Makegood or Stripout: Which One Does Your Perth Lease Really Need?

If you're nearing the end of a commercial lease in Perth, there's a question you can’t afford to shrug off: makegood or stripout? Misunderstanding the difference doesn't just cause delays—it can put you in breach of your lease, trigger legal costs, and wipe out your bond.

Most landlords in Western Australia won't hold your hand through this. They expect compliance. So let’s break it down in business terms and show you how to handle it the smart way.

What’s the difference between makegood and stripout?

A stripout refers to removing everything added during your lease: partitions, ceiling grids, flooring, lighting, signage, and any non-essential plumbing or wiring. It’s about returning the space to its original shell.

Makegood, on the other hand, goes beyond that. It includes the stripout but also adds repairs, repainting, cleaning, and restoring finishes to a condition the lease demands. This could mean replacing damaged walls, patching drilled holes, or polishing floors. It’s essentially about handing the space back in a usable, compliant state.

Many businesses confuse one for the other. But here’s the reality: not every stripout includes makegood, but most makegoods will involve a stripout.

How do I know if my lease requires makegood or stripout?

Start with the lease terms. If it says “return to base building condition” or “original condition,” you're looking at a stripout. If it’s vaguer—something like “reasonable wear and tear excepted” or “clean and tidy”—you likely need a makegood.

Still unsure? That’s when a defit service in Perth becomes essential. They’ll interpret the clause, inspect the site, and give you a clear path forward.

What happens if I choose the wrong option?

Choosing incorrectly often leads to withheld bonds, rework orders, and missed deadlines. Landlords don't want excuses—they want handover-ready space. Many Perth businesses have learned this the hard way, especially when they skip a proper defit and makegood process.

A professional commercial makegood crew knows the local standards and how to meet them fast.

Can internal staff or a handyman handle makegood or stripout?

Not without serious risk. These jobs require coordination across multiple trades, waste management, and safety compliance. DIY defits often result in missed defects, unpatched damage, or delays that affect your exit schedule.

Professional shopfitters and warehouse defit crews don’t miss details. They’re built for this work and can often complete it in half the time without risking a landlord dispute.

How do I choose the right provider in Perth?

Look for companies that specialise in both defit services in Perth and end-to-end makegood. They should have proven experience, site-ready trades, and a portfolio across commercial, retail, and industrial spaces.

You want someone who can walk into a space and tell you—on the spot—what’s needed, how long it’ll take, and how to avoid unnecessary extras.

Final thought: makegood or stripout—what’s the right move?

If you’re still asking that question, don’t wing it. Get a detailed quote from a Perth-based provider that understands both stripout services and makegood execution. The right partner will decode your lease, assess your site, and prevent costly surprises.

Because in Perth’s commercial property market, if you don’t know the difference between makegood or stripout, your landlord will make the decision for you—and it usually won’t be cheap.