01
Ask what the landlord is actually handing over
One agent’s “fitted” can mean carpet, a ceiling and a few lights. Another unit may already have meeting rooms and usable services. Ask for a written handover list and any available drawings, then have the fit-out team compare them with what is on site. Mark the items you can reuse, the ones you must test and what needs removing.
02
Take your intended layout to the first inspection
Show where you want enclosed rooms, specialist equipment or a busy reception. Ask the relevant specialists to check whether cooling, electrical capacity, fire systems and drainage can support the plan. A good-looking ceiling may have to come down if the proposed partitions or services cannot work with it.
03
Put the handover requirements on the calendar
Find out which submissions, access arrangements, inspections and completion records apply to the address. Dubai Development Authority, for example, has a fit-out permit and completion route for properties under its remit. Ask the building team who will confirm your route and who has to lodge each submission.
04
Compare the cost of reaching opening day
Ask for comparable scopes for both spaces. Include any strip-out, new services, fabrication, testing and the time you will pay rent before the space can operate. A fitted unit can be a good choice when what is already installed suits your needs. The value disappears quickly if you have to pull most of it out.