Simply put, a Cat A fit out provides a landlord with an empty but usable and functional space, a Cat B fit out makes the space ‘yours’ and takes the blank slate to a finished item.
Think of Cat A as drawing the outline of a picture, then Cat B finishes the detail and colours it in.
There are several categories of office fit out projects, the most commonly recognised are ‘Category A’ and ‘Category B’, but there is also a ‘Shell and Core’. There is no entirely standard definition for these terms, so it is important to check the fine print when they’re used, but generally they follow the meanings below.
Shell and Core internal fit Out
This is the stage where a building may look complete from the outside, but inside you might find bare concrete floors and exposed services (usually with minimal lighting or M&E services). The only areas that would usually be finished are the lifts, communal toilets, and any reception areas.
Category A (Cat A) Fit Out
Commonly referred to as a ‘Cat A Fit Out’. This will typically form an open plan ‘white box’ / blank canvas and is usually commisioned by the landlord. It could include:
- Raised Floors
- Suspended Ceilings
- Basic Mechanical Services (air conditioning & ventilation)
- Basic Electrical Services
- Fire Detection and Protection Services
- Surface Finishes
- Basic Toilets
Category B (Cat B) Fit Out
Commonly referred to as a ‘Cat B Fit Out’. This is the type of fit out commonly thought of when thinking about an office fitout or office refurbishment; it’s colouring in and adding detail to a black and white drawing. This can typically include:
- Partitioning
- Finishes, Decorations and Brandings
- Carpeting and Floor Finishes
- Forming Meeting Rooms, Offices, Conference Rooms, Break Out areas etc
- Reception areas
- Tea points
- Lighting, Power & Data installation (or adaptations from the Cat A works).
- Kitchens and Kitchenettes
- Air Conditioning to suit end users requirements
- Bespoke joinery pieces
- Office Furniture
- Window Blinds
Dilapidation Works
When a company leaves their office space / property, they are usually required to return it in the same layout that they received it. This generally involves removing most of the Cat B fit out, and nearly reverting the space back to the Cat A (if this was how the building was received).
Should you need help with dilapidations, we’re experienced in this process and are happy to provide whatever help we can.
You can find out more about how we can help on our dilapidations page.
We generally work in a radius of approximately 60 miles of Hereford (eg Hereford, Worcester, Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Malvern, Monmouth, Leominster, Bromyard, Ludlow and also into the Gloucester, Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, Evesham, and Pershore areas).
However we have carried out large projects throughout the country, so welcome all enquiries! We’ll tell you if we aren’t able to help you.