Cat A and Cat B – What are they?
If you’re looking for commercial premises or relocating your office there’s a good chance you’ll need to carry out work to prepare the property before occupancy. Unlike private rentals which typically come with all amenities already installed and sometimes fully furnished, a commercial property will often be nothing more than a shell that requires varying degrees of fit-out to bring it up to the level you need to operate.
Cat A and Cat B office fit-outs are two different options and it’s important to understand the difference between them when planning or budgeting for any move.
Cat A vs Cat B Fit Out
The difference between a Cat A and a Cat B office fit-out boils down to the amount of work undertaken.
In a Cat A fit-out a functional space is created with basic finishes to the walls, floors, and ceilings but without any partitions, offices, or meeting rooms. In this baseline fit-out, there will usually be services and standard lighting but they won’t be configured specifically for your business. In other words, it’s a blank space ready for you to put your stamp on.
A Cat B fit-out, however, involves not only creating a functional and usable space but also all the design elements. For example, creating a finished office with desks, internal offices, breakout areas, etc.. ready to be moved into and used immediately. As well as partitioning, heating, electrics, and tech it will include branding, furniture, and aesthetic additions. See more on our design services here
A third category, Cat A+, falls in between the two options. In this instance, the landlord has installed fewer features than a Cat B fit-out but more than a Cat A one. For example, a serviced office that is ready for you and your staff to move into right away but doesn’t contain any personalisation, branding, or specific elements relevant to your business.
Take a look at a our case studies to see more examples of Cat A, Cat B and Cat A+ office fit-outs
How Do I Know Which Fit Out Is Right For Me?
This will largely be dictated by the property you choose, the needs of your business, the timescale, and the budget. Cat A fit-outs tend to be cheaper because they’re quicker and require fewer elements. However, it might not give you all the amenities specifically required for your operations, for example, a hard-wired broadband system or sufficient electrical points to run the equipment.
Cat B will take longer and cost more but will give you a tailored working environment that upgrades services beyond the necessities. If you’re considering renting an office that is already functional but lacks personalised elements that reflect your business, then this will be a more suitable option for you.
Check The Conditions Before You Sign
Once you’ve decided upon a property and understand the type of fit-out you’ll require make sure you’re aware of your contractual obligations and have agreed on the work that will be carried out with the landlord before signing a lease.
Depending on the state of the property you rent and the work required to bring it up to standard, some landlords may offer a period of reduced rent or other incentives to offset initial fit-out costs. Similarly, it’s standard for landlords to require tenants to return properties to their original state at the end of their lease.
If you are still unsure about which office fit-out is best for you, please get in touch with us for expert advice.
