What Does an Office Interior Actually Cost in Dhaka?
One of the first questions businesses ask before starting an office fit-out is:“How much will our office interior cost per sqft in Dhaka?”
The simple answer is:It depends on what you want to build.
A startup office designed for a small team, a growing company’s workplace, and a corporate headquarters may all have the same floor size but completely different interior requirements.
The difference comes from:
- material specification
- furniture quality
- layout complexity
- electrical and MEP requirements
- branding requirements
- meeting room requirements
- timeline pressure
Based on commercial interior projects we have worked on in Dhaka, office interior costs commonly fall within approximately:
BDT 1,500 – 3,500 per sqft
However, this number should not be viewed as a fixed price.
It represents different levels of office fit-out quality, functionality and customization.
A lower sqft rate does not always mean a cheaper project.
Sometimes it simply means fewer items are included.
This guide explains what actually affects office interior cost in Dhaka and how businesses can choose the right fit-out approach for their needs.
What Does Office Interior Cost Per Sqft Include?
Before comparing prices, it is important to understand what a commercial interior package usually covers.
A complete office fit-out may include:
Civil & Partition Work
- gypsum or glass partitions
- wall preparation
- flooring preparation
- minor layout modifications
Electrical & MEP Work
- wiring
- switchboards
- lighting circuits
- AC provisions
- power distribution
Ceiling & Lighting
- false ceiling
- recessed lights
- decorative lighting
- lighting zones
Flooring
Depending on specification:
- tiles
- vinyl flooring
- carpet
- engineered flooring
Workstation & Basic Furniture
- employee desks
- chairs
- storage units
- basic cabinetry
Painting & Wall Finishing
- surface preparation
- paint system
- feature walls
- finishing work
What Is Usually Not Included in Basic Per-Sqft Pricing?
This is where many businesses misunderstand quotations.
Two companies may quote different prices because they include different scopes.
Additional items may include:
Advanced IT Infrastructure
- server room setup
- networking infrastructure
- video conferencing systems
Branding Elements
- large logo walls
- custom signage
- corporate graphics
Premium Furniture
- custom reception desks
- executive furniture
- designer furniture pieces
Backup Power Solutions
- generator systems
- large inverter systems
- UPS integration
Special Requirements
- acoustic treatment
- showroom-style spaces
- specialized lighting systems
Before comparing quotations, always check:
“What exactly is included in this sqft rate?”
Understanding Office Interior Cost Tiers in Dhaka
Instead of looking at one price number, businesses should think in terms of three major fit-out levels.
1. Economy Office Interior
Approximate Range:
BDT 1,500 – 2,000/sqft
Best suited for:
- startups
- small offices
- businesses prioritizing functionality
Typically includes:
- standard workstation setup
- basic partitions
- simple lighting
- standard flooring
- functional furniture
The goal:
Create a practical workplace with controlled investment.
This option works well for businesses that need to become operational quickly and may upgrade the office later.
2. Mid-Range Office Interior
Approximate Range:
BDT 2,000 – 2,800/sqft
Best suited for:
- growing companies
- SMEs
- businesses with regular client visits
Typically includes:
- improved workstation design
- better material finishes
- layered lighting
- meeting rooms
- professional reception area
- better flooring options
This tier is often chosen by businesses that want the office to feel professional without moving into a fully customized corporate environment.
The focus is:
Balance between cost, functionality and brand impression.
3. Premium Office Interior
Approximate Range:
BDT 2,800 – 3,500/sqft
Best suited for:
- corporate offices
- headquarters
- client-facing businesses
- premium brand environments
Typically includes:
- custom reception areas
- executive cabins
- premium finishes
- acoustic solutions
- advanced lighting design
- customized furniture
At this level, the office becomes more than a workplace.
It becomes part of the company’s brand experience.
Why Do Two Offices With the Same Size Have Different Costs?
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings in commercial interior projects.
A 5,000 sqft office does not automatically cost the same as another 5,000 sqft office.
The final cost depends on what is inside that space.
1. Layout Changes
A simple open workstation layout requires less work.
But adding:
- cabins
- meeting rooms
- glass partitions
- collaboration spaces
increases complexity.
