Cat A, Cat A+ or Cat B? Find all you need to know about office fit outs in our ultimate guide

Whether you’re a commercial landlord looking to secure fast rentals to good tenants or a good tenant looking for your perfect new workspace, understanding the various types of office fit outs is crucial.

For tenants in particular, the journey to a new office can find your conversations peppered with a  whole host of unfamiliar terms and industry jargon - the various types of office fit outs being among them.

Simply put, a fit out is the design and construction process that transforms an empty shell into a functional workspace.

Those workspaces can then be taken to different levels of completion and customisation - and those options are widely classified as Cat A, Cat A+ and Cat B (with “Cat” standing for category).

These terms refer to different stages of the office preparation process - typically, a landlord provides a space to Cat A or Cat A+ standard, while a Cat B is commissioned by the tenant to transform a Cat A space into a workable, personalised office environment.

Being well versed in designing and delivering out-of-this-world office fitouts in all categories, we thought we’d break down the essential differences between them here - giving you the clarity you need to understand the terminology and the roles of both landlord and tenant in office design.

Ready? Let’s begin with Cat A…

Design Tonic X 26 York Place

What’s a Cat A Fit Out?

A Cat A fit out is typically provided by the landlord - think of it as the foundation of a commercial space.

These spaces are generally functional but stripped back; ready for the tenant to customise with their own Cat B fit out to suit their working requirements and design preferences. 

Cat A fit outs can take the space to a range of different levels, from a complete blank canvas to a “just add furniture” basis (like our fabulous 26 York Place project - a whole other level of Cat A!).

It’s ideal for landlords who want to provide a clean, open space for potential tenants to personalise, and for tenants happy to commission their own further fit out, customising the layout and decor and adding additional infrastructure and furnishings.

Rents generally reflect the level of additional fit out required.

Key Features of a Cat A Fit Out:

Basic infrastructure

Cat A includes the installation of essential building services like air conditioning, heating, ventilation, lighting and basic electrical systems. These are necessary to ensure that the space is safe, functional and compliant with building regulations.

Ceilings and floors

Floors and ceilings are completed, but usually in a neutral manner. This often includes raised flooring and suspended ceilings, providing access for wiring and ventilation systems.

Walls

In a Cat A fit out, walls are typically finished but the layout is open plan with no internal partitions.

Lighting and power

Standard lighting systems and power sockets are installed but are generally positioned to a standard plan without specific tenant requirements in mind.

Fire safety systems

This stage includes fire alarms, sprinklers and other essential safety features to ensure compliance with building regulations.

Design Tonic X Kinrise Real Estate

What’s a Cat A+ Fit Out?

Cat A+, otherwise known as a Fully Fitted Office, is a more complete, plug and play solution offered by a landlord to potential tenants.

These functional, flexible, furnished spaces can be used immediately with minimal adjustments needed and are an increasingly popular option for both landlords and tenants.

With a Cat A+ space, landlords can stand out in a crowded market and command higher rental rates from businesses prepared to pay a premium for an office that services their operational needs from day one.

And tenants love them because they get an environment that’s ready to go, but still has scope for them to make their mark with branding and decor - a cost-effective and time-saving solution for many.

Read more on why Fitted Office space proving so popular with Landlords and Tenants here

Key Features of a Cat A+ Fit Out

Move-in ready

A Cat A+ fit out provides a working office environment where tenants can move in and start work. Infrastructure, partitions and furnishings are in situ, making it a quick and convenient option.

Basic furniture and IT setup

The space usually comes with essential office furniture (such as desks and chairs) and pre-installed IT infrastructure, including internet access and data cabling.

Partitions and layout

Unlike Cat A, a Cat A+ fit out includes some degree of partitioning and layout customisation, although it’s more generic and flexible compared to Cat B.

Neutral decor

The finishes in a Cat A+ space are typically neutral (though that in no way means bland with a Design Tonic space!), without tenant-specific customisations. This allows businesses to add their branding elements later.

