Cat A vs Cat A+ vs Cat B Fit Out: Understanding the Key Differences

Moving into a new office can be tricky if you don’t know how prepared the space is for immediate work. Office fit-outs prepare a space so employees can start working efficiently. Understanding the difference between Cat A and Cat B fit out is essential to make smart decisions about cost, timelines, and office design.

Cat A, Cat A+, and Cat B fit-outs show how much work has already been done and what still needs to be completed. Each level prepares the office differently, and these differences matter for functionality, comfort, and business operations.

This guide breaks down the key differences, helping you decide which option suits your business best.

The internal layout is another major difference between the three fit-outs. How spaces are divided influences workflow, collaboration, and privacy.

• Cat A spaces are completely open plan with no partitions. Walls and ceilings are finished, but the office design ideas are essentially a blank canvas. Tenants must plan and install partitions, meeting rooms, and private offices themselves. This provides maximum control but requires more effort before employees can start working effectively.
• Cat A+ introduces some partitions. Certain rooms such as private offices, meeting areas, or break spaces may already be in place. This partial layout reduces setup time while still allowing flexibility for future adjustments.
• Cat B is fully customised. Every room, corridor, and open space is planned according to the company’s workflow. Departments, teams, and functions have the correct amount of space for their activities. Optimised layouts improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary movement, and ensure collaboration and privacy needs are met.

The difference in various types of office layout is about how much is ready to use versus how much control the business retains. Cat A gives freedom, Cat A+ balances readiness with flexibility, and Cat B offers a workflow-optimised environment immediately.

Furniture is a clear point of differentiation between the fit-out categories. It affects usability, comfort, and brand perception.

• Cat A fit-outs come with no furniture. Desks, chairs, storage units, and meeting room tables are all the tenant’s responsibility. While this offers flexibility in choosing styles and ergonomics, it also requires additional time and investment before the office can be used.
• Cat A+ provides basic, standard furniture. Workstations, chairs, and storage units are included, allowing teams to move in quickly. Furniture is neutral and generic, suitable for most business types, but not tailored to a company’s visual identity or specific operational needs.
• Cat B offers fully customised furniture solutions. Workstations, lounge areas, meeting tables, and storage are designed specifically for the company’s workflow and brand image and overall office workspace design factors. Ergonomics, employee comfort, and aesthetic appeal are integrated throughout. This ensures staff are comfortable and productive from day one, and visitors immediately perceive a professional and cohesive workspace .

The difference in furniture impacts move-in readiness, comfort, and visual appeal. Cat A requires full setup, Cat A+ allows quick occupancy with standard options, and Cat B provides a fully tailored, functional, and branded environment.

One of the first differences you notice between the three fit-out categories is their infrastructure, which affects how ready and functional an office is from day one.

• Cat A provides the essentials. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and basic electrical wiring are installed, along with standard lighting. These systems allow the office to function but remain generic and not customised for a company’s workflow. Staff comfort and operational efficiency may require additional adjustments.
• Cat A+ upgrades these systems slightly. Air conditioning may have better controls, lighting can be zoned for different areas, and cabling may be ready for quick IT setup. It is more practical than Cat A, reducing setup time, yet still not fully tailored for a specific company’s requirements.
• Cat B offers fully tailored systems. Electrical circuits, air conditioning, heating, and lighting are designed for the company’s unique needs. For example, server rooms might have extra cooling, collaborative areas might have task-specific lighting, and special electrical circuits may support technical equipment.

The difference in infrastructure impacts operational readiness, comfort, and staff efficiency. Cat A requires more setup time, Cat A+ balances speed and practicality, and Cat B ensures the office is fully prepared for immediate, efficient use.

Branding and interior styling create a workplace’s personality and affect employee morale, client impressions, and company culture.

