Why an End-of-Lease Make Good Is Essential & How to Approach It the Right Way
When the lease on your office or commercial space is coming to an end, one crucial task often catches tenants off guard: the end-of-lease make good. This process—returning the premises to its original condition—can be time-consuming, costly, and complex if not handled properly.
At Zinfinity Projects, we’ve seen how a well-executed make-good can save businesses thousands of dollars, avoid disputes with landlords, and ensure a smooth transition. In this blog, we’ll cover:
✅ Why end-of-lease make good is essential
✅ The best approach to completing it efficiently
✅ How to minimize costs and disruption
Why Is an End-of-Lease Make Good Essential?
- It’s a Legal Obligation in Most Commercial Leases
📌 Most commercial lease agreements include a “make good” clause, requiring tenants to restore the property to its original state before vacating. Failing to comply could result in:
- Legal disputes with the landlord
- Loss of your security deposit
- Significant penalties and additional charges
- Avoids Costly Landlord-Imposed Repairs
📌 If you don’t complete the make-good, your landlord may hire their own contractors at premium rates—and charge you well above market costs.
💡 Pro Tip: It’s often cheaper and more controlled to manage the make-good yourself by hiring a professional fit-out and refurbishment company.
- Helps Secure Future Lease Agreements
📌 If you leave a property in poor condition, it could damage your reputation as a tenant, making it harder to negotiate favorable lease terms in the future. Landlords prefer tenants who respect their lease obligations.
💡 Pro Tip: A well-documented and professionally executed make-good can leave a positive impression, which may help in securing better terms on future leases.
4. Ensures a Smooth & Stress-Free Exit
📌 Leaving make-good obligations until the last minute can cause unnecessary stress, operational disruptions, and rushed decision-making. A structured approach ensures a hassle-free exit with minimal business downtime.
💡 Pro Tip: Start planning your make-good process at least 3-6 months before your lease expires to allow for a cost-effective and efficient transition.
Best Way to Approach an End-of-Lease Make Good
1. Review Your Lease Agreement & Clarify Obligations
📑 Step 1: Carefully review your lease contract to understand:
The exact condition the space must be returned to
Specific requirements for fixtures, flooring, partitions, ceilings, signage, and branding
Whether you need to remove fit-outs, repaint, or repair walls and floors
💡 Pro Tip: If anything is unclear, consult with a legal or lease expert to avoid unnecessary work or overlooked obligations.
2. Conduct a Detailed Inspection
🔎 Step 2: Perform a thorough inspection of the premises to assess what needs to be restored, removed, or repaired.
🚀 Common Make-Good Tasks Include:
✅ Demolition & Rubbish Removal – Removing partitions, workstations, and built-in fit-outs
✅ Flooring, Walls & Ceilings – Restoring carpets, tiles, and repainting walls
✅ Air Conditioning & Mechanical – Decommissioning HVAC systems if required
✅ Electrical & Lighting – Ensuring lights, power points, and cabling are returned to base condition
✅ Signage & Branding – Removing business logos and decals
✅ Security & Fire Systems – Resetting alarms, security systems, and fire safety equipment
💡 Pro Tip: Create a checklist to ensure every aspect is covered and nothing is left to the last minute.
3. Hire a Professional Make-Good Contractor
👷 Step 3: Instead of managing multiple trades yourself, hiring a professional fit-out contractor like Zinfinity Projects ensures:
Fast and efficient project completion
Compliance with lease obligations and safety standards
Cost savings through bundled services
Minimal disruption to your business operations
💡 Pro Tip: Look for a company with experience in office refurbishments, demolitions, and reinstatements for a seamless and hassle-free process.
4. Schedule Work to Minimize Business Disruption
📅 Step 4: Plan the make-good process in stages, ensuring:
Your business operations remain unaffected for as long as possible
Work is completed before your final lease deadline
Key tasks like electrical decommissioning and waste removal are scheduled efficiently
💡 Pro Tip: If you have strict lease exit deadlines, work with a contractor who can fast-track work without compromising quality.
5. Conduct a Final Inspection with the Landlord
🔍 Step 5: Once all make-good work is completed, conduct a walkthrough with the landlord to confirm that the property meets the required condition.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a record of all work completed with photos and documentation in case any disputes arise.
How to Minimize Costs in an End-of-Lease Make Good
✅ Plan Early – Avoid last-minute rush fees and penalties
✅ Work with a Full-Service Fit-Out Provider – Save money by bundling services instead of hiring multiple trades
✅ Negotiate with the Landlord – Some landlords may allow partial reinstatement instead of full make-good
✅ Use Quality Contractors – Avoid rework by choosing experienced professionals
At Zinfinity Projects, we offer cost-effective, compliant, and hassle-free end-of-lease make-good solutions, ensuring you exit smoothly and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Final Thoughts – Make Your Lease Exit Hassle-Free
An end-of-lease make-good is not just a formality—it’s a legal and financial responsibility. By planning ahead, hiring the right professionals, and managing costs efficiently, you can fulfill your obligations without stress.
At Zinfinity Projects, we specialize in end-of-lease restorations, handling everything from demolition to repainting, electrical decommissioning, and final inspections.
📞 Need help with your make-good? Contact Zinfinity Projects today for a free consultation! 🚀