2. Furniture Specification
Furniture is one of the biggest cost differences.
A basic workstation and a custom-designed workstation may look similar from a distance, but the materials, hardware and manufacturing process can be completely different.
3. Electrical & MEP Requirements
Businesses with higher technical requirements may need:
- additional power points
- server rooms
- dedicated electrical systems
- backup integration
These requirements can significantly affect cost.
4. Ceiling & Lighting Design
A simple ceiling with standard lights and a layered lighting system create very different experiences.
Premium offices often require:
- lighting zones
- decorative fixtures
- acoustic ceiling solutions
5. Project Timeline
A shorter deadline can increase cost.
Why?
Because completing a project faster may require:
- additional manpower
- parallel execution
- faster procurement
- tighter coordination
What Helps Keep Office Interior Cost Under Control?
A controlled budget does not always mean choosing the cheapest option.
It means making smart decisions.
Keep Existing Layout Where Possible
Major civil changes increase cost.
Working with the existing floor structure can reduce unnecessary expenses.
Choose Modular Furniture Where Suitable
Fully customized furniture provides more flexibility but usually requires more investment.
Modular solutions can provide a balance between cost and functionality.
Plan Electrical and Lighting Early
Changing electrical decisions after finishing work begins can create unnecessary rework.
Use a Phased Fit-Out Approach
Some companies prefer:
Phase 1:
- essential workspace
- workstation
- electrical
- basic finishing
Phase 2:
- premium branding
- upgraded furniture
- additional design elements
This approach helps manage cash flow.
Why Is a Detailed BOQ Important Before Starting?
A common mistake businesses make is comparing only the final quotation amount.
Example:
Company A:
BDT 2,000/sqft
Company B:
BDT 2,500/sqft
The cheaper quotation may look attractive.
But the real question is:
What does each quotation include?
A proper BOQ should clearly mention:
- materials
- quantities
- specifications
- included work
- excluded work
A transparent BOQ helps businesses compare quotations fairly.
How to Choose the Right Office Interior Budget?
Ask these questions:
Do You Need a Functional Workplace or a Brand Experience?
A back-office operation and a client-facing headquarters have different priorities.
How Long Will You Use This Office?
A temporary workspace may require different investment compared to a long-term headquarters.
How Important Are Client Impressions?
For some businesses, the office itself communicates:
- credibility
- professionalism
- brand identity
Are You Planning Future Growth?
A good office design should consider:
- employee growth
- additional workstations
- future meeting requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average office interior cost per sqft in Dhaka?
Office interior costs in Dhaka commonly vary between approximately BDT 1,500–3,500 per sqft depending on material quality, furniture specification, civil requirements, MEP work and customization level.
The final cost depends on the actual project scope.
Does office interior cost include furniture?
It depends on the quotation.
Some packages include workstation furniture and basic storage, while premium furniture, executive furniture or custom pieces may be calculated separately.
Always confirm the exact scope.
Why are two office interior quotations different?
Different quotations may vary because of:
- material quality
- furniture specification
- included services
- project management scope
- electrical and MEP requirements
The lowest quotation is not always the lowest total project cost.
How can businesses reduce office interior costs?
Businesses can control cost by:
- finalizing design early
- avoiding unnecessary layout changes
- choosing suitable materials
- planning electrical work properly
- using phased execution where practical
Is premium office interior worth the investment?
It depends on the business.
For companies where clients, investors or employees regularly experience the office environment, premium design elements may provide additional value.
The Right Office Interior Budget Depends on the Right Scope
Office interior cost in Dhaka is not just a number per sqft.
It represents:
- design complexity
- material quality
- workplace requirements
- employee experience
- brand presence
A successful office fit-out starts by understanding what your business actually needs not by choosing the lowest number.
The right approach is:
Define your requirements → Choose the right specification → Prepare a transparent BOQ → Execute with proper planning.
Planning a commercial office interior project in Dhaka?
RDS Interior provides complete commercial interior design solutions including planning, design development, BOQ preparation and execution support.
Contact RDS Interior to discuss your office requirements and create a fit-out plan aligned with your business goals.
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