When it comes to commercial property, professional fit-outs play a crucial role in transforming spaces into functional and inspiring workplaces. However, the terminology surrounding fit-outs, especially CAT A and CAT B can be confusing. At Interspace, a trusted leader in commercial fit-outs across the UK, we understand the importance of clarity in this process, to ensure you can make an informed decision and feel safe in the knowledge you are doing the right thing for your business. As a leading specialist in tailor-made fit-out solutions, we guide businesses through every stage of the professional interior transformation. This blog post will demystify CAT A and CAT B fit-outs, helping you to understand what’s the difference is and make decisions that suit your projects needs and budget.
Interspace specialises in commercial CAT A & CAT B fit-outs, managing projects from initial design through to completion. We provide a full range of commercial fit out services, including partition installations, suspended ceilings, flooring solutions, mechanical and electrical works, and bespoke joinery. Whether you’re a landlord preparing a space for tenants or a business seeking to create a functional office environment, understanding the differences between CAT A vs CAT B fit-outs is essential to ensure the right investment and outcome. Read on to explore these categories in detail and discover which fit-out type is best for your requirements. Contact us today for more information!
CAT A vs CAT B Fit Outs: What’s the Difference?
When taking on new commercial property or looking to refresh commercial spaces, the two terms you will often come across are CAT A and CAT B fit outs. While both involve preparing the space for your business needs, they each serve a different purpose. Understanding what a CAT A vs CAT Bit fit out is and the difference between them can help you to plan budget, timescale and requirements more effectively.
What is a CAT A Fit Out?
A CAT A fit-out refers to the level of fit-out that landlords typically provide to a commercial space before leasing it to tenants. It prepares the space functionally but leaves the interior design and customisation to the client, providing a blank canvas, ready to add your own finishes and configurations. The goal of a CAT A fit-out is to create a clean and efficient space that meets building regulations and practical needs without any bespoke office features. This stage often involves essential mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
installations that allow a space to be operational but not yet personalised.
What can a CAT A Fit Out include?
Raised Access Flooring: To allow for flexible wiring and cabling throughout the space.
Suspended Ceilings: Installed with integrated lighting and air conditioning diffusers.
Mechanical and Electrical Services: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), power outlets, lighting and data cabling to serve future requirements.
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: To ensure your new space complies with fire safety regulations.
Decorative Finishes: Generally limited to painted walls with a neutral palette.
Toilets and Kitchenettes: Basic facilities installed to a functional standard. This stage doesn’t include elements like partitions, bespoke furniture, or branded décor.
What is a CAT B Fit Out?
A CAT B fit-out is a customised fit-out, transforming the CAT A into a fully operational and personalised workspace tailored to your branding, workplace culture, and bespoke functional requirements. This is
where the vision for your office truly comes to life, featuring bespoke layout design, specialised furniture, and technological integrations. The CAT B fit-out allows you to create an environment that maximises
productivity, employee satisfaction, and brand identity.
What does a CAT B Fit Out include?
Partitioning: We offer both glazed and plasterboard partitions to create unique office spaces, meeting rooms, breakout areas, and reception spaces.
Decorations: We include bespoke paint choices, wall coverings, branding elements, and artwork.
Flooring: We fit carpet, vinyl, LVT, or other flooring, expertly selected to suit your business style.
Furniture: We create bespoke joinery, ergonomic desks, seating, and storage units.
Lighting: We include task lighting, feature lighting, and control systems.
Mechanical and Electrical Adjustments: We offer bespoke adjustments including additional outlets, AV systems, and IT cabling.
Specialist Installations: This can include soundproofing, acoustic treatments, tea points, and kitchens.
Signage and Branding: We include branding aspects such as logo displays, wayfinding, and digital signage.
Health & Safety Features: We ensure compliance with UK building regulations by including fire safety adaptations and access control.
What’s The Difference Between CAT A vs CAT B?
The significant difference between CAT A vs CAT B is the level of completion and bespoke features added. CAT A is used to provide the basic infrastructure of an office or commercial space, enabling it to be
functional yet requiring customisation. Whereas CAT B goes further than CAT A and turns the space into a bespoke area for your business. While some businesses may be tempted to minimise upfront costs during
refurbishment or in a start- up project, investing in a high-quality CAT B fit out pays off in the long-term, as the benefits far outweigh the initial expenditure.