What Cat A+ doesn't include

Branding elements and personalisation

Cat A+ spaces don’t include tenant-specific branding or decor - the tenant is responsible for adding branding touches such as logos, signage and company colours once they move in.

Find our secrets to designing a Fitted Office Space that delivers here

Design Tonic X Goodall Brazier

What’s a Cat B Fit Out?

A Cat B fit out is typically undertaken by the tenant once they have secured a Cat A space, with the tenant sourcing their own fit out experts to help create their perfect office. 

Want help to design your own, out-of-this-world Cat B space? Speak to our specialist team today

A tenant who opts for a Cat B fit out over a Cat A+ space is typically looking for a highly personalised and fully operational workspace that reflects their specific business needs, culture and brand identity.

Particularly great for corporate HQs and flagship offices, Cat B generally appeals to the likes of larger, more established companies, creative or design-orientated firms and those who need specific functional, collaborative and/or wellbeing spaces built in that work with their own unique ethos and workflow.

And these types of occupants, having invested time, money and effort in customising a space, are often willing to invest similarly in longer-term leases, providing stable and predictable incomes for landlords.

Key Features of a Cat B Fit Out

Interior layout and partitioning

Cat B includes the installation of interior walls, partitions and doors, creating defined spaces like private offices, meeting rooms, breakouts and collaboration areas.

Furniture and fixtures

A Cat B fit out involves the provision and installation of office furniture, from desks and chairs to reception areas and storage solutions. This is where the look and feel of the office really come together.

Branding and aesthetics

During a Cat B fit out, the tenant's branding, colour schemes and aesthetic preferences are incorporated into the design. This could include custom wall finishes, branded signage and/or decorative elements - basically, the elements you need to create a cohesive corporate identity throughout the space.

IT and audio-visual equipment

A Cat B fit out includes the installation of data cabling, server rooms and other tech infrastructure, leaving the office equipped for internet access, internal communications and AV systems like screens, projectors and conference call equipment.

Lighting design

A Cat B fit out focuses on refining the lighting to meet the tenant’s needs. This can involve creating different lighting zones, adding task lighting and selecting fixtures that match the interior design.

Kitchen and breakout areas

If you know our work, you’ll know a breakout is a favourite Design Tonic zone - and a Cat B fit out ensures these important relaxation and socialising areas are designed and installed alongside essential kitchen areas, all complete with cabinetry, appliances, seating and decor.

Flooring finishes

Tenant-specific flooring such as carpets, tiles or wood flooring is laid during the Cat B stage to align with the overall design and functionality of the space.

Design Tonic X Opus North at 12 King Street

Design Tonic X Kinrise Boar Lane

In Summary - the lowdown on Fit Outs…

For Landlords…

A Cat A fit out often seems the simplest solution for leasing purposes - and, if your space is likely to prove attractive to the types of businesses who will invest in a Cat B fit out, it’s a good choice.

But Cat A+ is proving increasingly popular with tenants in a crowded rental market, and is especially attractive to growing companies.

So depending on your space, a point of differentiation that commands higher yields and longer lease terms is obviously worth considering - and a great Cat A+ fit out can be easily refreshed and reused after shorter rental terms end.

Wondering what’s best for your space? Speak to our experts today

For Tenants…

If you're looking for an office that you can fully brand and tailor to your needs, a Cat A space with your own Cat B fit out is the best option. 

Our team is ready to help you create your out-of-this-world Cat B office

But if you need a quick and convenient solution that allows you to start working right away with some flexibility for future adjustments, Cat A+ could be the perfect middle ground.

Concerned you might sacrifice some of the style of a bespoke Cat B?

No fear - we know we’ve designed a lot of incredible Cat A+ spaces too, so there are some great options out there!

By weighing your business needs, budget and timeline, you can choose the fit out type that best suits your office project and ensures a successful transition into your new space.

Whatever your office fit out needs, our design team are the experts in creating out-of-this-world spaces that work. 

We’d love to chat through your options with you. To speak to our talented team, just get in touch today.