The Difference Between a Cat A and Cat B Fit-Out

If you are looking for a new office, you have probably come across industry terms like Cat A, Cat B and Shell and Core in property listings or discussions with landlords and agents. These categories indicate the extent of completion of an office space and what still needs to be done before it is suitable for occupation.

They fall under the broader process of a commercial fit-out, which is the work involved in transforming an empty or unfinished interior into a functional workplace designed for business use.

What is a Shell and Core Fit-Out?

If you have ever walked into a newly constructed office building and found bare concrete floors, exposed ceilings and no internal fittings, that is a Shell and Core space. At this stage, the building’s exterior is complete and communal areas like lifts, staircases, lobbies and shared washrooms may be in place, but the individual office spaces inside the building are empty.

Most office spaces are leased after some level of fit-out, but it is possible to lease a Shell and Core space. With this option, your business is responsible for installing everything needed to turn the space into a working office. While this takes more time and requires a larger upfront investment, it gives you full control over the layout, finishes and specialist features that would not typically be included in a pre-fitted office.

What is a Cat A Fit-Out?

A Cat A fit-out is the base condition of an office space provided by the landlord to make it suitable for commercial renting. At this stage, it is a plain, open-plan space requiring further work before it can be used as a working office.

While there are no standard specifications, Cat A offices may include:

• Raised floors (flooring with a small gap underneath) to hide electrical wiring, internet cables and air vents.
• Suspended ceilings (a fitted ceiling) to cover lighting, air conditioning units and fire safety systems while helping with soundproofing.
• Basic finishes like white or neutral painted walls and simple flooring, such as carpet tiles or vinyl.
• Standard electrical points and overhead lighting.
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems.
• Fire safety systems like smoke detectors, sprinklers and emergency lighting to meet building safety regulations.

Cat A+ Fit-Outs

A Cat A+ fit-out sits between Cat A and Cat B, offering a ‘Plug and Play’ solution for businesses that want a move-in-ready office. Unlike a Category A office, which requires a complete fit-out before use, a Cat A+ space comes partially furnished with workstations, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and IT infrastructure already in place.

While this makes moving in easier, the layout and furnishings are pre-determined, meaning the space lacks a level of customisation which may be important to some tenants. Cat A+ offices are therefore particularly appealing for businesses looking for short-term leases and those that prioritise convenience over customisation.

What is Cat B Fit-Out?

A Cat B fit-out transforms a basic Cat A space into a workplace that represents your business’s brand, culture and way of working. This is the type of fit-out most people are familiar with, as it includes everything needed to make an office ready for day-to-day use.

Every Cat B fit-out is different, shaped around the needs of the business moving in and the experience it wants to create for employees and visitors. These fit-outs will usually be carried out by a professional company like Westcountry Group before you move into your new office.

A Cat B fit-out can include:

• Custom décor, company colours, wall graphics, signage and any design elements that reflect your branding.
• Spaces for different working styles, including open-plan areas, private offices, boardrooms and quiet zones.
• Desks, chairs, collaborative seating, ergonomic furniture and storage.
• Structured cabling, networking, Wi-Fi, AV systems and video conferencing setups.
• Kitchenettes, coffee stations, reception desks, waiting areas and social spaces.
• Task lighting, ambient lighting and soundproofing solutions.
• Specialist areas like training rooms, wellness spaces, server rooms or even creative zones, depending on the business.

Create a Workspace That Works for You with Westcountry Group

With over 45 years of experience in fit-outs and refurbishments, Westcountry Group has seen time and again the remarkable difference that thoughtful and well-executed office design can have. Whether you are looking to refresh your current workspace or start anew, we can guide you toward the best solution for your business needs and budget. Here is what companies have to say about our work.

Contact Westcountry Group today to find out more – call 0330 030 0330, email: sales@westcountrygroup.com or visit the workspace section of our website.