When it comes to designing or moving into a new office, understanding the different types of Office Fit-Out Services is crucial for making the right decision for your business.
Among the most commonly discussed types are Cat A and Cat B office fit-outs.
But what exactly do these terms mean, and when should each be considered?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between Cat A and Cat B office fit-outs, explain when each is appropriate, and provide some visuals to help clarify the concepts.
What is a Cat A Office Fit-Out?
A Cat A fit-out refers to the essential base construction of an office space, preparing it for occupation by a business.
Think of it as the “blank canvas” that includes the structural elements but leaves room for customisation based on the tenant’s specific needs.
Key Features of a Cat A Office Fit-Out:
- Basic Infrastructure: Includes basic lighting, ceiling, air conditioning, raised floors, and internal walls.
- Services: Electrical and data cabling, power outlets, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
- Partitioning: May include simple partitions, but not necessarily for dividing office spaces.
- Flooring: Basic flooring is laid down, but it may not be the high-end or customised flooring you’d want for your business.
When is a Cat A Fit-Out Appropriate?
A Cat A fit-out is typically appropriate when:
- You’re an office landlord preparing a space for tenants to move in and complete the fit-out themselves.
- You have the budget and time to design your own office environment according to your company’s needs.
- You’re leasing a building and want to create a customised office layout to match your brand or operational requirements.
What is a Cat B Office Fit-Out?
A Cat B fit-out takes the basic framework of a Cat A fit-out and tailors it further to meet the specific needs of the business moving into the space.
This is where the customisation happens, making the office more functional and aligned with the business’s operations and culture.
Key Features of a Cat B Office Fit-Out:
- Customised Layout: Walls, partitions, and layouts are designed based on the company’s specific needs, including office rooms, meeting spaces, and break areas.
- Branding: The fit-out includes elements that reflect the company’s branding, such as colour schemes, logos, and signage.
- Furniture: Installation of office furniture such as desks, chairs, storage solutions, and meeting room tables.
- Decoration & Finishing Touches: Carpet, wall coverings, bespoke lighting, and any aesthetic elements that improve the look and feel of the office space.
When is a Cat B Fit-Out Appropriate?
A Cat B fit-out is typically needed when:
- You have specific requirements that align with your company culture, branding, and team setup.
- You want a fully operational and ready-to-use office space for your business without having to design everything yourself.
- You’re moving into a Cat A space and want to tailor it to suit your operational needs, like creating meeting rooms, lounge areas, or collaborative spaces.
The Key Differences Between Cat A and Cat B Fit-Outs
To help visualise the differences, here’s a simple comparison chart:
| Aspect | Cat A Fit-Out | Cat B Fit-Out |
| Purpose | Provides a basic, functional office structure | Customises the space to meet business-specific needs |
| Scope | Infrastructure only (basic) | Fully finished office with furniture, décor, etc. |
| Flexibility | Less flexibility for design | Complete flexibility for layout, branding, and features |
| Who’s it for | Landlords, property developers | Businesses needing a tailored workspace |
| Typical Costs | Lower cost as it only includes the basics | Higher cost due to customisation and installation |
When to Choose Cat A vs. Cat B
Choosing between a Cat A and Cat B fit-out depends on your specific needs and whether you’re the landlord or the tenant.
Here’s a quick guide:
Choose a Cat A Fit-Out if:
- You’re leasing office space and want to take the next step in customising it.
- You’re a landlord who wants to provide a basic, ready-to-use shell for tenants.
- You have a budget that doesn’t include full customisation.
Choose a Cat B Fit-Out if:
- You’re looking to create a fully functional and customised office space for your business.
- You need a design that reflects your company’s culture and branding.
- You want a space that’s ready to be used with all the necessary furniture and layout considerations.
Conclusion
Both Cat A and Cat B office fit-outs serve important functions in preparing a commercial space for use, but they cater to different needs.
Cat A provides the foundation for a business to take over and design their own space, while Cat B is about taking that foundation and creating a fully customised office that matches the company’s needs and culture.
Understanding these differences will help you make the right decision for your business when choosing or designing your next office.
About Bluewood Interiors
Bluewood Office Interiors is an office design and fit-out specialist based in Ocean Village, Southampton. We help businesses transform their spaces into highly functional spaces where their teams can work and collaborate.
At Bluewood, no two office spaces are the same. We work with you to create a space bespoke to your business, that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
Want to learn more about our recent projects and how we can help transform your business environment?
Get in touch with our expert team today at info@bluewoodinteriors.co.uk or give us a call on 02380 001 167.