When commercial properties are built, the interior space is generally an empty shell. Fit out construction contractors specialize in turning that empty shell into a vibrant space that is ready for occupancy. Essentially, fit out contractors specialize in the planning, execution, and delivery of these interior projects in as little time as possible.

Importantly, fit out construction contractors offer their services to tenant occupants. In other words, you don’t need to own the building to utilize fit out construction services. This means having a degree of control over the design of your interior space without having to use the landlord’s construction service.

D’Lauro & Rodgers Inc. is a Philadelphia commercial construction company that has served the Delaware Valley for over 30 years. Defined by our commitment to integrity, collaboration, and high-quality work, D&R forms close relationships with our clients in order to understand and execute their design vision. If you are interested in learning more about Philadelphia commercial fit out contractors, please contact our fit out construction experts at (215) 542-0100.

Fit Out Services Offered by D&R Construction

Working in close collaboration with a tenant, a fit out construction contractor aids in identifying what the interior space must have to function in the way as intended. For instance, fit out contractors will help design the interior layout based upon the number of potential occupants. Additionally, fit construction experts can also help tenants create adaptable design plans. For instance, a tenant’s hotel business may become a restaurant at a future date. Fit out construction experts can assist tenants in planning for such possibilities. Here is a list of other construction elements that fall under the scope of fit out contractors:

Interior walls
Plastering
Electrical installation
Flooring
Decorations
Lighting installation
Furnishings
Mechanical installation

D&R offers such fit out construction services to help turn empty, white interior shells into vibrant lobbies, reception areas, and meeting rooms. We also manage the pre-construction process which can be complex and time-consuming. This entails coordinating with administrative staff on our team to ensure the proper building and zoning permits are acquired so that we can begin a fit out project in a timely manner. At D&R, we manage the entire fit out process so that the only thing our clients need to bring to the table are their ideas.

Differences Between Fit Out and Shell-and-Core Contractors

Most commercial property owners utilize construction contractors that specialize in shell-and-core construction. Unlike fit out contractors, shell-and-core contractors deal specifically with the structural elements of commercial property. These elements include roof structures, exterior walls, and foundations. Essentially, the developer or property owner has the main structure erected and the rest is left to the tenant to customize. It is important to note that shell and core components might include the following:

Structural support
Siding or exterior cladding
Roofs
Fences
Pathways

Tenants should be aware of what shell-and-core construction entails so that they can better understand the scope of fit out construction. Fit out construction contractors fill in the gaps left by shell and core contractors. This means a heavy focus on the interior components of a tenant’s commercial space. Generally, a fit out construction team includes a designer, engineer, and architect, allowing the team to address structural and aesthetic design elements. D’Lauro & Rodgers Inc provides the specialists needed to bring any office remodel to life.

Steps to Take Before Fit Out Construction

Some tenants might equate fit out construction with a renovation project. It is important to note the difference between these two types of construction. While fit-out construction deals with some structural elements of interior space, renovation construction refers to mostly cosmetic fixes like new paint or furniture. Moreover, fit out construction is generally focused on turning empty space into inhabitable space, although such construction can entail some renovation components, There are common important things for tenants to consider to help ensure an efficient and aesthetically appealing interior design:

Reach Out to Employees

It is imperative that tenants consult the employees or other potential occupants of the interior space before beginning the design phase. This ensures that the people spending the most time in the space are given an opportunity to voice their preferences and concerns about the potential fit out design.

Ensure Adequate Planning Time

We understand the urge to rush through pre-construction planning. It is a phase that can be somewhat dull when compared to the excitement of design and construction. Yet, planning is the most critical phase as it sets the tone for the rest of the fit out process. It is important that tenants work with fit out experts to formulate the best pre-construction plan possible.

Always Consult the Property Owner

Landlords and property owners must always be consulted before beginning a fit out project. Landlords may have property regulations such as restrictions on construction work hours during the day that could adversely affect your fit out project in terms of duration and cost. Your lease might also require you to give notice for construction. Checking with the property owner beforehand can save you time and money.

The fit out process can be laborious and overly expensive if you do not have a practical strategy to approach design and construction. D&R fit out construction experts can implement such a strategy. Additionally, our deep expertise allows us to modify poor interior design plans, eliminating common problems like inadequate airflow and poor lighting.

Contact Our Philadelphia Construction Fit Out Experts for Your Commercial Development Needs

D&R’s Philadelphia commercial fit out construction contractors can apply decades of real-world experience and design expertise to any tenant’s commercial construction project. If you are interested in learning more about fit out construction, please reach out to our Philadelphia commercial contractors at (215) 542-0100.

Happy Clients

“The attention to detail by D&R and their team of subcontractors resulted in a beautiful product all around.”

Raymond Ferreti, McCormick Taylor

“Your communication with our team and the Township allowed the project to progress smoothly and keep things moving without any supply chain issues or manpower shortages”

Kevin Murphy, Trumark Financials

“One of the most refreshing aspects of working with Brant and Dale is that throughout the project, any issue that came up during the construction was immediately followed by a solution. We knew we could trust Brant, Dale and their trade partners to make Mondrian’s vision a reality.”

Matt Taylor, Becker & Frondorf

“When there's a problem on the table, they come with a solution, not just the problem.”

Lou Lombardi, GM 1818 Market

“Between strong project management, an overall attention to detail on how to best execute the work in the field, and clear and effective lines of communication with the design team and client, D’Lauro & Rodgers has provided the value sought in a construction partner”

Joe Traynor, Brandywine Realty Trust

“This was a fast-paced project that was completed on time, within budget and to a high level of quality.”

Theodore R. Aronson, Aronson Partners

“D'Lauro & Rodgers was also able to manage and shepherd this difficult project while also being successful in bringing the project in significantly under budget.”

Michael Shamlian, CBRE, Inc.

“Post-construction, your team has continued to show their support and guidance. I would like to commend the team for seeing this project through to completion and beyond.”

Raymond Ferretti, McCormick Taylor

“D&R worked through many of the in-field issues with the vendors, and always put Mondrian’s needs first.”