Guide to Cafe Fit Out Costs in Brisbane
You’ve found the perfect spot for your cafe. Now comes the big question, “How much to fit out a café so it opens on time, looks on-brand and passes all approvals the first go?”
Get this wrong and your coffee shop fit out can blow your buffer out of proportion. Get it right and you’ll create a durable, compliant space that pays you back in speed, service and repeat customers.
In this guide,
Laity Building shares what actually drives cafe fit out costs in Brisbane, the timeline factors that matter and practical tips to budget smartly, so you can plan with confidence.
What Is a Cafe Fit-Out?
A cafe fit-out is the build-phase work that turns an empty shell into a working hospitality venue. It typically includes:
- Base Building Works: demolition/strip-out, make-good, partitions, ceilings, wall linings
- Services: electrical (power, lighting, switchboard), plumbing/hydraulics (waste, water, grease management), mechanical (HVAC and ventilation), fire services
- Joinery & Fixtures: counters, benches, banquette seating, shelving, POS counters, menu boards
- Finishes: flooring, wall finishes, paint, feature cladding, acoustic treatments, lighting
- Amenities & Features: dishwash, storage, staff area, accessible facilities where required
What it usually
doesn’t include: loose equipment (espresso machine, grinders, refrigeration, ovens), smallwares, initial inventory, branding, licensing fees and most landlord legal costs.
Key Drivers of Café Fit-Out Costs in Brisbane
Below, we break down the key drivers that influence how much your café fit-out will cost in Brisbane. Understanding these will help you avoid unexpected expenses and plan smarter.
Size and Layout
Floor area is the biggest cost driver. More square metres mean more finishes, cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical runs.
Quality of Materials & Finishes
Durable and commercial-grade finishes cost more upfront but reduce maintenance over time. Bespoke steelwork, stone benchtops, and feature lighting all increase café fit-out costs but can add brand value and longevity.
Design & Architecture Fees
Good drawings save money. Detailed documentation, joinery drawings, and 3D visuals prevent rework, reduce errors on-site, and help with council and landlord approvals.
Services & Compliance
Cafés are heavily service-based environments. Layouts must comply with accessibility, fire, and health codes. In Brisbane, you’ll also need to consider food business licensing and trade-waste systems for cooking or dishwashing areas.
Site Conditions & Renovation Complexity
Hidden surprises can affect cost. In shopping centres, noise restrictions or after-hours work add labour premiums. Streetfront cafés may need traffic control for deliveries or façade works.
Labour & Market Rates
Trade availability and labour demand affect fit-out pricing. Brisbane’s strong construction pipeline (particularly in the CBD, Fortitude Valley, and inner suburbs) can tighten trade availability and impact project timelines.
Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Price for a Café Fit-Out
Every Brisbane café fit-out is unique.
A 45 m² espresso bar in the CBD and a 120 m² corner café in West End will vary significantly in scope and cost.
Cookie-cutter estimates don’t work because:
- Tenancy rules, landlord works, and base-build conditions differ greatly.
- Design choices and vision affect both budget and outcome.
Premium materials, acoustic treatments, and bespoke joinery increase your coffee shop fit-out cost but also enhance customer experience and brand presence.
How to Get an Accurate Café Fit-Out Cost in Brisbane
1. Start with a Site Inspection
Inspect the tenancy to assess size, existing services, and access for trades and deliveries.
2. Share Your Vision and Business Model
Your menu and service style dictate your layout and equipment. A café serving hot food needs different services than a coffee-only kiosk.
3. Request a Detailed, Itemised Proposal
Ask for trade breakdowns and clear inclusions/exclusions to ensure quotes are comparable.
4. Allow a Contingency
Always keep a 10–20% buffer to cover unforeseen conditions or compliance upgrades during approvals.
Hidden Café Fit-Out Costs Many People Forget
Even the most organised café owners can overlook small costs that add up quickly.
Permits & Council Approvals
Licensing for food business operations, outdoor dining, signage, and building approvals can add thousands and extend your opening date if not planned early.
Fire Safety & Compliance
Emergency lighting, exit signage, fire extinguishers, blankets, and sprinkler system modifications are required under the Building Code of Australia.
Insurance & Warranties
Construction insurance, post-handover warranties, and regular maintenance costs are often underestimated in initial budgets.
