If you've been considering an office refurbishment or preparing for a fit-out for your new office space, you've probably encountered unfamiliar terminology.
In the commercial fit-out industry, Category A (Cat A) and Category B (Cat B) are two of the most common categories you will likely hear from suppliers when discussing the new design for your office space.
So what are Cat A and Cat B fit-outs? And what are the key differences between these categories?
What is an Office Fit Out?
An office fit-out is the process of transforming an empty space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing office environment.
This involves adding essential features and functions to a bare shell, preparing it for occupation.
Unlike office refurbishment, which focuses on updating an existing space, office fit-outs start from scratch, developing a new space entirely.
The fit-out process includes everything from installing mechanical and electrical systems to adding office design elements, ensuring the space meets the tenant's specific needs.
Whether it’s a Cat A or Cat B fit-out, the goal is to create an office space that enhances productivity and reflects the tenant’s brand identity.
Shell and Core Office Fit Out
A shell and core office fit-out is the foundational stage before any Cat A or Cat B layout.
It involves preparing the building’s basic infrastructure, ensuring it is structurally sound and ready for further development.
At this stage, the space is not yet usable as an office; it typically includes only the main cooling and heating equipment, fire systems, staircases, lifts, and common areas. Lighting, flooring, and air conditioning are not yet installed.
This ‘shell and core’ state provides a blank canvas for future fit-outs, allowing for the customisation and personalisation that will follow in the Cat A and Cat B stages.
What is a Cat A Fit Out?
Category A (Cat A) fit-outs follow the shell and core stage, which involves the basic structural components like concrete and metal frame.
This core fit-out installs the basic elements for office spaces to help the tenant visualise their desired layout and determine how they can take empty space and configure it for best use.
Landlords and developers typically instruct Cat A fit-outs to provide a ready-to-occupy ‘blank canvas,’ allowing the new tenant to customise the office space according to their operational needs and aesthetic preferences, including their brand identity.
What is included in a Cat A fit-out?
Typical features that would be covered within a typical Cat A office fit-out include;
● Basic mechanical and electrical (M&E) services, such as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, lighting and power outlets.
● Basic fire detection and alarm systems.
● Painted walls, plasterboard and other basic wall finishes.
● Raised flooring and suspended ceilings
● Basic facilities such as toilets and shower facilities.
● Internal doors and glazing
● Basic neutral finishes
What is a Cat B Fit Out?
A Category B (Cat B) fit-out takes an office space from the Cat A stage to a fully customised and operational space tailored to the tenants' specific needs and specifications.
This fit-out category focuses on making the internal space suitable, including interior design, furniture, and all necessary electrical systems and equipment.
Cat B fit-outs are typically instructed by the tenant, who will occupy the space due to the customisation of the design and build.
Facilities management also typically instructs fit-outs to create an environment tailored to their ideal customers, such as providing serviced office space for small businesses.
What is included in a Cat B fit-out?
Typical features that would be covered within a typical Cat B fit-out includes;
● Partition walls are used to create private office space, meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and other types of interior spaces.
● Install tenant-specific mechanical and electrical services such as additional lighting, power points and data cabling.
● Custom flooring such as carpet, hardwood or tiles.
● Installation of fixtures, fittings and equipment, including desks, chairs, storage and other office equipment.
● Interior design elements like branded wall graphics, paint colours and bespoke fittings tailored to the tenants' business.
● IT infrastructure including data cabling, server rooms and telecommunication systems.
● Kitchen facilities, staff areas, and other amenities such as shower rooms and wellness spaces.
Benefits of a Cat B Fit Out for Office Space
A Cat B fit-out offers numerous benefits for office spaces, making them fully functional and tailored to the tenant’s unique requirements.
This level of customisation includes everything from bespoke design elements and specific finishes to essential equipment and furniture. A Cat B fit-out ensures the space is ready for immediate occupation, providing a standout, client-friendly office environment.
Cat B fit-out helps attract and retain talent, boost employee morale, and enhance overall efficiency by creating a workspace that reflects the tenant's brand and operational needs.
