Use the finished layout
Mark counters, desks, displays, storage and circulation routes. Identify each piece of fixed equipment and its electrical requirements. Avoid retaining points merely because they suited the previous occupant or furniture arrangement.
Show the tasks that need light, including screen work and product displays. Power and lighting decisions should use the same drawing so accessories remain accessible after the fit-out.
Identify the responsible people
Identify the responsible people
Provide the site contact and any landlord, managing-agent or facilities requirements. Explain who can authorise changes, arrange access and confirm isolation periods.
Before the fit-out starts, establish who coordinates contractors, supplies site information and authorises changes. Commercial clients have project-management responsibilities, even on a small job; the arrangements should suit the work and people involved.
Describe what must stay operational
Describe what must stay operational
List affected equipment, restricted areas and any services that cannot be interrupted without planning. Discuss whether work requires stages, access outside trading hours or an agreed closure.
Agree out-of-hours attendance and any closure periods before the move or reopening date. The safe sequence, access permissions and affected systems determine the programme; normal opening hours alone do not settle it.
Set the boundaries and handover
Set the boundaries and handover
List networking, signs, alarms and other specialist systems alongside the fixed power. Identify who supplies, connects and commissions each one so gaps between contractors do not emerge at handover.
Ask what testing, records and updated information will be provided. Keep completed work, outstanding items and any restrictions clear at handover so the next contractor or occupier understands the installation.
Your planning checklist
- Current fit-out and equipment drawing
- Landlord permissions and site contact
- Access, trading hours and isolation limits
- Other contractors and system boundaries
- Testing, records and handover date
Questions answered
What should an electrical brief for a shop or office refit contain?
Include the current layout, proposed furniture or displays, equipment specifications and planned working hours. Mark systems that must stay operational and identify building or landlord restrictions. Add existing electrical records where available, then name the people responsible for fit-out decisions and coordinating changes across the trades.
Ask Max about thisCan a business stay open while its electrics are altered?
It depends on the affected circuits, safe access and ability to separate customers or staff from the work. Plan isolation and restart with the responsible team before booking. A staged approach may be possible, but opening hours alone do not establish that the work can proceed safely around occupants.
Ask Max about thisDoes a shop electrical quote normally include tills, networking and alarms?
Only where they are explicitly included. The fixed supply for equipment is different from installing or commissioning the specialist system itself. Agree who supplies, connects and commissions each item so the fit-out programme covers the work between contractors.
Ask Max about thisWhen should final counter and desk positions be agreed?
Before fixed routes, floor boxes or joinery make changes harder. Confirm dimensions, equipment locations and usable access to outlets on one current plan. If the layout changes, tell the electrician and other affected contractors promptly so revised work and any cost or programme effects can be agreed.
Ask Max about thisWhat should be considered before an electrical shutdown during a refit?
Identify affected circuits and connected systems, including IT, access controls and any essential equipment. Agree shutdown and restart responsibilities with their owners or specialists, and tell staff about the planned interruption. Testing and handover need sufficient time in the programme alongside installation, rather than relying on an assumed reopening deadline.
Ask Max about thisFurther reading
These references explain the relevant safety and building guidance. Building Regulations guidance here applies to England.
Updated 24 October 2026.