Skip to content
Makan Al Najah

Guides

Refurbishing an office while it is in use

Many businesses cannot close for a refurbishment. The work is designed around the people who stay at their desks.

Arrange a walkthroughWhatsApp us
Open office floor with workstations, glass partitions and a suspended ceiling

Refurbishing an occupied office means dividing the floor into phases, moving teams temporarily, and protecting the working areas from dust and noise. Noisy work such as demolition and drilling is often scheduled outside office hours, subject to the building’s rules, while quieter work continues during the day behind screens.

Element pages explain one part of a larger renovation in detail: what is being chosen, what the installation involves, and where the cost and time usually sit.

IT is usually the hardest part. Moving a team means moving their network connections, and works near the comms room can disrupt everyone. Coordinating each phase with the IT provider keeps people working as they move.

What matters most on this page

  • Phase by zone

    One area at a time, with teams moved into finished or temporary space.

  • Noisy work out of hours

    Where the building permits, loud work happens before or after the working day.

  • Protect people and equipment

    Dust screens, sealed returns and clean routes keep working areas usable.

Running works in an occupied office

  • Temporary moves

    Hot desks or a temporary zone for teams displaced by each phase.

  • Safe routes

    Fire exits and walkways kept clear and separated from the work area.

  • Communication

    A weekly plan shared with staff so nobody arrives to a closed area unexpectedly.

Before planning the phases

  • Check building working hours

    When noisy work is allowed and how out-of-hours access works.

  • Involve IT early

    Network moves and comms room works are coordinated with each phase.

  • Agree a contact

    One person in the business to coordinate moves and messages.

Questions we are often asked

Does phasing make the project longer?

Usually, because each phase needs set-up and handover. It avoids closing the business, which is usually the bigger cost.

Can dust be kept out of working areas?

Largely, with sealed screens, protected AC returns and daily cleaning of shared routes.

Will we need to work from home?

Not necessarily. Many refurbishments are phased so the team stays in the office throughout.

Related guides

Start from commercial fit-out, browse the guides, or see all renovation and fit-out services. We work on homes and commercial premises across Dubai.

Tell us about the property

Tell us which room, which element and what is being replaced. We will confirm the measurements and the sequence that follows.

Next step

Plan a refurbishment around your team

Tell us how many people work on the floor and how flexible they can be. We will propose phases and working hours.

Arrange a walkthroughWhatsApp usCall +971 58 846 4007
Call usWhatsApp