CanopyHow Much Does a Melbourne Dental Fitout Cost in 2024?
Dentistry is changing. Is your practice keeping up with the times?
With every dental or medical fitout we’ve completed in recent years, the demand for patient-centric builds has increased. Dental professionals want spaces that are not only functional but also less clinical, more comfortable, and welcoming for their patients.
This is great progress for the industry, but at the end of the day, how much does it all cost? And are there certain “hidden costs” you should know about before starting a dental fitout?
Whether you’re looking to revamp your existing practice or are opening your first dentistry, don’t let budget hold you back from completing your dental fitout. Below we break down every cost you should know about; empowering you to create a space that enhances the patient experience and also aligns with your budget.
Dental Fitout Cost Per Square Meter
So how much do dental fitouts cost on average?
Between $2,000 - 2,500 per sqm (exclusive of dental equipment).
With a range like this, there are a variety of factors that could put a fitout on the higher or lower ends of the spectrum. Although dentistries largely have similar building requirements across Victoria, individual clinics may have specialised equipment or room designs depending on the type of surgery performed on-site (e.g. private laboratories vs. family practices).
And as trends move towards patient-centric environments some providers may lean into aesthetically pleasing fitouts, which could incur additional costs.
On the lower end of this range, your fitout may consist of more moderate finishes and fixtures – such as laminate surfaces - limited joinery as well as simple lighting and furniture. You may expect more premium finishes and fixtures across materials, lighting, furniture and joinery at the higher end of this range.
Dentistry-Specific Fitout Costs
Below are some of the more specific costs associated with dental fitouts.
- Permits & Approvals: If you seek to fitout a new space, you will need to obtain council approval. Knowing your space's current NCC classification will help determine if additional changes need to be made to get the building up to standard (which could increase base fitout costs). For reference, most - but not all - dental practices fall under NCC building class 9a.
- Equipment Installation: Dental equipment must be installed and connected to services (plumbing, electrical, or gas) in a way that doesn’t create a hazard for patients and physicians. Additional work may be required for custom installations into floors or walls.
- Toilets: We ensure that you have the correct number of standard, DDA, and ambulant-compliant toilets installed. Cost is dependent on the number of toilets required. Additional bathrooms may also need to be installed to meet the building code.
- Sinks: For dental fitouts, at least one wash basin is required per consulting room (as per building code).
- Body Protection (Electrical): Body protection is required for any new dental fitout. All electrical sources in consulting rooms must be connected to a safety switch. This ensures the safety of the patient and doctor while the room is in use.
We know what you’re thinking, that’s a lot of costs to take in! As mentioned before, the cost per meter can fluctuate depending on the size of the dental practice. We want to give you a clear picture of what you should consider. And while some projects are significantly more complex than others, this is more of a rarity than the norm.
Common Dental Fitout Issues (and How to Avoid Them)
Now you know what to be on the lookout for, but what about those things a builder might not tell you about? Let’s explore them below.
Material Lead Time
Lead time for certain materials can vary. While materials can be sourced locally, some items may need to be imported. At Canopy Fitouts we take a comprehensive approach to quoting and building your fitout. We forecast lead times wherever possible, and will suggest alternatives if you desire a speedier completion.
Regulatory Bodies
With any construction project, approval from regulatory bodies will be required. Rather than taking on council fees, permit plans, and the potential red tape involved, our team will assist you and ensure the process is seamless. Don’t let neglected paperwork hold up your fitout.
Asbestos
Asbestos is the most hidden issue on this list. While it may not be an issue for your fitout, we’ll never really know until we get started on the project. At Canopy, we’ll do all early leg work to catch signs of potential asbestos and will help you get a professional to decontaminate the premises quickly.
Hidden Costs
We recommend allocating at least 30% of your budget to cover hidden services like the ones above. We will be as upfront as possible in the early stages of your build to help you avoid these costs later on.
Speak With a Dental Fitout Expert
At Canopy Fitouts we believe in transparency at every stage of the fitout process, which is why we have no qualms with sharing the latest data we have on dental fitouts. Of course, not every dental is the same, so it’s best to speak to an expert first for further clarification on what costs will pertain to your business. If you have any specific questions or are ready to get started on your fitout, speak with our knowledgeable team today.
