What is the Difference Between CAT A & CAT B Fit Out?

If you're looking to move into a new office or give your current workspace a makeover, you've probably come across the terms Cat A and Cat B fit-out. But what exactly do they mean, and how do they differ? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences in simple terms, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

What is a Fit Out?

Before we dive into the details of Cat A and Cat B fit-outs, let’s take a moment to understand what a fit-out is. An office fit-out is the process of turning an empty space into a fully functioning workspace. It’s about making a building suitable for occupancy by adding essential elements like floors, partitioning, and facilities. From the moment you step inside, everything is set up for work, whether that’s in a new building or an office being refurbished.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the differences between Cat A and Cat B fit-outs.

What is a Cat A Fit-Out?

A Cat A fit-out is essentially the “blank canvas” of office spaces. It’s the bare minimum needed to make a space ready for tenants to move in and customise. When you hear the term white boxing, it refers to the clean, neutral finish typically provided in a Cat A fit-out. Imagine partitioning painted in white, basic flooring, and suspended ceilings—nothing fancy, but all the essentials are in place.

Key Features of a Cat A Fit-Out:

• Basic infrastructure: This includes electrical systems, lighting, heating, and cooling.

• Raised floors and suspended ceilings to give flexibility for future changes.

• Fire safety like smoke alarms and fire detection systems.

• Common areas like staircases, lifts, and toilets are ready to use.

Cat A fit-outs are about creating a functional base where tenants can come in and make the space their own with further customisation.

What is a Cat B Fit-Out?

A Cat B fit-out is the next step after Cat A. It’s where the space gets transformed into an office ready for business. In other words, a Cat B fit-out is a fully customised space tailored to the tenant’s needs and branding. This is the stage where you decide on the layout, furniture, IT infrastructure, and all those little details that make the office your own.

Key Features of a Cat B Fit-Out:

• Fully fitted kitchens and office amenities like tea points.

• Workstations and furniture designed to suit your team.

• Custom partitioning to create meeting rooms, breakout areas, and private offices.

• IT infrastructure and power points installed to meet your business requirements.

• Design and branding details that reflect your company’s culture and style.

Cat B fit-outs are where you bring the vision to life, making the office a place where your team can be productive and comfortable.

Cat A+ Fit-Out – The Best of Both Worlds?

A Cat A+ fit-out is a bit of a hybrid between Cat A and Cat B. Think of it as a plug-and-play office where you don’t have to worry about basic infrastructure but still need to add a few final touches to make it your own. It’s ideal for businesses that want a fully functional office without going all out with a Cat B fit-out.

What’s the Difference Between Cat A and Cat B Fit-Outs?

The main difference between Cat A and Cat B is the level of customisation.

• Cat A provides the basic framework—the essential systems and a clean, neutral finish that can be easily adapted.

• Cat B takes it further by customising the office space to suit your business needs, with furniture, branding, and tailored workspaces.

In short, Cat A is the starting point, and Cat B is the finishing touch that makes the space fully functional and uniquely yours.

FAQs About Cat A & Cat B Fit Outs

What does a Cat A fit-out include?

A Cat A fit-out includes basic systems like electrical, lighting, HVAC, raised floors, and suspended ceilings. It’s a neutral, unfinished space that provides a foundation for further customisation.

Can I move into a Cat A office immediately?

No, a Cat A fit-out is not ready for day-to-day work. It’s essentially a blank canvas, so you’ll need a Cat B fit-out to personalise the office before you can start using it.

What is a Cat B fit-out?

A Cat B fit-out is a fully personalised office space. This includes workstations, furniture, meeting rooms, and all the IT infrastructure necessary to make the office functional and tailored to your needs.

What’s the difference between a refurbishment and a fit-out?

A refurbishment is the process of updating or renewing an existing office space. A fit-out, on the other hand, involves creating a new office environment, either from a blank shell (shell and core) or from a Cat A base.

What is ‘white boxing’ in a fit-out?

White boxing refers to a Cat A fit-out, where the office space is finished in a basic, neutral style (often with white partitioning) to provide a simple starting point for further customisation.

Why Choose Faction Interiors for Your Fit-Out?

At Faction Interiors, we specialise in Cat A and Cat B fit-outs that create productive, stylish workspaces. Whether you need a basic space that’s ready to be customised, or a fully tailored office that reflects your brand and business culture, we’ve got you covered. With our experience and attention to detail, we ensure every project is completed on time and within budget.

If you’re ready to transform your office, get in touch with us today. Let’s make your workspace work for you.

Whether you’re opting for a Cat A or Cat B fit-out, understanding what each involves will help you make the best decision for your office needs. At Faction Interiors, we’re here to guide you through the process, so you get exactly what your business requires.