• Cat A fit-outs are neutral. Walls, floors, and ceilings are plain, offering no branding or decorative elements. The space functions efficiently but communicates nothing about the company’s identity.
• Cat A+ allows limited branding. Reception areas or common spaces may be prepared for a logo or simple decorative elements, but the overall office remains neutral. This gives businesses some control over their identity without extensive investment.
• Cat B integrates branding fully. Wall colours, logos, graphics, furniture, and finishes all reflect the company’s identity. Interiors are designed to impress clients, motivate staff, and provide a cohesive, branded environment. Every element communicates the company’s values and professionalism.

The difference here determines whether the office simply functions or also reinforces culture and style. Cat A is functional only, Cat A+ allows partial visual identity, and Cat B creates a fully branded, immersive environment.

How quickly a business can occupy the space is a practical difference often overlooked.

• Cat A is not ready for immediate use. Tenants must install partitions, furniture, IT systems, and other essentials before the office can operate efficiently. This can delay business operations and increase setup time.
• Cat A+ is partially ready. Minor adjustments may be needed, but the space allows teams to start work sooner than Cat A. IT setup, basic furniture, and some partitions are already in place.
• Cat B is fully ready to occupy. Layout, furniture, infrastructure, IT systems, and branding are complete. Employees can move in and start working immediately with minimal disruption.

The difference in readiness affects timelines, costs, and business continuity. Cat A requires preparation time, Cat A+ balances speed with flexibility, and Cat B ensures immediate operational functionality.

Cost is a major factor when choosing between Cat A, Cat A+, and Cat B fit-outs.

• Cat A has the lowest initial cost, providing only essential infrastructure. However, the cumulative expense of adding furniture, partitions, IT, and branding later may increase total costs over time.
• Cat A+ has a moderate cost. Essential features such as basic furniture, partitions, and IT are included, reducing additional spending and unexpected expenses.
• Cat B is the highest cost option. Every element—from infrastructure to furniture and branding—is customised. While it requires higher upfront investment, it saves time, reduces setup stress, and avoids piecemeal costs later.

Understanding these differences helps businesses plan budgets, avoid surprises, and choose a fit-out aligned with financial priorities

The right fit-out depends on business priorities, size, and long-term plans.

• Cat A is ideal for businesses seeking complete control over design, those with existing furniture, or companies planning long-term occupancy. Start-ups and small firms with clear workflows may benefit from the flexibility of a blank canvas.
• Cat A+ suits businesses that need to move quickly but still want some ready-to-use features. Growing companies often prefer this option because it balances operational readiness with future customisation potential.
• Cat B is best for organisations prioritising branding, professional image, and fully customised functionality. Long-term tenants or businesses with specific operational needs gain the most from Cat B, benefiting from immediate productivity and a cohesive, branded environment.

The difference here highlights who benefits most from each fit-out type, ensuring businesses choose a solution that supports their goals, operations, and team efficiency.

Choosing the right fit-out depends on your business needs, budget, and timeline:

• Cat A Offers full control and flexibility, ideal for companies with existing furniture or long-term plans. It requires effort to fully customise but allows complete freedom.
• Cat A+ Offers essentials for a faster move-in while retaining flexibility for future modifications. Suitable for businesses that need some immediate functionality but plan to evolve the space later.
• Cat B Provides a fully customised, branded office ready for use from day one. Perfect for companies that prioritise professional image, employee comfort, and workflow-specific design.

By understanding priorities—whether flexibility, speed, or full customisation—businesses can select a fit-out that best supports their team, operations, and long-term objectives.

The choice between Cat A, Cat A+, and Cat B fit-outs comes down to how ready and customised you want your office to be. Cat A offers the basics and full flexibility, Cat A+ provides essential features for a quicker move-in, and Cat B delivers a fully tailored, branded space from day one.

Choosing the right office fit-out ensures your workspace supports employees, aligns with your brand, and meets your business needs from the start. This creates a workspace that is not only functional but also welcoming, productive, and reflective of your company’s identity.