The CFO’s Furniture Fit-Out Checklist
As a CFO, you’re the realist in the office. While everyone else is dreaming up what everything will look like, you’re thinking about the practicalities of cost, flexibility and long-term benefits, not just looks. This office fit-out checklist will help you plan for every cost and consideration, as well as help you weigh up leasing versus owning office furniture to make the rest of the process easy.
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Why Hidden Costs Catch CFOs Off Guard
Covering costs like desks and chairs for an office fit-out are easy. However, it’s the extra, hidden costs, like downtime, delivery, installation, depreciation and getting rid of old furniture that can leave you wondering ‘how much does an office fit out cost?’ Creating a furniture fit-out checklist now can help you work out the total lifecycle cost, not just purchase price, so you don’t have to explain any budget blowouts.
Our leasing options also give you flexibility and take the pressure off upfront spend, especially when your workspace needs to evolve over time. Learn how our commercial leasing solutions can simplify your next fit-out.
Key Considerations for CFOs
A fit-out that looks good is one thing. Then there are all the things you need to consider as a CFO, like CapEx versus OpEx, how quickly the business is growing, and the team to facilitate that growth, and how hybrid work arrangements fit into the picture, too.
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Flexibility is also a big factor when making your own office fitout checklist, especially if the layout changes or different teams use the same areas. More sustainable options, like leasing office furniture packages, can help you balance the practical side with cost, giving you a fit-out that stands up well over time, and an investment that delivers more than just aesthetics.
The Ultimate CFO Furniture Fit-Out Checklist
1. Needs Assessment and Space Planning
There’s what your team wants versus what they actually need and what the space actually allows for. It can feel like a bit of a puzzle while you’re still trying to get an answer to ‘what is an office fit-out’, but looking at how the team works, how fast the business is growing and what the layout supports can help you make smart plans. And smart plans mean no rushed purchases or layout changes draining your budget later.
2. Budget Allocation and Cost Transparency
You know you need to budget for chairs, tables and other everyday furniture. What catches a lot of CFOs is the added cost of freight, installation, storage and ongoing routine maintenance they may not have budgeted for. A lot of CFOs will add around 10–15% on top of the budget to accommodate these unexpected costs and keep the project aligned
3. Furniture Sourcing and Procurement Method
Buying outright office furniture packages is what everyone does, right? For a growing business, one with an agile team or that moves frequently, lease-to-own furniture may be a better option. If you have no plans to move or grow, and have the funds then and there, outright packages may still work.
4. Delivery, Installation, and Downtime Costs
Something many office fit-out checklists forget is the costs that can occur while the changes are happening. Unless your team can work remotely or you can have the delivery and installation done outside of hours, there will likely be disruptions and delays, which can impact revenue. These costs should also be added to your budget so you’re not left scratching your head when it’s time to review the books.
5. Depreciation, Asset Management, and Disposal
Keep in mind, if you own the furniture outright, it will drop in value very quickly. Owning the furniture also means you have to sell or dispose of it once you no longer need it, which can also be an expense. Leasing removes a lot of this pressure and keeps the workspace current without those heavy upfront investments.
6. Sustainability and Lifecycle Planning
If your company has ESG (that’s environmental, social and governance) goals, your fit-out plans should also consider sustainable sourcing and reusability. Take a look at companies that offer certified circular furniture solutions as they minimise waste and future replacement costs, as well as align with your ESG goals.
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How Hiring from Valiant Supports Smarter Fit-Out Planning
When you hire from Valiant, we have worked with a lot of CFOs, helping them make their fit-out plans financially sensible, easy to scale and sustainably sound too. Working with us helps you map out true costs with clarity, get guidance on furniture choices that suit your budget and space, and also get smooth project coordination for a rollout that doesn’t interrupt daily operations.
Our leasing options also give you flexibility and take the pressure off upfront spend, especially when your workspace needs to evolve over time. Learn how our commercial leasing solutions can simplify your next fit-out.
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