If you’re moving offices, expanding, signing a new commercial lease or even just looking to upgrade the space you currently have, you’ll quickly come across the terms CAT A and CAT B fit outs. Two phrases that sound similar but mean very different things. We know that all these different terms can be confusing, but are helpful to determine what it is you’re looking for, which is why we’ve put this together to highlight the difference between CAT A vs CAT B Fit outs to help you understand what it is you’re looking for.
What Is a CAT A Fit Out?
A Category A (CAT A) fit out is the basic level of finish a landlord provides before handing over a commercial space to a tenant.
Typically included:
- Suspended ceilings
- LED lighting
- Raised access flooring
- Air conditioning (HVAC)
- Fire detection systems
- Basic electrics
- Neutral painted walls
You’re essentially getting a white canvas of an office space, giving you free range to do whatever it is you want to it, either as a landlord renting out the space or for a business looking for a complete reset in their current office layout.
What Is a CAT B Fit Out?
A Category B (CAT B) fit out is the stage where a blank canvas becomes your office. Where the real office design comes into play with branding, furniture and thoughtful functionality all come into one.
A CAT B fit out usually includes:
- Partition walls and meeting rooms
- Kitchen and breakout areas
- Flooring finishes
- Furniture
- Feature lighting
- Branding and wall graphics
- Data cabling and IT set-up
This is perfect for people not looking for a complete reset, but an upgrade of their current space or when you’re moving into a blank canvas.
CAT A vs CAT B Fit outs
Which One Is Right for You?
There’s no right or wrong between each of the fit outs, it depends on your situation and what you want to achieve at the end. CAT A – a blank canvas, or CAT B – A finished, furnished and branded office space.
CAT A May Be Right If:
- You want full control over layout and design
- You have a strong internal brand vision
- You’re working with a design & build contractor
- The landlord is offering a generous fit-out contribution
This option gives flexibility, but you’ll need to factor in additional time and cost to complete the CAT B stage as it won’t leave the office space in a ready-to-move-in state.
CAT B May Be Right If:
- The space already suits your needs
- You want a space that is fully furnished and ready to move into
- You want a branded and functional space
CID Spaces offers CAT A+ which offers a lightly furnished space that sits somewhere between CAT A and CAT B. It can be a good middle ground for growing businesses.
Strategic Considerations for Fit Outs
When choosing between CAT A and CAT B, ask yourself:
- How important is workplace culture to your business?
- Do you want collaboration zones or quiet pods?
- Is hybrid working influencing how much space you actually need?
- Are you planning to grow quickly?
Your office isn’t just square footage, it’s a tool for recruitment, retention and productivity.
There isn’t a better option, only what’s right for your business. If you want creative freedom and long-term customisation, CAT A may be your starting point.
If a fully finished, branded office, ready to move into matter more, CAT B would be the smarter move.
For more information of CAT A vs CAT B Fit Out’s get in touch with CID spaces and see how we can help you make your ideal office space.
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Whether you’re looking to refresh a tired waiting area or completely reconfigure your surgery, CID Spaces is here to help. Our healthcare refurbishment experts are ready to visit your site, discuss your goals, and prepare a bespoke proposal.
Who We Are
We are a team of highly skilled individuals who are passionate about designing and building better working environments in offices, schools and warehouses. We are based in Sussex and work throughout London and the South.
We have a team of designers, estimators and project managers who have the capability with the help of tried and tested sub contractors to run your fit-out or refurbishment project no matter the scale. In an industry of vast faceless corporations we can offer you a personal bespoke service from the initial design stages through building works to completion. We strive to give our customers a design led, stress free, reliable and cost effective service, that’s why a large percentage of our business is made up of happy returning clients.
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Our Featured Projects
Chaotic | Redhill
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These businesses have unique specialisms, from exotic fruits and vegetables to ready meals and wholesale distribution. Our role has been to create spaces that not only reflect the identity of each company but also provide the functionality needed to support their operations. By understanding the specific needs of each client, we’ve been able to design workspaces that align with their niche and business goals.