Ongoing Services
HVAC servicing, grease-trap cleaning, pest control, and deep cleans protect compliance but increase operating expenses.
Utility Upgrades
Many Brisbane cafés require upgrades to electrical capacity, gas meters, or hot-water systems when converting a shell tenancy to food service.
How to Budget Smartly: Tips to Maximise ROI
A clear plan helps you control fit out costs without dulling your brand. Use these practical tips to stretch every dollar.
Prioritise Brand Element
Identify the elements that shape first impressions (lighting, seating comfort and flow) and invest on those before anything else.
Spend Where It Pays Back
Allocate premium materials to high-wear zones and guest-facing surfaces, then choose cost-effective, quality options for back-of-house and decorative elements.
Save Smart
Standardise hardware, choose commercial-grade but cost-effective finishes and reserve custom work for one or two main elements.
Phase Features
Start with must-haves that meet compliance and service flow, then stage nice-to-haves once revenue stabilises.
Source Locally
Local suppliers cut lead times, reduce freight risk and simplify warranty support, which can lower total coffee shop fit out cost.
Get Comparable Quotes
Seek like-for-like, itemised quotes from licensed builders and keep a 10–20% contingency to absorb latent conditions without sacrificing design intent.
Conclusion
Brisbane café projects don’t follow a single template. Costs vary with service complexity, material choices and the realities of your tenancy, which is why the smartest path is to consult an expert builder and schedule a site inspection.
With a realistic budget, an allowance for contingencies and the right team, you protect timelines and deliver a space that works hard from day one without compromising brand or guest comfort.
If you want a builder who treats budget and brand with equal care, talk to Laity Building. We deliver retail fitout, daycare centre fitout and office fitout projects with transparent pricing, tight coordination and finishes that stand up to daily use.
Key Takeaways
- Scope, services and finish quality drive coffee shop fit out costs more than anything else.
- Accurate pricing starts with a site inspection, clear design and an itemised proposal.
- Keep 10–20% budget contingencies to cover price fluctuations.
- Prioritise ergonomics and durability in high-wear zones and phase the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost per square metre to fit out a café in Brisbane?
Per-m² figures vary with size, services and finishes, so there isn’t a one-number answer to the question “How much to fit out a café?” The only accurate way is a site inspection and an itemised scope. Contact our team for a tailored range that fits your tenancy and concept.
What is included in a café fit-out and what isn’t?
Typically included: demolition/strip-out, partitions/ceilings, electrical, custom joinery and finishes. Usually excluded from a cafe fit out: loose equipment (espresso machine, grinders, refrigeration), smallwares, initial stock, branding and most licensing/legal fees. Ask our team for the exact inclusions/exclusions of our fitout service.
How much should I budget for design fees?
Design/documentation scales with complexity. Rather than a generic pricing, book a consultation for a precise figure.
What costs are associated with council approvals and compliance?
Expect application fees and potential upgrades (eg. emergency lighting/exit signage, trade waste connections). Requirements depend on your tenancy and menu. We’ll outline likely compliance items after a site walk. Reach out to us for a checklist specific to your Brisbane location.
What quality of materials gives the best long-term value?
Commercial-grade floors in high-wear zones, moisture-resistant substrates in wet areas and durable counter surfaces typically reduce maintenance. We’ll recommend finishes that match your brand and traffic profile.
How long does a café fit-out typically take in Brisbane?
Timelines depend on approvals, lead times and scope of the project. Kiosks differ from dine-in venues. After a site inspection, we’ll map a realistic timeline tailored to your project.
How much contingency budget should I allocate?
Set aside 10–20% of your total fit-out budget. Aim closer to 10–15% for newer “warm shell” tenancies with clear documentation and 15–20% for older buildings, complex services upgrades or centre-managed sites with stricter approvals.
Can I reduce costs by doing some work myself or sourcing second-hand?
Yes, owner-supplied loose items (like furniture) and carefully sourced second-hand pieces can trim costs, as long as licensed trades still handle electrical, plumbing and fire-safety work.
At Laity Building, we love weaving in reclaimed materials into our work. Not just because they’re eco-friendly, but because they’re often more cost-effective and durable for café setup. Thoughtful upcycling also adds instant character and a unique vibe that many customers would want without paying a premium for “distressed” finishes.
