Defit vs Makegood vs Stripouts - What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Actually Need

1. Defit vs Makegood vs Stripouts: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Actually Need? If you’re running a business in Western Australia and wrapping up a lease, you’ve likely hit a wall trying to figure out if you need a defit, makegood, or full stripout. Don’t treat them as interchangeable. The difference between defit vs makegood vs stripouts isn’t just technical—it determines whether you’ll hand back the keys with zero issues or get slapped with extra costs. What exactly is the difference between defit, makegood, and stripout? A professional defit involves removing tenant-installed elements like signage, flooring, counters, lighting, and even internal walls. It’s the soft demolition stage, done to clear out your unique additions. A commercial stripout digs deeper. It usually strips the site down to the bare shell—removing not just cosmetic features, but sometimes cabling, plumbing, and mechanical systems. You’ll often need this if your lease says “return to base building condition.”

2. Makegood goes a step further. It might include a defit or stripout, but it also covers repairs, repainting, patching, cleaning, and restoring surfaces. Makegood services bring the space back to a handover-ready state. In short, a makegood can include a defit and stripout, but not the other way around. How do I know which applies to my lease? Check your lease. If it says “remove all tenant works,” that calls for a professional defit. If it says “return to base building condition,” you’re probably in stripout territory. If it says “make good the premises,” you’ll need a combo of defit, stripout, and finishing. Landlords in Perth often expect a complete handover, which means you can’t skip any part of the process. The safe bet is working with Perth defit services that understand the full scope. Can a makegood include both a defit and a stripout?

3. Yes. Many makegood projects involve all three stages. For example, a retail fit-out with floor-to-ceiling shelving, feature lighting, and customised partitions will need a professional defit, a commercial stripout, and a clean finish. That’s the full makegood service. Trying to separate these jobs or hire different contractors for each piece? You’re asking for delays. It’s faster and cleaner to work with one team that handles it all. Why should I hire a specialist for this? Because this isn’t just about pulling down a few shelves. Mistakes can lead to failed inspections, withheld bonds, and conflicts with the landlord. A handyman or general tradesperson can miss critical steps—especially those involving compliance or site safety. Hiring an expert in Perth defit services means you get experienced pros who’ve worked on commercial tenancies, understand lease language, and won’t miss a detail. It’s about risk reduction and saving money long term.

4. What’s the cost of getting it wrong? High. Businesses that don’t understand the difference between defit vs makegood vs stripouts often overspend, run past deadlines, or lose part of their bond. Worse, they might face legal action if the lease isn’t met. In Perth, the margin for error is slim. Landlords and property managers expect clean, fast, and compliant exits. Trying to cut corners usually ends up costing more than hiring the right team in the first place. Final takeaway

5. If you’re leasing a commercial space in Perth, don’t wing the exit. Know the difference between defit, makegood, and stripouts—and understand what your lease is really asking for. Then, bring in a team that covers all three. A solid provider of Perth defit services will scope, quote, and deliver exactly what your landlord expects. They’ll help you wrap up without the stress, without the guesswork, and without the financial hit that comes from getting it wrong.