Guide: Category A fit outs explained

A Category A fit out, typically referred to as a Cat A fit out, is a basic solution that includes the essential infrastructure needed for quick tenant occupancy. It is essentially a blank canvas provided by landlords, allowing the occupant to redesign the office to their preferred specifications.

Unlike a shell and core fit out, which is completely bare bones, a Cat A fit out includes the basic finishes needed for a new tenant, including electrics, plumbing and lighting in addition to wall finishes, suspended ceilings and flooring.

What is included in a Cat A fit out?

A Cat A fit out typically includes:

• Standard finishes to the floors, walls and ceilings

• Basic mechanical and electrical services

• Fire detection services and smoke alarms

• Air-conditioning and ventilation (HVAC)

• Fundamental internal finishes

• Lifts, toilets and shower facilities

• The lobby and reception area

Who are Cat A fit outs suitable for?

A Category A fit out is typically suitable for landlords and property investors who are looking to transform their commercial space into a suitable workplace to attract tenants.

A Category A fit out might be preferred by tenants who are seeking a blank canvas to implement their own customised design. There are a variety of reasons why a tenant may prefer a blank canvas to work from when moving into a new property:

• Tenants operating on a budget: Some tenants may choose to manage the interior design themselves.

• Tenants who have hired a consultant: Some tenants may wish to engage a chosen third-party workplace consultancy to handle the interior design work.

• Tenants who seek autonomy: Some tenants prefer to have autonomy over how their office is designed and wish to make sure they are involved in the interior design from the start.

• Tenants relocating: Some tenants may be relocating with existing furniture and equipment and are looking for a larger space to fill.

Cat A fit outs provide a solid, practical foundation for businesses taking on a new commercial space. With core building services already in place, including raised access floors, suspended ceilings, basic mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and welfare facilities, tenants can direct their attention and budget toward creating a workspace that reflects their brand and culture, rather than spending time and resource on base-level installation work.

For businesses planning a bespoke office fit out, a Cat A space is an efficient and cost-effective starting point. The essential services are already operational, meaning tenants can move directly into the design and build phase of their own fit out, reducing the overall project timeline and the complexity involved in managing a full shell and core transformation. This makes Category A spaces particularly well-suited to businesses with a clear workplace vision and the ambition to bring it to life.

Choosing a Cat A space means arriving with real advantages already in hand. The blank canvas nature of a Cat A fit out gives tenants the freedom to partition, design and outfit the space precisely as needed, all without the delays or additional costs associated with a raw shell and core building. For businesses serious about their workplace, Cat A is the right place to start.

A Category A+ fit out, commonly shortened to Cat A+ fit-out, is a complete office redesign and fit-out typically undertaken by the landlord and designed so that a business can move in and start working immediately.

A Cat A+ offers all the functional aspects of a Cat B fit out, such as fully fitted kitchens, breakout areas, meeting rooms and office furniture, with the key difference being that the tenant is not responsible for sourcing or funding the works themselves. A Cat A+ fit-out is designed for immediate occupation.

These office types are often called 'plug-and-play' offices, meaning they are fully equipped and ready for businesses to commence their operations from day one.

What does a Cat A+ fit-out include?

Typically, a Cat A+ office fit-out will have almost everything that a business requires to move its team into the workplace and begin operations immediately.

With a Cat A+ fit-out, you can expect:

• Desks, chairs, and meeting room furniture

• Fully fitted kitchen or tea point

• High-speed internet and connectivity

• Breakout spaces and soft seating

• Reception area (if applicable)

• Decoration and lighting

• Cleaning and facilities management (in some cases)

Cat A+ spaces are ideal for businesses seeking flexibility, speed, and simplicity. A Cat A+ fit out is perfect if a company is looking for an office space that's well-designed and ready to use. The main appeal for this office fit-out type is the ready-to-use office space and it will appeal to businesses who do not want to deal with the costs or complexities of managing a full fit-out themselves.

Since all office furnishings and facilities are already in place, a Cat A+ fit-out means your team can move in and start working immediately, with desks, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and connectivity already in place. This can be particularly appealing for both established and growing businesses, those with project-based teams, or companies looking for efficient short-term flexibility.

By choosing a Category A Plus fit-out, businesses can expect to move into a professional, thoughtfully designed workspace with minimal hassle, often on more agile lease terms than a traditional office. This makes Cat A+ office fit-outs an appealing solution, offering both convenience, functionality, and aesthetic appeal - all with no upfront capital outlay or delays.

We have covered the difference between a Cat A and Cat B fit outs before, but how does a Cat A+ differ?

• Cat A fit out: This is a basic interior fit-out and essentially a blank canvas. Incoming tenants have the flexibility to turn it into a workplace of their own.

• Cat B fit out: A bespoke fit-out completed by the tenant, including furniture, layout design, and branding.

• Cat A+ fit out: usually commissioned by landlords as a way to provide a functional office that tenants can move into and start using straight away, with only minimal tweaks needed.

To find out which one is right for you, read our article: A Guide To Office Fit-Outs.