Successful businesses often recognise that although there are multiple factors to ensuring their success, the commercial space is very important to staff, clients and visitors, with a thoughtfully designed office from a
high-quality fit-out telling your clients, visitors, and employees who you are, what you value, and how you operate. With a CAT B fit-out you can also ensure that you have the space for focus, collaboration, and
creative thinking, supporting business growth, improving employee performance, and enhancing the value of the property. All of this and more is why investing in a high-quality CAT A or CAT B fit-out pays off in the
long term.
As specialists in CAT A & CAT B fit-outs for commercial spaces, we are skilled in creating functional, innovative, and cohesive work environments. We deliver high-quality services in London for SME businesses, from initial design and installation, through to the final handover, transforming your workspace into a fully functional work area. We offer expert project management throughout, ensuring each stage runs smoothly and the end result reflects your bespoke commercial needs. If you are looking to reconfigure, reduce or expand your commercial space with a high-quality CAT A or CAT B fit-out, Interspace are here for you. Please contact our friendly team for a quote today.
How To Get Started On Your Fit-Out?
1. Contact Us
Here at Interspace, we will work alongside you to understand your goals, set a budget, and consult with you on how your new space can deliver desired outcomes for your company. We offer CAT A & CAT B fit outs for
commercial businesses in your local area.
2. Planning
We will create detailed drawings of your CAT A or CAT B fit-outs, including workspaces, specialised areas, doors, windows, and other aspects of the layout.
3. Design concepts
Using our detailed drawings, we create accurate 3D designs for how your new space will look upon completion of the CAT A or CAT B fit out.
4. Furniture selection
With a CAT B fit out, we can make recommendations and assist in acquiring the furniture that you desire for your new work space, whether meeting functional or aesthetic requests. Whether this is bespoke workstations, chairs, tables or more!
5. Construction
Whether you are having a CAT A or CAT B fit-out, we undertake installation using high standards of workmanship, clear communication, and an innovative approach.
6. Completion
We complete all CAT A or CAT B fit-outs on time and within budget, and are known for our high standard. Get in touch with Interspace today and find out more about our high-quality CAT A or CAT B fit-outs.
Frequently Asked Questions About CAT A or CAT B Fit-Outs
What is a fit-out?
A fit-out is the process of transforming, elevating and revitalising commercial spaces, making it suitable for the relevant occupation and fit for purpose.
Who are CAT A or CAT B fit outs suitable for?
Our high-quality CAT A or CAT B fit-outs are suitable for a range of sectors including,
-Commercial and retail clients
-Educational sectors
-Health sector
-Hotels and leisure clients
What does CAT stand for?
CAT refers to categories of commercial fit-outs, with CAT A and CAT B defining levels of completion and bespoke specifications.
What does a Cat A fit-out include?
A Cat A fit-out provides the basics needed for a commercial space to function without adding any finishing touches. If you are looking for a bespoke office that is tailored to your business, a Cat B fit-out may be more suitable. A CAT A interior fit out includes…
•Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire detection services.
•Basic mechanical and electrical services such as working plugs, lighting, and plumbing.
•Raised flooring and suspended ceilings.
•Basic internal finishes.
What does a Cat A+ fit-out include?
A Cat A+ fit-out is undertaken so that you can move straight into a space and includes…
•Furnished breakout spaces.
•Workstations and furniture.
•Fitted kitchens and toilets.
•Partitioning, including meeting rooms, offices and more.
•Re-routing air conditioning and power points.
•IT installation and infrastructure.
What does a Cat B fit-out include?
A Cat B fit-out is often undertaken to establish your culture, brand and working style and is essential in establishing your brand image, creating an inspiring workplace environment for your staff, and attracting potential clients. It typically includes…
•Design and company branding.
•Furniture and workstations.
•IT installation and accompanying infrastructure.
•Partitioning, including meeting rooms, breakout areas, and more.
•Fully fitted kitchen and other non-communal areas.
•Re-routing of air conditioning and power points if required.
Can I move into a CAT A fit-out space immediately?
You can occupy the space, but it won’t be tailored for your business until you undertake a CAT B fit-out.
How long does a CAT B fit-out take?
It varies depending on size, but on average it will take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.
Can Interspace handle all stages of fit-out?
Yes, we manage the full fit-out process, from CAT A to CAT B, offering a one-stop service.
Is sustainability considered in fit-outs?
Yes, we incorporate sustainability into the design, including energy efficient and eco-friendly solutions with our CAT A & CAT B fit outs.
If you are looking to reconfigure, reduce or expand your commercial space with a high-quality CAT A or CAT B fit-outs, Interspace are here for you. Please contact our expert team for a FREE quote today.
