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

So, you’re considering updating your office interiors. Smart move! Before you jump into the deep end of all things refurbishment and renovations, we recommend you learn the relevant terminology to ensure you opt for the right service for your business.

Understanding the difference between types of interior fit out services can help you navigate towards the solution. By knowing which of our fit out approaches aligns with your needs and budgets, you can make informed decisions from the get-go, avoiding costly missteps and ensuring a smoother, more successful project outcome.

Let’s get stuck in.

What is an Office Fit Out?

A fit out is the process of designing and building an office that meets the specific needs and preferences of a business through commercial interiors. From space planning to interior design to final installation, every aspect of a fit out is carefully orchestrated to create an environment that reflects your company culture and supports your team’s success.

But it doesn’t end there! There are different types of interior fit outs, including CAT A (category A) and CAT B (category B), each offering a distinct level of customisation. Allow us to explain..

What is a CAT A Fit Out?

A Category A fit out refers to a basic level of furnishing so that a space is prepared to a standard that’s ready for occupancy.

Typically, CAT A fit out projects are requested by landlords or developers. It’s a type of office renovation that is generally intended to ensure the building is ready for someone to move in. It’s important to note that this is a ‘stripped back’ service, creating a space that’s then ready for companies to furnish with bespoke interiors as they choose.

Key Features

Most CAT A offices have an open plan design and the essential infrastructure with basic finishes. These features provide a functional base wherein a company can then move in and build its workplace.

The services used within a CAT A refurbishment include (but aren’t limited to):

• Infrastructure – Installation of basic infrastructure such as HVAC systems, electrical wiring and plumbing.
• Finishes – Basic finishes including flooring, partition walls, raised access flooring and ceilings.
• Services – Provision of essential services such as lighting, fire safety systems and ventilation.
• Common Areas – Creation of shared spaces such as corridors and washroom facilities.

Key Benefits

different benefits to businesses looking to optimise their workplace. Here’s why:

• Cost Savings – CAT A fit outs are often included as part of the lease agreement by the landlord or property developer. This arrangement significantly reduces upfront costs for tenants, making it a cost-effective option for businesses looking to relocate to a new office space or expand their premises.
• Flexibility – Once completed, landlords are left with a blank canvas – a clean, empty space that they can advertise to potential tenants. This presents businesses with the exciting opportunity of designing their own, bespoke office. Whether it’s incorporating company branding or introducing specific workplace features like workstations, acoustic booths, meeting rooms or breakout zones, tenants have the flexibility to create a space unique to their needs and requirements.
• Quick Occupancy – Thanks to the basic infrastructure provided in a CAT A fit out, tenants can move into the space quickly, without the need for extensive construction work. This can avoid lengthy delays and disruptions to start with business as usual without unnecessary downtime.
• Quality Solutions – A CAT A fit out ensures a consistent level of quality across multiple rooms within a commercial building, such as business parks. This makes it easier for tenants to compare and evaluate different spaces before they make it a home for their company.

What is a CAT B Fit Out?

When a company moves into a CAT A office, a CAT B fit out steps in to make the space truly their own.

A Category B fit out involves the customisation and interior design of a commercial space to specifically meet the needs and preferences of a tenant. Unlike CAT A fit outs, where the landlord provides basic infrastructure, CAT B refurbishments are commissioned by the tenants themselves, typically through the help of interior fit out contractors like our team of experts. Our specialists would visit the site and complete the renovation, carefully selecting bespoke design features to align with their employees’ requirements.

A CAT A office provides the foundation, but it’s the CAT B fit out that transforms the workplace. It’s rare for a company to move into a space that’s only undergone a CAT A refurbishment.

Key Features

Unlike CAT A fit outs, which provide the basic infrastructure, CAT B fit outs focus on filling the space with functionality and style. The services involved will depend entirely on the needs of the workplace, however, they can include:

• Office Design – Consideration goes into the office design, from the interior scheme to space planning techniques that ensure the space is fully optimised.
• Partitioning Systems – Installation of partitioning systems such as demountable partitions or glass walls to zones different areas within the office.
• Office Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment – Selection and installation of desks, chairs, storage units and other office furniture that support the day-to-day of the business.
• Branding Elements – Incorporation of branding elements such as logos, colours and graphics to reinforce brand identity throughout the space.
• Acoustic Solutions – Implementation of acoustic treatments to improve sound quality and reduce noise levels.
• Amenities – Provision of amenities such as kitchenettes and breakout spaces to enhance employee comfort and wellbeing.

Key Benefits

There are many reasons why you might decide to carry out a CAT B project.

• Functionality – An obvious incentive is that most businesses will always need desk space to work. A CAT B provides this, along with other vital interior solutions to help your staff work efficiently.
• Customisation – CAT F fit outs offer businesses the opportunity to tailor their workspace to meet their specific needs and brand identity. It’s an opportunity to create a truly unique and inspiring environment for employees, visitors and customers.
• Company Branding – Adding branding elements to the office can reinforce brand identity throughout the space, creating a professional image for all.
• Employee Satisfaction – Amenities such as breakout areas contribute to overall employee satisfaction and wellbeing, so you can create a positive work environment and improve retention rates.

CAT B Office Examples

At Contract Interior Systems, we offer a complete service, covering office design, installation and aftercare. This ensures that every element of your CAT B fit out is completed with purpose, promising form and function so that your staff are supported through whatever model of work they adopt.

Here are some of our favourite CAT B offices we’ve completed:

CAT B Fit Out in Tewkesbury

The Brief: Having recently moved into a new work environment, our client required CAT B fit out services to furnish the space and modernise the interiors.
The Solution: We divided different types of meeting rooms using glazed office partitioning, as well as fitting an acoustic suspended ceiling and adding the finishing touches, such as manifestations, to our client’s glass walls.

What’s the Difference Between a CAT A and CAT B Fit Out?

What is a CAT A+ Fit Out?

A CAT A+ fit out is a relatively new term used to describe a stage between CAT A and CAT B fit outs. Put simply, it’s an upgraded version of a CAT A office, providing tenants with a more ready-to-use workspace compared to traditional CAT A offerings.

Key Features

 CAT A+ refurbishment retains a basic infrastructure with additional elements and amenities to offer:

• Basic Furnishings – Provision of basic office furniture and fixtures to support immediate occupancy.
• Amenities – Addition of amenities such as kitchenettes and breakout spaces. These are typically minimalist to appeal to a larger audience.

Key Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of this type of office fit out:

• Ready-to-Use Office – Whilst this office isn’t as detailed in its interior solutions as a CAT B offering, it does mean tenants are able to move in from the get-go, only needing to take with the laptops and essentials (such as coffee).
• Cost Savings – CAT A+ offices are often more cost-effective than full CAT B fit outs, making them an attractive option for businesses looking to balance quality and budget.
• Profitability – For landlords, offering a CAT A+ office can be a profitable investment. Whilst not fully customised to a specific business, a furnished office space is more attractive to potential tenants, leading to quicker occupancy and rental income.

Get a Fit Out Quote

Now you’ve got a grasp of the basics, it’s time to take the next step. Whether you’re a landlord looking for tenants or a company moving into a new space, we’re here to help.

From design through to installation, our commercial fit out team delivers an end-to-end offering to make your project quick and easy. We go above and beyond what’s expected from a standard service. We deliver full fit out projects across Gloucestershire. For CAT A, CAT B or even CAT A+ services, along with standard shell and core construction, get a quote from our team or reach out to discuss your project today.