Moving into a new office can feel exciting until the terminology starts flying around. Cat A, Cat B, shell and core, fit out, refurbishment. For business owners who simply want a workspace that is practical, comfortable and ready for their team, it can quickly become confusing.
Two of the most common terms you are likely to hear are Cat A and Cat B. Understanding the difference between them can make it much easier to budget properly, plan your move and decide how much work your new office really needs.
What Is a Cat A Fit Out?
A Cat A fit out generally creates a basic, functional office space that is ready for a tenant to customise. The exact specification can vary depending on the landlord or building, but it will usually include essential mechanical and electrical systems.
This might cover lighting, heating and cooling systems, raised floors, suspended ceilings, fire detection systems and basic internal finishes. At this stage, the office is usable from a building-services perspective, but it is unlikely to feel like a finished workplace.
There may be no meeting rooms, kitchen areas, branded features or dedicated work zones. Think of Cat A as providing the foundations rather than the finished office.
What Is a Cat B Fit Out?
Cat B takes the space from functional to fully operational. This is where the workplace is designed around the needs, culture and identity of the business moving in.
A Cat B project might include partitions, meeting rooms, breakout areas, kitchens, furniture, storage, signage, branding, specialist lighting and technology infrastructure. It can also involve choosing materials, colours and finishes that reflect the company’s personality.
For businesses comparing their options, understanding the difference between a Cat A and Cat B fit out can help clarify exactly what is already included in a property and what additional investment may be required before employees can move in.
Why the Difference Matters When Budgeting
One of the biggest mistakes a business can make is assuming that an office advertised as “fitted out” is completely ready to occupy.
If the property is only finished to Cat A standard, the cost of a Cat B fit out will still need to be factored into the overall relocation budget. Depending on the size of the office and the level of specification required, this can represent a significant investment.
Business owners should therefore ask for a detailed schedule of what is included before signing a lease.
Think About How Your Team Actually Works
A good Cat B fit out should be about more than making the office look attractive. The layout should support the way employees use the space every day.
That could mean providing quiet rooms for focused work, collaborative areas for project teams, video conferencing spaces for hybrid meetings or informal breakout zones where employees can step away from their desks.
Planning these requirements early can help avoid expensive changes later.
Allow Enough Time
Office fit outs can involve design work, approvals, procurement, construction and final installation. Furniture and specialist materials may also have long lead times.
Starting the process well before your intended move-in date gives you more flexibility and reduces the risk of rushed decisions.
Creating a Workspace That Works for Your Business
Cat A and Cat B fit outs serve very different purposes, but both are important stages in creating a finished office. Cat A provides the essential infrastructure, while Cat B transforms that basic space into somewhere your team can actually work.
By understanding what each stage includes, business owners can set realistic budgets, plan their move more effectively and create an office that supports both their employees and the wider business.
