Commercial office spaces often need Cat A or Cat B fit outs. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, which one do you need for your next project?
If you’re a landlord preparing a space for tenants or a business looking to create a workspace that reflects your brand, understanding these categories is key to getting your fit out right.
At Presence & Co., we specialise in both Cat A and Cat B fit outs across Kent and the South East, managing every stage from the shell to fully operational workspace. Read below to discover a clear breakdown of what each type includes, and how to choose the right one for you.
Cat A Fit-Outs
A Category A fit-out (Cat A) is the basic interior completion of a commercial space. This is what landlords typically deliver to make a unit safe, functional and ready for occupation. It is without personalisation and is unfurnished.
You could think of it as a blank canvas. The essentials are there but it’s waiting for someone to make it their own.
A typical Cat A fit-out includes:
- Raised access floors and suspended ceilings
- Basic mechanical and electrical services
- Lighting, fire alarms and smoke detectors.
- Air conditioning
- Ventilation systems
- Internal walls
- Basic finishes: white walls and simple flooring
After a Cat A fit-out, the space is clean, compliant, and ready for lease. At this stage, it still lacks personality, furniture and functionality that makes it feel like it belongs to a company.
Cat B Fit-Outs
Once the tenant takes over, a Cat B fit-out transforms the empty space into something functional and branded, a workspace tailored to the company’s needs.
This stage is where the creativity happens, designing, planning and installing everything like meeting rooms and breakout areas.
A Cat B fit-out usually includes:
- Space planning and interior design
- Partitions and meeting room creations
- Bespoke joinery and finishes
- Branded colour schemes and décor
- Furniture, fitting and equipment
- IT infrastructure, AV and cabling systems
- Kitchen and breakout areas
Once the empty space is filled, the team can walk in and start working immediately.
How to Decide Between Cat A and Cat B
The right fit out depends entirely on your role and goals.
- Landlords or developers typically carry out a Cat A fit-out, ensuring the space meets building standards and is attractive to potential tenants.
- Tenants or occupiers then commission a Cat B fit-out with their brand, layout and working style.
Sometimes, we even deliver a Cat A and a Cat B, a hybrid option that bridges the gap, offering a ready to use, plug in and play office for tenants who want a quicker move in without a bespoke design process.
The Fit-Out Process
At Presence & Co., we manage the full journey. Our process often includes:
- Initial consultation – understanding your goals, timescale and budgets.
- Design and planning – developing floor plans, finishes and layouts that maximise the space
- Project delivery – coordinating trades, materials and timelines with minimal disruption.
- Aftercare – ensuring the space remains compliant and efficient throughout. We keep the property well maintained after the handover.
With our in-house facilities management team, we can even support ongoing maintenance after completion, keeping it performing at its best.
Examples of our work
From complete Cat A landlord refurbishments to bespoke Cat B tenant spaces, our team has delivered a variety of successful commercial projects across Kent and beyond.
Some of our recent work includes:
- Office refurbishments in Tunbridge Wells where we transformed tired commercial interiors into modern, energy efficient workspaces.
- Cat B fit-outs for growing SME’s, creating flexible layouts with collaborative breakout areas and stainable materials.
- Landlord preparation works across multi-tenant buildings, ensuring every unit meets compliance and ready for lease standards.
Each of our projects reflects our commitment to quality, attention to detail and seamless project management from concept to completion.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Whether you’re preparing an office for lease or designing your next headquarters, Presence & Co. offers the expertise to deliver both Cat A and Cat B fit-outs under one roof. Contact us here with your project details today.
