on their previous tenancy.  Once the fit out works are completed in your new office space and you have moved in we can look after any make good work in your old office area or medical suite to comply with ‘Base Build’ requirements in your lease agreement.

Do I need a permit for external signage? 

Depending on the size you may need a Town Planning permit for external signage.  

Examples of signage triggering a Town Planning permit include if you want to install an illuminated blade sign, if the front signage covers more than 80% of the glass obstructing views into the building or if you are taking up more than 8m2 of advertising space on your premises.