If you have signed a new lease on a London office space and are assessing your options for a fit out then you may have seen discussions of fit out options described as Category A or Category B. These are the two most common classifications to differentiate the elements included in a fit out, and although there is no standard industry definition, they should give you guidance as to what is involved.
What is a Cat A fit out?
A Cat A, or Category A fit out, refers to the base condition of an office space provided by the landlord. This includes the essential infrastructure and basic finishing required for occupancy and is used when assessing any future rent reviews or reinstatement obligations.
A Cat A fit out extends a basic “shell and core” space by adding required infrastructure such as lighting, electrical distribution, basic plumbing connections, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC). This type of fit out also includes a blank canvas of basic finishes such as as raised floors, suspended ceilings, and wall finishes, providing a tenant a basic starting point which they then customise to their needs.
What is a Cat B fit out?
A Cat B or Category B fit out builds upon the base level provided by a Cat A fit out, and includes a customisations to create a fully functional office environment that is tailored to the tenant. This type of fit out will often include partitions to create individual office spaces and can include more advanced technical infrastructure like telecoms, A/V equipment, and specialised lighting options.
The look and finish are also made a priority with a Cat B fit out, with options for wall coverings, flooring, and other decorative elements that are designed to align with a tenant’s vision for the space.
Cat A fit outs tend to be significantly lower cost and quicker to complete than Cat B options. However, a Cat B fit out will create a space that is closer to being ready for real-world use and will involve less work by the tenant to get the space fit for purpose. Whichever option is right for your business, then Beall Group can help in creating your perfect space. Call us today on 0208 058 2203 or contact us online to discuss your fit out needs.
