What is the Difference Between a CAT A and CAT B Fit-Out?

What is a Fit-Out?

In construction terms, a fit-out is all about developing a space with the sole purpose of aligning to the requirements of those occupying it. You will often hear the phrase ‘fit-out’ used widely in our industry, but what does it actually mean? Well, there are three main levels of categories which are most commonly recognised as Cat A, Cat B, and Shell and Core. This article will aim to describe each category and what are the differences between them.

What is a Cat A Fit-Out?

A Cat A fit-out refers to the basic finishing of an interior space, often carried out by a landlord, developer or investor to prepare a building ready for an end-user client e.g. tenant or business. It is inhabitable and will resemble more of a blank canvas, commonly referred to as a ‘white box’. It will have an amenity block, some basic lighting, flooring and walls, a basic fire alarm system and often a ceiling or if intended for office use, a raised access floor. It will otherwise be empty and will need to receive a general fit-out which will include furnishings, furniture, power to the requirement of the incoming tenant.

What does a typical Cat A fit-out include?

• Raised access floors and suspended ceilings.
• Basic Electrical services, lighting, power etc.
• Mechanical services – basic air conditioning and ventilation etc.
• Fire detection and protection in line with Building Regulations.
• Common areas including toilet, lifts, lobbies etc.

What is a Cat B Fit-Out?

A Cat B fit-out follows on from a Cat A fit-out and is the design element of your new space. Here, the empty space provided by a Cat A fit-out is transformed into a functioning working environment that embodies your companies brand and culture. Through collaboration and consultancy between designer and end user to establish briefs and requirements, the space is transformed into the tailored needs of your business and workforce. It will deliver offices, break out areas, meeting rooms, all power and lighting requirements and furniture.

What does a typical Cat B fit-out include?

• Partitions, doors and, meeting rooms and office spaces.
• Reception areas.
• Floor coverings.
• Ceiling design.
• Decoration and design features.
• Specialist lighting.
• IT and AV equipment and installation including power and data installations.
• Reconfigured air conditioning and ventilation.
• Kitchen, breakout, café areas and well-being facilities.
• Office and meeting room furniture and workstations.

What is a Shell and Core Fit-Out?

A Shell and Core fit-out is essentially the bare bones of a building’s interior. This is generally how the construction company responsible for constructing or refurbishing a building hands it over to the developer or landlord. The building will look complete from the outside but on the inside the building is just a shell. There will be no finished but bare concrete floors and walls with no power and lighting. Only the main core will be complete and the level of finish will vary, but essentially include any lifts, toilets and ground entry reception area.

Jaydee- Brook have a vast amount of experience fitting out commercial businesses to both Cat A and Cat B fit-outs for landlords and tenants. We work with landlords to ensure a property is ready for market and support the requirements of the incoming tenant with regards to offering a full turnkey service for all elements of office fit-out. Please contact us to be out more on how we can assist your up coming project.