What Is Turnkey Fit-out and What Does It Cover?

The term "turnkey" is used often in the world of decoration, but exactly what it covers frequently stays unclear. In this article we clarify what turnkey fit-out of a space means and what steps the process consists of.

What does turnkey mean?

Turnkey fit-out means the whole process — from the first design draft to the last assembly screw — is managed by a single team. Instead of dealing separately with different designers, carpenters, shippers and installation crews, the client has a single point of contact responsible for the entire project.

What steps make up the process?

A typical turnkey project moves through five main stages:

1. Concept & survey: The need, brand identity and space dimensions are assessed.
2. 3D design & technical drawing: The space is first seen on screen in photorealistic visuals, then translated into technical drawings for production.
3. Fabrication: All decor elements of the approved design are produced in the workshop.
4. Logistics: Transport and — on overseas projects — customs documents are arranged.
5. Installation: The parts are assembled at the space and the project is handed over ready to use.

What's in scope — and what isn't?

Turnkey fit-out includes the entire decorative scheme of a space: furniture, counters and banks, wall and ceiling claddings, the shop window, shelving systems, lighting and decorative fabrication. The decorative finishes of areas such as the toilet are also within this scope.

By contrast, shell construction, wall finishes such as plaster-render-paint, and infrastructure work such as water and electrical installations are generally outside the fit-out scope. In other words, the fit-out team enters a space that is structurally ready and turns it into the brand.

The advantage of single-source work

Concentrating responsibility at a single point is decisive for both time and quality. The design team and the production team being the same ensures the detail seen in the drawing is matched exactly in production; it eliminates surprises and "who did this" disputes.

Who is it for?

For anyone opening a new café, restaurant or store, or wanting to renew an existing space, the turnkey model is the method that most simplifies the process — and for those running a project in a different city or country in particular, it provides great convenience by making remote management possible.