Question 1

What is a make good clause in a commercial lease?

Accepted Answer

A make good clause sets out what you're required to do when your lease ends. Usually that means removing your fitout, repairing damage and returning the space to its original condition. Every lease is different—read yours carefully.

Question 2

What is the difference between make good and make safe?

Accepted Answer

Make good is planned work at the end of a lease—restoring the space as required by your agreement. Make safe is urgent work after an incident—fire, flood, impact damage. It's about eliminating hazards and securing the site quickly.

Question 3

What does a make good typically include?

Accepted Answer

Removing tenant-installed partitions, signage and fixtures. Patching and painting walls. Reinstating ceilings and floors. Disconnecting and certifying electrical, data and mechanical services. For warehouses, it often includes racking removal and concrete floor repairs.

Question 4

What is a make good and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A make good is the process of returning a commercial space to its original or agreed condition at lease end. Most commercial leases have a make good clause. It's triggered when you vacate—whether at lease end, early termination or break clause.

Question 5

Who is responsible for make good requirements?

Accepted Answer

The tenant. In almost all commercial leases, you're responsible for the work and the cost. Check your lease to understand exactly what's required.

Question 6

What happens if I don't complete my make good?

Accepted Answer

The landlord can complete the work and bill you—usually at a premium. You may lose part or all of your bond. In some cases, they'll pursue legal action. Better to deal with it yourself.

Question 7

How much does a make good cost in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

It depends on size and scope. Office make goods typically run $100–$200 per square metre. Industrial spaces are often less. We quote after a site inspection—fixed price, no surprises.

Question 8

Who pays for the make good—tenant or landlord?

Accepted Answer

The tenant. In almost all commercial leases, you cover the cost.

Question 9

Can I negotiate my make good costs with the landlord?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some landlords will accept a cash settlement instead of physical works—especially if they're planning to refurbish anyway. Others may agree to a reduced scope. We can help you work through the options.

Question 10

How can I reduce my make good costs?

Accepted Answer

Plan early. Get a clear scope agreed with your landlord before work starts. Negotiate what actually needs reinstating. And get it done right the first time—rework is expensive.

Question 11

Do you price match or have a price promise?

Accepted Answer

No. We don't compete on price. We provide fair, fixed-price quotes based on quality work, licensed trades and proper project management.

Question 12

What's the difference between a quote and an estimate?

Accepted Answer

An estimate is a rough guess that can change. A quote is a fixed price for a defined scope. We provide fixed-price quotes. Once we agree on the scope, the price is locked.

Question 13

How long does a make good take?

Accepted Answer

Small office strip-out: 1–2 weeks. Large warehouse restoration: 4–8 weeks. It depends on size, complexity and coordination with the landlord.

Question 14

When should I start planning my make good?

Accepted Answer

At least 3–6 months before your lease ends. That gives you time for inspections, scope agreement, quotes and scheduling without rushing.

Question 15

What is your make good process?

Accepted Answer

1. Free consultation—we review your lease and inspect the site. 2. Detailed quote—fixed price, no surprises. 3. Scope agreement—we finalise requirements with you and the landlord. 4. Execution—we complete the work to the agreed standard. 5. Documentation and handover—full records, final inspection coordinated.

Question 16

How quickly will you respond to my enquiry?

Accepted Answer

Within 24 hours on business days. For urgent make safe situations, often the same day.

Question 17

Do I need to be on site for the quote inspection?

Accepted Answer

Helpful, but not essential. We can coordinate access with your building manager. Having someone who knows the site available helps us understand your requirements.

Question 18

Do you handle make safe or urgent works?

Accepted Answer

Yes—during business hours. We secure sites after fire, flood or impact damage. We eliminate hazards and make the property safe. We don't offer 24/7 emergency call-outs.

Question 19

What types of properties do you service?

Accepted Answer

Commercial and industrial properties across Melbourne. Offices, retail, warehouses, factories and mixed-use buildings. Small office suites to large distribution centres.

Question 20

What areas of Melbourne do you service?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne and surrounding areas. CBD, inner suburbs, outer growth corridors and industrial precincts.

Question 21

Can you work outside business hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when required. Often necessary in occupied buildings or retail environments. We'll discuss scheduling during the quoting process.

Question 22

What is building remediation and when is it needed?

Accepted Answer

Remediation is rectifying defects or damage—structural issues, water ingress, concrete spalling and cracking. It's needed when the problem affects the building's safety, integrity or compliance.

Question 23

Does my building need cladding rectification?

Accepted Answer

If your building has combustible cladding, it may not meet current fire safety standards. We can assess the situation and advise on removal and replacement with compliant materials.

Question 24

My building has water leaks—can you fix them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We find the source, repair the damage and restore affected areas. Water damage left untreated leads to bigger problems.

Question 25

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fully licensed, with public liability and workers' compensation coverage. Certificates of currency available on request.

Question 26

What documentation do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Before and after photos, compliance certificates, electrical and fire safety test reports, waste disposal receipts and a final handover checklist. Everything you need for a clean handover.

Question 27

Do you provide free quotes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free site inspection, lease review and detailed fixed-price quote. No obligation.

Question 28

What information do you need for a quote?

Accepted Answer

Your lease agreement (especially the make good clause ), property address, approximate floor area and any landlord requirements. If you don't have everything, we'll work with what you have and clarify the rest on site.

Question 29

Do you have a contact number or physical address?

Accepted Answer

We don't have a public phone number or office. Contact us via email at info@makegood.melbourne. We respond during business hours.

Question 30

What if my landlord disputes the make good works?

Accepted Answer

Agree on a clear scope in writing before work starts. That's the best way to avoid disputes. If one arises, our documentation—photos, certificates and records—shows the work was completed to standard.

Question 31

What happens if the make good isn't completed on time?

Accepted Answer

Holdover rent. Often significantly higher than standard rent. Landlords may also claim damages. We schedule carefully and build in contingency to finish on time.

Question 32

Can I do my own make good instead of hiring professionals?

Accepted Answer

You can try, but it's not recommended. Landlords usually require licensed trades for electrical, plumbing and fire safety work. You'll need proper documentation and compliance certificates. A poor job leads to disputes and extra costs.

Question 33

Do you guarantee that my bond will be returned?

Accepted Answer

No. That's the landlord's decision. Our job is to complete the work to the required standard and provide documentation that supports a successful handover.

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