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What is the difference between a Cat A fit out and a Cat B fit out

The transient world of the city often means many companies are moving offices and searching for a new premises to cope with expanding workforces and the technology changes that the modern world inflicts upon us. These leaves many companies searching for new premises. But there are many terms used to describe the state of an office and this article explores the difference between a Cat A fit out and a Cat B fit out in office in London and other major cities in the UK.
What is the difference between a Cat A fit out and a Cat B fit out

Shell and Core

I think in order to understand more about CAT A Fit out and CAT B Fit out it is first necessary to understand Shell and Core. A shell and core fit out is when you are given a basic building to fit out - this means block walls, concrete floors and exposed ceilings. This type of Office fit out is usually the most expensive as so little is provided as a basis.

Day 1 at VideoplazaCat A Fit out

A Cat A fit out is where the landlord and developer leave an office as a basic shell. I'm not talking about metal walls and exposed block work, but the following list would help to provide an insight to what would be expected in a Cat A fit out:

  • Raised Floor
  • Suspended Ceiling
  • M & E basic services
  • Blinds fitted
  • Fire detection and protection
  • Internal surface finishes
  • Lifts
  • Stairs and stairwells

 

 

Coffee Area in Office Refurbishment

 

 

 

 

Cat B Fit out

This is a bit more of an internal fit out. It's a bit like moving house and then adding your own touches. The following list are items that would be considered in a Cat B Fit out.

  • Partitioning
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Tea Points
  • Kitchens
  • Sometimes Lifts
  • Toilets and Tiling
  • Air conditioning
  • Reception
  • Lighting
  • Waiting Area
  • Signage and branding
  • Decorations
  • IT and TV connections

Some landlords will ask for an office to be returned to the CAT A fit out that they provided when a company first agreed to their lease. This will result in dilapidation works needing to be completed (i.e. works to return the office to the original look that it was first rented in). This basically means returning the property from a CAT B fit out to a CAT A fit out.

Here's a recently fit out that C and S Ltd completed, from a CAT a to a CAT B in Brixton for Digital Detox.

Cat A fit out project in Brixton Cat B Fit out works Digital Detox office in Brixton Finished Cat B Fit Out Office in Brixton London

Fortunately C and S Ltd can offer you both CAT A fit out and CAT B fit out services and can also return your CAT B fit out to a CAT A fit out if you need to return your property to your Landlord. Please give us a call on 01442 244117 for a no obligation quote.