CAT A Office Fit Out

What is a CAT A Office Fit Out?

A Category A fit out (CAT A) is a strategic move, whether you’re a business looking for a new office space or a landlord preparing for tenants. This basic level of interior refurbishment creates a clean slate for businesses to adapt the environment to meet their unique needs. The process involves an initial configuration that sets up the necessary infrastructure needed in a functional workplace.

What Can You Expect with a CAT A Refurbishment?

A CAT A commercial fit out involves a few key features, such as the installation of basic finishes such as flooring, partition walls and basic washroom facilities.

• Office Flooring – Commercial flooring is often laid to create an appealing space for incoming businesses. In offices, there is a wide range of flooring options to choose from, including cushioned carpet tiles, anti-slip safety flooring or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT).
• Suspended Ceilings – False ceilings are commonplace in offices to improve aesthetics and also facilitate easy maintenance – a win-win for both businesses and landlords!
• Toilet & Washroom Systems – Bathroom facilities are essential to ensure businesses can easily transition into their new workplace. During this fit out, hygiene, safety and accessibility features are prioritised.
• Electrical Systems – General electrical systems lay the groundwork, whilst specific such as wifi, are left for businesses to configure. This foundational step ensures the essential infrastructure is ready for occupancy.
• Raised Access Flooring – If needed, raised flooring can also be installed. This system makes for easy maintenance and a clean work environment.

What are the Benefits of a CAT A Office Refurbishment?

There are several benefits of a CAT A fit out, both for the business and the landlord.

• Cost Savings – By addressing essential building services, a CAT A refurbishment can reduce upfront costs. This financial advantage is pivotal for businesses looking to minimise their initial capital expenditure.
• Quick Occupancy – With the groundwork taken care of, businesses can quickly move into the available workspace. This is beneficial not only for time-sensitive requirements but also for landlords who are looking to fill their vacancies as quickly as possible.
• Flexibility – Faced with a blank canvas, businesses have the flexibility to customise their CAT A office to suit their specific needs and design preferences.
• Property Marketability – CAT A fitted commercial spaces boast a ready-to-use infrastructure that is typically more attractive to potential business occupants. The appeal of this type of office attracts a broader range of businesses.
• Reduced Project Complexity – With the core interior elements installed, the finishing touches required are kept to a minimum. Reduced project complexity can lead to a more efficient project, saving valuable time and resources.

Related Services

What is a CAT B Office Fit Out?

A Category B fit out (CAT B) is the next phase in the interior refurbishment. Unlike CAT A, which focuses on essential building services, a CAT B refurbishment involves the customisation of the space to meet the specific needs and brand identity of the occupying business.

What Can You Expect with a CAT B Refurbishment?

Whether you’re looking to inject personality into your office space or support staff, a CAT B serves to facilitate this.

• Office Design – In general, a CAT B office involves interior designers. Our design specialists kickstart this service by getting to know your business. Your unique requirements and preferences are then considered alongside branding and space utilisation.
• Space Planning – A key part of the design stage is space planning. This step considers individual employee requirements alongside available space to maximise room usage.
• Feature Flooring – Whilst flooring may already be fitted during the CAT A process, there’s the opportunity to explore creative flooring designs such as feature flooring and zoning methods.
• Partitioning – Office partitioning may be installed to create functional spaces, such as meeting rooms, or to divide departments.
• Office Furniture – Chairs, desks, storage and other types of office furniture are installed to bring your workplace to life.
• Biophilic Design – Integrating aspects of biophilic design, such as office plants and moss wall panels, can enhance employee wellbeing and improve the overall interior design.
• Technology – Specific technology requirements may also be included, such as fast wifi or audio solutions for remote workers.

What are the Benefits of a CAT B Office Refurbishment?

CAT B fit outs benefit businesses in several ways, creating a more personalised experience for staff.

• Company Identity & Culture – One of the main purposes of a CAT B fit out is to allow businesses to integrate their brand identity into their office design. From colour schemes to logos, the office becomes a tangible expression of your company’s character and culture.
• Employee Wellbeing – Certain CAT B design elements can create a comfortable work area, such as breakout spaces that improve employee satisfaction and overall wellbeing.
• Talent Attraction & Retention – A unique office design can be pivotal when it comes to recruitment. Not only does it portray a positive image of the company, but a comfortable and inspiring work setting also contributes to talent retention.
• Productivity – Once the office has been tailored to the bespoke requirements of the business, you can boost team morale and collaboration, contributing to overall productivity.
• Cost-Efficiency  – Whilst there are initial expenses associated with a CAT B office, the long-term value in terms of employee satisfaction, talent retention and positive work culture can outweigh these initial costs.

What’s the Difference Between a CAT A Office & CAT B Office?

The primary distinction between different office fit outs lies in the scope of work involved. For more information, read our latest informational article. Here’s a basic overview:

CAT A Office

A basic level of refurbishment is provided by the landlord. It creates a blank canvas, ready for customisation.

CAT B Office

A comprehensive level of refurbishment, focusing on the bespoke needs of a business. It creates a personalised, fully functional office.

Common Questions

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01242 808419

• What is a CAT A fit out?
  A CAT A office fit out is the preparation of a commercial space for occupancy. It’s typically requested by landlords looking to create a “blank canvas” office, ready for businesses to move in and personalise. The service involves essential construction elements such as the installation of raised access floors, commercial lighting, bathrooms and HVAC systems.
• What is a CAT B fit out?
  A CAT B office fit out transforms a commercial space from an empty shell to a functional office. The service involves office design and the installation of key interior features such as partitioning, flooring, furniture and bespoke branding elements to meet the unique needs of a business.
• What is a CAT A+ fit out?
  A CAT A+ office fit out is an advanced version of a CAT A. In contrast, it includes features such as special design features or the installation of technology that make the space ready for occupancy. Unlike a CAT B fit out, this workspace isn’t tailored to an individual business.
• How long does a CAT A fit out take?
  The duration of a CAT A fit out will vary depending on factors such as the size of the space. In general, the end-to-end process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete.
• What’s the difference between a CAT A and CAT B fit out?
  The main difference between a CAT A and CAT B office is the scope of work. CAT A is a base offering, creating a blank canvas that will need furnishing later on. CAT B, on the other hand, is a customised service where design elements are introduced to create a bespoke workplace.