When a commercial lease comes to an end, the tenant is usually required to return the property to its original condition. This process, known as an office make good, is an important part of the handover. The way you handle this obligation can have a significant impact on whether you receive your full bond back and avoid costly disputes.
It’s essential to have a clear and detailed office make good checklist. This is the best way to ensure you meet your obligations, stay on schedule, and hand back the property in the condition outlined in your lease. If this does not happen, you may end up having to pay financial penalties to your landlord from your lease.
At Melbourne City Rubbish, we provide tailored office make good services that take the stress out of this process. We handle every step, from rubbish removal to final clean-up. We even work with an incredibly experienced commercial tenant advisory, so we’re able to assist from the beginning, reviewing your lease and finding the best path forward.
Book a call with our team today.
What is an office make good?
An office make good is the process of restoring a commercial property to its original condition before you vacate it. This can include removing partitions, repainting walls, taking out added fixtures, and disposing of unwanted furniture and equipment. The exact requirements are typically set out in your lease agreement and can vary from one property to another.
Common make good tasks include:
- Removing office furniture, desks, and chairs
- Taking down signage, decals, and branding
- Dismantling temporary walls or partitions
- Removing cabling or electrical installations
- Cleaning carpets, windows, and other surfaces
- Disposing of rubbish and debris.
The scope of work will depend on how much you have modified the space during your tenancy and the condition it is in at the time of departure.
Find out more about office make good costs.
The importance of professional makegood services
Attempting to manage an office make good in Melbourne on your own can be challenging, especially for larger spaces or properties with specific restoration requirements. Professional office make good services save you time, reduce stress, and ensure that all tasks are completed to a high standard.
With an experienced team, you can expect:
- Compliance with lease obligations: Professionals understand common lease requirements and can ensure everything is completed correctly.
- Efficient rubbish removal: Unwanted furniture, fittings, and debris are removed quickly and responsibly.
- Specialised equipment and skills: From dismantling built-in cabinetry to handling heavy items, the right tools make the job faster and safer.
- Reduced downtime: A quick and efficient make good means you can focus on relocating or winding down operations.
By engaging a team like Melbourne City Rubbish, you also benefit from safe disposal and recycling of unwanted items, helping you meet sustainability goals.
A complete checklist for your commercial make good in Melbourne
While every property is different, the following office make good checklist can guide you through the process and ensure nothing is overlooked. This is similar to the detailed list of works and actions that we follow on each new project.
1. Review your lease agreement
Start by confirming the specific make good requirements. This will help you plan the scope of work and avoid unnecessary tasks.
2. Remove furniture and equipment
Clear out desks, chairs, workstations, filing cabinets, and any other office furniture. Arrange for responsible disposal or recycling of items you no longer need.
3. Remove signage and branding
Take down all internal and external signage, decals, and branded elements, and repair any damage caused by their removal.
4. Dismantle partitions and fit-outs
If you have added temporary walls, shelving, or other fixtures, remove them and make good any holes or damage left behind.
5. Remove electrical and data cabling
Disconnect and remove any cabling or electrical installations added during your tenancy, unless the landlord has agreed they can remain.
6. Repair walls, floors, and ceilings
Patch holes, repaint walls to the original colour, and replace or repair damaged floor coverings or ceiling tiles.
7. Deep clean the premises
Vacuum carpets, wash hard floors, clean windows, and ensure kitchens and bathrooms are hygienic and spotless.
8. Dispose of waste responsibly
Engage a licensed rubbish removal service to clear all waste, ensuring recyclable materials are separated and handled appropriately.
9. Conduct a final inspection
Before handing back the keys, walk through the property with your checklist to confirm everything is complete.
This commercial make good checklist is designed to complement our professional services, ensuring every step is covered and completed to the highest standard.
What to do once your make good has been completed
Once the make good is complete, it is wise to arrange a formal inspection with your landlord or property manager. This provides an opportunity to address any last-minute issues before the lease ends. Keep a record of the work completed, including receipts and photographs, as evidence that you have met your obligations.
If you are relocating, this is also the time to finalise your new space setup and ensure your operations transition smoothly. By handing back your old premises in great condition, you maintain a positive relationship with your landlord, which can be beneficial for references or future leasing arrangements.
Speak to our team about your needs
If you need help with your office make good in Melbourne, the team at Melbourne City Rubbish can provide the skills, equipment, and experience to make the process straightforward. From clearing out unwanted items to final cleaning, our office make good services are designed to meet your lease requirements while saving you time and effort.
We service the Melbourne CBD and surrounding areas, working with businesses of all sizes to ensure a stress-free handover. Our team can tailor a package to your needs, whether you require a full-scale restoration or targeted rubbish removal and clean-up.
