Short answer
Before you sign, check power load, AC, backup power and building rules. Then plan for 12 to 18 months of headcount, fix the space plan, and design power, data and the network room before ceilings and partitions go up. Get an itemised quote with milestones, and finish with a written handover checklist.
1. Before you sign the lease
- Power load: is the sanctioned load enough for your desks, AC and kitchen equipment?
- AC: central or split, who maintains it, and whether it runs after building hours.
- Backup power: what the building provides and what you must add yourself.
- Fit-out rules: many Bangalore commercial buildings limit noisy work to nights or weekends and need drawings approved first.
- Rent-free fit-out period: ask for enough time to finish the work before rent starts.
2. Headcount and growth
Count the people who will sit here today and in 12 to 18 months. Add a buffer of spare desks. Moving walls later costs far more than planning a few extra seats now.
3. Space plan
- Workstations: desk size, aisle widths and how teams sit together.
- Meeting rooms and phone booths: small teams on many calls need more small rooms than one big boardroom.
- Cabins: only where they are really needed. Glass partitions keep light flowing.
- Pantry and breakout area: water and drain points decide where these can go.
- Reception and storage: a small, clean reception and enough lockable storage.
4. Power, data and backup
- Power and network points at every desk, plus spares.
- Separate circuits for computers, AC and the pantry.
- UPS or backup power for the network, servers and key desks.
- Floor boxes or a raised floor if desks sit away from walls.
5. Server or network room
- Its own AC that runs all day and night.
- A dedicated power line with backup.
- Clear cable routes in the ceiling or floor, with labels.
- A lockable door and space for future racks.
6. Ceiling, lighting and acoustics
Grid ceilings over work areas keep AC ducts and cables reachable. Gypsum works for cabins, meeting rooms and reception. Our gypsum vs POP guide compares the options. Use neutral white light around 4000K for work areas and warmer light in breakout spaces. Add acoustic panels in meeting rooms so calls stay private. See false ceiling work and light fitting for detail.
7. Schedule and budget control
- Itemised quote: every item listed with brand, size and quantity, so quotes can be compared.
- Milestones: payments linked to finished stages, not dates.
- Long-lead items: order AC units, glass partitions and custom furniture early.
- One point of contact: a single team for design and build avoids gaps between vendors.
8. Handover checklist
- Every power and network point tested and labelled.
- AC, lights and backup power checked under load.
- Snag list walked through and closed.
- Warranties, drawings and maintenance contacts handed over.
- A deep clean before the team moves in.
We plan and build offices for startups and IT teams in Bengaluru. See office interiors in Bangalore.