You may be considering an office fit-out, but feel inundated by all the other information on the web. A good place to start is to identify what type of office fit-out you require.
To start with there are three main types of office fit-out, these being:
- CAT A
- CAT A+
- CAT B.
CAT A
A CAT A fit-out is the basic fit-out needed to get a building functionable, it does not include many things you may expect to find in an office space such as a kitchen or meeting rooms.
These are usually commissioned by a landlord who wants to fit-out to prospective tenants.
The standard items usually found in a CAT A fit-out include:
- Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms
- Basic utilities such as lighting, plumbing and working plugs
- Raised access floors
- Toilets
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
CAT B
A CAT B fit-out is the next phase in the process which shapes the interior workspace space, adapting the building to how you want it. This stage allows you to inject your own personality and requirements into the space.
A CAT B fit-out, moulds around your company values and branding and how your employees will use the space.
Careful consideration is given to the layout and selecting the furniture that ensures that the space maximises staff productivity and wellbeing. A great design will ensure your workforce feels comfortable to deliver their best every day and the space also helps your company attract and retain talent.
Normally included in a CAT B fit-out is:
- Furniture and workstations
- Design and company branding
- Kitchen area
- Partitioning for offices, meeting rooms and breakout areas
- Floor finishes
CAT A+
A fairly newly emerged concept, the CAT A+ fit-out is seen as the middle ground between CAT A and CAT B fit-outs, as it combines elements from both A and B, essentially a plug-and-play office setup provided by landlords. A ‘ready to work’ concept suits many micro/small companies and start-ups who can add touches of their company’s personality easily to an already fully functioning office. It means that all a prospective tenant needs to move in, is their staff and IT equipment.
Features often found in CAT A+ fit-outs*:
- Workstations and desks
- Basic décor
- Kitchen
- Breakout spaces
- Tea points
*Not all features listed here would necessarily be included in every CAT A+ fit-out
