Melbourne Beauty & Barber Fitout Costs in 2024

Customers come for the expert cuts and flawless beauty treatments, but they return for the extraordinary experience. When that experience leaves a lasting impression, they're eager to share it with friends and on social media.

In today's world, simply offering top-notch services isn't enough to draw new clients to your door. If your beauty or barber shop's interior isn't inviting, unique and gives off a calming aura, you won't attract new customers or encourage your existing ones to rave about your brand online.

Outside of aesthetics—your beauty and barber shop needs to be practical for your team as well. Overlooking either aspect can lead to slower service times and dissatisfied clients.

If you feel your beauty or barber shop lacks that special something—or if you're in the process of setting up your space—it’s time to consider a new fitout. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential costs involved in fitting out your beauty and barber shop. We’ll also share common pitfalls encountered during the process and provide tips on how to avoid them, ensuring your shop becomes the go-to destination for clients seeking both excellent service and an unforgettable experience.

So how much do beauty and barber shop fitouts cost on average? 

Between $1500 - 3000 per sqm

Of course, when laying out a range like this there are a variety of factors that could put a fitout on the higher or lower ends of this range. Beauty salons can vary based on the services they offer, which can then influence furniture and equipment choices. Barber shop owners often will inject elements of their brand into their fitout design which also could impact the final cost. No one fitout is the same as another. 

In saying this, some basic features differentiate beauty and barber shop fitouts from other industries.

At the basic level, more joinery is usually required. Cabinets and wall-mounted workstations are standard installations. When getting beneath the surface though, a significant amount of time and expertise is spent on implementing essential services (e.g. plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.). 

These fitouts also carry a distinct brand aesthetic. Unlike some office fitouts, curb appeal holds higher importance, helping businesses stand out and attract new clients off the street. Wide windows also bring in much-needed light helping stylists get a complete view of their client’s hair. Business owners who have a distinct brand vision – or operate a franchise of beauty businesses – often opt for premium materials, fixtures, and furniture.

Lastly, beauty and barber shops need to be highly functional for workers and equally warm and welcoming to guests; all while doing this in a limited space. An exceptional fitout expert understands this and will balance all of these requirements within a reasonable budget.

Below are some of the more specific costs associated with beauty fitouts. 

• Joinery, Finishes, & Cabinetry: Includes storage and workstation cabinets, built-in seating, countertops, benches, floor substrates and the materials or upholstery involved.
• Exterior Facade Changes: At the higher end of the spectrum, external facade works can cost up to $30K (depending on the complexity of the changes).
• Furniture: Is it custom? Is it off the shelf? Are the materials expensive? In most cases, the more elaborate or custom your furniture is, the more it will cost.
• Shampoo Sinks & Wet Stations: Wet stations are a common installation in hair salons. Mop sink installation (if desired) starts around $1000. Keep in mind that furniture in these stations should have some level of waterproofing.

We know what you’re thinking, that’s a lot of costs to take in! As mentioned before, each beauty business is as unique as the next one, all with different needs and requirements to meet. We want to give you a clear picture of what you should consider. While some projects are significantly more complex than others, this is more of a rarity than the norm.

Now you know what to be on the lookout for, but what about those things a builder might not tell you about? Let’s explore them below.

Material Lead Time

Lead time for certain materials can vary. While materials can be sourced locally, some items may need to be imported. At Canopy Fitouts we take a comprehensive approach to quoting and building your fitout. We forecast lead times wherever possible, and will suggest alternatives if you desire a speedier completion. 

Regulatory Bodies

With any construction project, approval from regulatory bodies will be required. Rather than taking on council fees, permit plans, and the potential red tape involved, our team will assist you and ensure the process is seamless. Don’t let neglected paperwork hold up your fitout.

Asbestos

Asbestos is the most hidden issue on this list. While it may not be an issue for your fitout, we’ll never really know until we get started on the project. At Canopy, we’ll do all early leg work to catch signs of potential asbestos and will help you get a professional to decontaminate the premises quickly.

Hidden Costs

We recommend allocating at least 30% of your budget to cover hidden services like the ones above. We will be as upfront as possible in the early stages of your build to help you avoid these costs later on.

At Canopy Fitouts we believe in transparency at every stage of the fitout process, which is why we have no qualms with sharing the latest data we have about franchise and retail fitouts. Of course, franchises come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities so it’s best to speak to an expert first for further clarification on what costs will pertain to your business. If you have any specific questions or are ready to get started on your fitout, speak with our knowledgeable team today.