What’s the difference between a CAT A and CAT B Fit-out? As specialist office refurbishment and fitout contractors working from our base in Exeter, Devon we often get asked this question. This is what is coordinated before we can then supply and install the office furniture.
Category A fit-out
There is no standard definition for a category A fit out and it can vary from developer to developer. Most often, it describes the level of fit out provided by the developer to the landlord.
A stud wall in construction stage.
Typically, a Cat A fit out includes:
- Raised floors and suspended ceilings
- Basic mechanical and electrical services
- Fire detection and protection services
- Internal surface finishes
- Blinds
You quite often find that the developer will make a contribution to the tenant for the carpets, floor boxes and grommets, which are then installed as part of the tenant’s category B fit-out, rather than installing them during the category A works, as they are subject to damage and may not complement the tenant’s colour scheme.
Category B fit-out – our specialised area
This is the type of fit out that most people are more familiar with. A Category B fit out is conducted on a space where the external walls and basic flooring, ceilings, M&E services and shared toilets and lifts have already been installed. It’s like moving into a house and then installing your choice of flooring, lighting and decoration to make it your own personal space. We work closely with the end user or occupier to make sure this makes best use of the space and creates the right visual impression too.
Cat B fit out completed in the Innovation Centre at the Exeter University.
Typically, a Cat B fit out includes:
- Partitioning
- Finishes and branding
- Carpeting
- Meeting rooms, conference rooms and break-out rooms
- Reception area
- Lighting
- Kitchen facilities
- IT and audio visual equipment
- Office furniture
We carry out both Cat A fit-outs and Cat B fit-outs. Where a company is required to bring an office back to its Cat A state for hand over to the landlord, we provide a dilapidations service which typically involves the strip out of partitioning, flooring, decorating and furniture.
A recently fitted kitchen, installalled in a Cat B fit out of Renslade House Building in Exeter
Most of our work is within Devon, Somerset and Cornwall but we do go further afield. Please take a look at some of our recent work which includes this Cat A and Cat B fit-out in the news section of the website.
Please call us on 01392 834980 or email via THIS LINK to arrange a no obligation, free consultation.