When it comes to downsizing office space, there are plenty of moving parts to manage. Finding a new space, dealing with office waste removal and cleanout, planning properly, and relocating all of your equipment and furniture are all incredibly involved stages of the process. However, it’s important to ensure you carefully manage your make good obligations as well.
Getting your makegood right can save you time, money and unnecessary stress at the end of your lease. At Makegoods.com.au, we work with businesses in Sydney and Melbourne to ensure they tick all of the boxes and get their bond back by returning their space to its original condition as stipulated in their lease agreement.
Speak to our team now about your makegood requirements.
Knowing when to downsize is essential
There are many reasons a business might consider downsizing office space. Some companies move to smaller premises to reduce overheads or embrace hybrid work models. Others may simply no longer need the same amount of floor area. Whatever the reason, the process involves more than just finding a new location.
Downsizing provides an opportunity to reassess how your team works, streamline your layout and remove outdated assets. However, it also requires careful management of your lease exit. Before you hand back the keys, you’ll need to ensure your existing space is restored to the condition specified in your contract.
Understanding your make good provision
Every commercial lease contains a make good clause that sets out how the tenant must return the space at the end of the tenancy. In most cases, this means reinstating the property to its original condition. That might involve removing partitions, repainting, restoring flooring, or undoing any modifications completed during your tenancy.
Failing to meet your make good obligations can lead to disputes, withheld bonds or unexpected charges. To avoid these issues, review your lease early in the downsizing office process. Discuss the make good clause with your landlord or property manager to clarify exactly what is required. It’s also worth getting legal or professional advice to confirm your responsibilities.
How does downsizing impact your makegood?
When downsizing office space, your move-out timeline often overlaps with preparations for the new premises. This can make the make good process more complex. You may need to balance your de-fit schedule with moving, fitout and cleaning tasks. A well-organised plan ensures the property is returned on time and to the standard your lease demands.
Plan your make good early in the downsizing process
Begin planning as soon as you decide to relocate. Early preparation allows you to sequence work efficiently and avoid last-minute surprises. Identify which elements of your office need reinstating and create a checklist of required tasks. Coordinate with your landlord for access, permits and inspections. The earlier you start, the smoother the transition will be.
Engage experienced make good contractors
Working with professionals who specialise in office makegood projects will save you both time and effort. These experts understand the requirements of commercial leases and can deliver a complete end-of-lease service. A reputable make good company can manage everything from office strip-outs and painting to concrete sealing, rubbish removal and final cleaning.
At Makegoods.com.au, for instance, our team offers full-service project management to ensure your old space meets lease standards without delays.
Coordinate with your new office fitout or relocation team
When downsizing office premises, timing is key. Make sure your old office handover aligns with the fitout and move-in schedule for your new location. This reduces downtime and prevents unnecessary double-handling of equipment or furniture. Regular communication between your make good team and your fitout or relocation contractors helps keep both projects on track.
Dispose of waste responsibly
A large part of any make good project involves removing waste, old furniture and fittings. Responsible disposal not only protects the environment but also ensures compliance with local regulations. Where possible, recycle or donate items that are still usable. Professional make good teams handle disposal safely and ethically, providing documentation if needed.
Conduct a final inspection before handover
Before returning the property, carry out a detailed inspection. Check that all agreed work has been completed, and confirm compliance with your lease conditions. Take photos and keep records of the work completed. A final walkthrough with your landlord can help resolve any minor issues before the official handover date.
Common mistakes to avoid
There are a few common pitfalls businesses encounter during the make good process. The first is leaving everything until the last minute. Make good works can take longer than expected, particularly if they involve construction, painting or electrical reinstatement.
Another mistake is underestimating the scope or cost of the required works. Failing to review your lease thoroughly or misunderstanding the make good clause can lead to unexpected expenses. Similarly, hiring general cleaners or unqualified contractors can result in non-compliance, forcing you to redo work or pay for damages.
Finally, some tenants forget to coordinate with their new office setup. When you are downsizing office space, you’ll want both moves to align seamlessly. Planning the make good alongside your relocation ensures minimal disruption and avoids paying rent on two sites at once.
Book a meeting with our team today
Managing a make good while downsizing office space doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and professional support, you can exit your lease smoothly and confidently. At Makegoods.com.au, we specialise in delivering efficient, fully compliant office makegood services across Australia.