Medical Fit-Out Checklist: What You Need Before Starting
Starting a medical fit-out project — whether it’s a brand-new clinic or a renovation — involves more than choosing paint colours and floorplans. From compliance and approvals to design decisions and construction planning, there’s a lot to manage.
This checklist will help ensure you’re fully prepared before your fit-out begins, so you can stay on time, on budget, and stress-free.
1. Business & Operational Planning
Before talking to builders or designers, be clear on:
- Your business goals (expansion, new services, etc.)
- Type of healthcare facility (GP, dental, specialist, allied health, radiology)
- Number of rooms and required functions (consult, treatment, waiting, admin)
- Projected patient volume and staffing
- Target open date
Why it matters: All design and compliance decisions will be guided by your operational goals.
2. Site Selection or Assessment
Already have a site? If not, you’ll need to consider:
- Zoning suitability for medical use
- Accessibility (parking, public transport)
- Visibility and signage potential
- Building condition (structural, services availability)
- Size and layout flexibility
Tip: Get a site feasibility assessment before signing a lease or purchase.
3. Budgeting and Funding
Create a realistic budget including:
- Design and approvals
- Construction and trades
- Joinery and fittings
- Medical equipment
- Furniture, IT, signage
- Contingency (10–15%)
Tip: Speak with your accountant about tax incentives (e.g. instant asset write-offs).
4. Regulatory Compliance & Approvals
Medical fit-outs in Australia must comply with:
- National Construction Code (NCC)
- Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
- Local council planning rules
- Building permits
- Health department regulations (if applicable)
Tip: Use a fit-out company experienced in healthcare to manage compliance from day one.
5. Engage the Right Team
Key professionals you may need:
- Medical fit-out designer
- Healthcare architect (for large projects)
- Project manager or builder
- Certifier/building surveyor
- Specialist consultants (e.g. accessibility, fire safety)
Tip: Choose professionals with proven healthcare experience — general commercial isn’t enough.
6. Design Brief & Space Planning
This step ensures your space is functional, efficient, and future-proof.
Include in your brief:
- Patient flow (entry to consult to exit)
- Staff circulation (back-of-house routes)
- Room sizes and adjacencies
- Storage needs
- Privacy and acoustics
- Infection control considerations
Tip: Good layout design will save you time and money long-term.
7. Services Coordination
Plan early for:
- Electrical and lighting layout
- Data and communications
- Plumbing (especially for dental or treatment rooms)
- Air conditioning and ventilation
- Security and access control
Tip: Map services to match the layout. Mistakes here are expensive to fix later.
8. Permits and Construction Timeline
Understand the steps and timelines:
- Concept design: 2–3 weeks
- Council approvals (if needed): 4–8 weeks
- Construction drawings and permits: 2–4 weeks
- Build phase: 6–12 weeks
- Fit-off and handover: 1–2 weeks
Tip: Start planning 3–6 months in advance to avoid rush decisions.
9. Equipment & Furniture Coordination
Ensure all medical equipment and furniture is ordered in time to fit your layout and power requirements.
Include:
- Beds, chairs, lighting
- Diagnostic or imaging equipment
- Admin desks, storage, shelving
- Practice management software, computers, phones
Tip: Share your equipment list with the designer early.
10. Marketing & Pre-Opening Prep
Final steps before launch:
- Organise signage and branding
- Set up patient management systems
- Train staff in the new environment
- Announce opening (socials, website, referrals)
- Schedule a soft opening or launch day
Tip: Take high-quality photos on launch day for your website and Google profile.
Need Help Starting Your Medical Fit-Out?
Soulmed specialises in turnkey fit-outs for GPs, dentists, specialists and allied health clinics. From concept to completion, we handle it all — so you can focus on patient care.
Book a free consultation now to discuss your goals and get started right.