A well-designed office can significantly improve the work experience, making employees feel more content and productive.
Sustainability in Cat B Fit-Outs
Sustainability is a crucial consideration in the office fit-out process.
Inefficiencies can lead to excessive resource consumption, so it’s essential to reduce waste and promote reuse.
One of the most sustainable practices is to reuse as much as possible between office fit-outs.
This can be achieved by leaving existing designs in place at the end of a lease, contributing to the modification costs for the next tenant, and using more durable materials.
By eliminating redundancies and opting for sustainable materials, companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact while still achieving a high-quality office fit-out.
Outside of the key differences mentioned above, Cat A fit-outs include essential features like raised floors, which are necessary for making an office space ready for occupancy.
The fit-out costs between categories vary considerably depending on your commercial fit-out requirements.
Cost Considerations
Typically, Cat A fit-outs cost less than Cat B office fit-outs per sq ft.
This is due to the general, more basic elements and finishes within a Cat A fit-out.
On the other hand, Cat B fit-outs involve extensive customisation of the space to create a functional office for the tenant, including numerous built rooms, custom items such
as joinery, wall coverings and brand detailing within the interior space.
Timeline and Project Duration
Due to the scope of work, the timelines for Cat A projects are generally shorter than those for the more customised Cat B space.
The Cat B fit-out process involves more detailed work, including an extensive design phase before the construction and installation work.
Flexibility
A Cat A fit-out offers high flexibility and customisation for incoming tenants. They receive a neutral, basic space that can be customised entirely to their needs.
This allows tenants to design and build the interior space from scratch, making it ideal for businesses with a specific vision or operational requirements.
However, due to their unique customisation, Cat B fit-outs provide limited flexibility once completed.
While they meet the current tenants' needs, any future changes and modifications, such as removing suspended ceilings or adding interior partitions or breakout spaces, could result in significant costs.
Regulatory and Compliance Factors
As the landlord or developer usually handles Cat A fit-outs, these parties handle the basic compliance responsibilities involving a Cat A fit.
Compliance for a core fit-out like these includes general building regulations, basic health and safety standards, and accessibility for shared areas. The stage does not need to comply with specific tenant needs or business activities.
On the other hand, a Cat B fit-out requires much more consideration to comply with regulations and standards specific to the tenant's intended use of space.
The tenant is responsible for ensuring the fit-out meets all necessary requirements, such as;
● Fire safety regulations
● Health and Safety
● Accessibility
● Industry-specific regulations
● Inspections and certifications
Base Interiors handles all regulatory requirements and ensures your design and build meet the correct standards. Contact us today to discuss your plans.
Choosing Between Cat A and Cat B Fit-Outs
Deciding between Cat A and Cat B fit-outs depends on several factors, including lease terms, budget, timeframe, and tenant requirements.
Cat A fit-outs provide a basic level of finish and functionality, offering a neutral space that tenants can customise to their needs. This option is typically less expensive and quicker to complete.
On the other hand, Cat B fit-outs allow for extensive customisation, enabling tenants to create a unique and productive work environment that reflects their brand identity.
While Cat B fit-outs involve higher costs and longer timelines, they offer a higher level of finish and personalisation, making them ideal for businesses with specific operational and aesthetic requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, the key differences between a Cat A and Cat B fit-out lie in their scope of work, purpose, cost, customisation, and readiness for occupation.
Cat A fit-outs provide a basic neutral foundation suitable for future tenant customisation, offering tenants flexibility in designing and adapting the space to their needs and wants.
However, Cat B office fit-outs create a fully finished, functional office layout tailored to the tenant's unique needs, brand identity, and operational requirements.
Base Interiors - Your Office Fit-Out Specialist
At Base Interiors, we specialise in bringing your office design ideas to life.
We offer a complete service for Cat A and Cat B office design and fit-out needs. We handle everything from initial conceptual ideas to final build, providing all the necessary components for a turnkey finish.
Do you have an upcoming project?
Chat with our team today to see how we can bring your ideas to life.
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