How to understand the commercial office space options open to you
There are so many options when it comes to finding, fitting out and moving into new commercial office space for your business. Once you’ve decided on your location, one of the biggest decisions you will face is deciding what level of office fit out is right for you.
Should you opt for a basic shell and core that you can customise in the way that works for you? Or would a more finished space suit your needs, budget and timeline better?
This choice impacts not only your budget, but also how soon you can move into your workspace and even your team’s productivity and satisfaction. Making the right decision requires understanding the fundamental differences between your primary options: Cat A and Cat B fit outs.
At Turnea, we have extensive experience advising clients on whether starting from Cat A or Cat B fit out is the right process and offer guidance on tackling the two.
A comparison of Cat A and Cat B fit out
| Feature | Cat A Fit Out | Cat B Fit Out |
| Provided by | Typically, the landlord | Typically, tenant led |
| State of completion | Basic shell and core with essential systems such as heating and ventilation (HVAC) and lighting | Fully finished, branded space |
| Customisation level | Maximum flexibility | Fixtures and fittings such as carpets, enhanced M&E, lighting etc |
| Timeline | 6-12 weeks | 8-16 weeks (after Cat A) |
Scenario 1: Basic infrastructure needs
Every business requires certain fundamental elements to function effectively, from proper electrical systems to adequate heating and cooling. How do different fit out options address these essential needs?
The Cat A solution: the functional basics
A Cat A fit out provides all the basic infrastructure necessary to meet building regulations and create a functional workspace, including:
- Basic mechanical and electrical installations
- Suspended ceilings and raised access floors
- Primary distribution of HVAC systems
- Fire detection and prevention systems
- Basic toilet facilities
- Plain, painted perimeter walls
- Minimal internal walls (typically just core walls)
This solution works well for businesses with specific technical requirements where adapting pre-existing infrastructure would be challenging as well as costly. For example, for our banking firm project on Level 4 and 5 at 30 Old Broad Street, London, the company’s old office had had problems with acoustics so working with us from Cat A stage through to Cat B meant that we could address this in the new workspace.
The Cat B solution: ready-to-use infrastructure
The Cat B approach delivers infrastructure that’s not just functional but fully operational and tailored to your specific business activities:
- Customised electrical layouts designed and built for how your firm wants to work
- Customised lighting scheme designs for your different workspace requirements
- Heating and ventilation systems created specifically for your floorplan and layout
- Fully-fitted toilets and kitchen facilities
- IT infrastructure with appropriate cabling and connectivity
- Audiovisual systems installed to your exact business requirements
This solution is ideal for businesses prioritising speed-to-occupancy and those without specialised infrastructure needs that deviate from standard office requirements.
Which works better for different business types
- Creative agencies often benefit from Cat A fit outs that allow them to design unique, brand-aligned spaces from scratch.
- Professional services firms (legal, accounting, consultancy) typically find Cat B solutions more efficient, allowing them to focus on client work rather than office design.
- Retail businesses may prefer the middle ground of Cat A+, providing some basic infrastructure while allowing for brand-specific customer-facing elements.
Scenario 2: Branding and company identity
Your workspace is the physical embodiment of your brand and work culture. How effectively can different fit out approaches showcase your company’s identity?
The Cat A solution: The ultimate in creative freedom
Cat A office space offers your business a blank canvas where you have:
- Total freedom to design your workspace spatial planning the way you want
- An opportunity to really stamp your mark on the space by creating an interior design that translates your brand identity into your physical space
- Full control over the employee and client experience journey through the office.
Taking on office space from the Cat A stage works well for businesses where design is particularly important. It offers a chance to stamp your brand personality onto your workspace. Cat A fit outs typically work well for tech startups, design firms, and luxury brands whose workspace experience reinforces their culture and market positioning.
The Cat B solution: efficient brand implementation
Cat B fit out provides:
- Pre-designed spaces that can be quickly tailored with brand colours and graphics
- Turnkey solutions for incorporating logo signage and brand elements
- Established breakout and meeting areas that can be styled to reflect company culture
- Professional design that aligns with industry expectations
- Faster implementation of a cohesive brand aesthetic
This approach works particularly well for businesses in more traditional industries with well-defined workspace expectations, such as financial services, insurance, and professional services.
Beyond the basics – working with a professional fit out contractor
Regardless of which option you choose, partnering with an experienced fit out contractor such as Turnea can be a major advantage, as we can use our extensive experience to decide whether Cat A and Cat B is right for you. We can then take you through our 6-step process to get your project completed.
If you’re thinking of transforming your commercial space, do get in touch and schedule a call.
