What are the Different Types of Office Fit Out?

An ideal workplace needs more than just new paint and furniture. It's about making a space that was once empty functional and branded. "Office fit out" is the name of this process that gets a room ready for a business to use.

In this blog post, we'll talk about what "office fit out" really means, the different types of office fit out, and the parts that make them up, like shell and core fit out, Cat A office fit out, Cat A+ fit out, and Cat B fit out.

We'll also show you how an average office fit out works and contrast various types of business fit out.

At its core, “what is office fit out” basically means transforming an interior space-usually given as a bare structure-into a place to work that is ready to be occupied. It means turning the inside from rough concrete and bare systems into polished, brand-named areas where teams can work well together.

As part of an office build out, the walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, heating and cooling, as well as useful areas like kitchens, meeting rooms, and break out areas, are set up. The goal is to make a workspace that is helpful, fits with how the company works, and helps people get their work done. It's the process of turning an empty shell into an office that works well and inspires people.

In general, the different types of commercial fit out are organized in the same way that office spaces are: there is shell and core, then Cat A, Cat A+, and Cat B. Each step builds on the last, turning a space from a blank canvas into a fully customized place that fits the needs of the people who live or work there.

But for each type of business, specific priorities are different:

1. Shop Fit Outs

• The main goal is making people feel welcome.
• Pay close attention to the shows, the lighting, the signs, and the flow of people coming and going.
• Designed to get people excited and help make sales.

2. Medical or Clinic Fit Outs

• Focus on how well the space works and how it follows the rules.
• Often need special building materials, water systems, and cleaning supplies.
• Must follow strict healthcare rules while still making patients feel at ease.

3. Warehouse or Industrial Fit Outs

• Meant to be useful and last a long time.
• Should be safe, have durable finishes, and strong systems to move and store things.

From shell and core to a fully customized Cat B space, the general fit out process is the same for any type of business. This keeps the room in good shape and lets you use it in different ways.

Most of the time, setting up an office is done in a few planned steps:

• Making Plans and Designs: Figure out what you need, how much money you have, and whether you want to go straight to Cat B, Cat A, or Cat A+.
• Getting the Shell and Core: Developers give you a building shell that has all the basic services you need.
• When it comes to Cat A Fit Out: Set up the building's basic systems, such as the electrical, HVAC, raised floors, ceilings, and finishes.
• Cat B Fit Out: Branding, furniture, walls, kitchens, tech, and comforts can all be changed to fit your needs.
• Handover and Move In: Make sure the place meets the rules, has been tested, and is ready to be used.
• Optional Reinstatement or Future Modifications: Some landlords expect tenants to clean up the area when the lease is up, but more and more, people are encouraged to reuse spaces.

It's important to know about the different types of office fit out because each has its own pros and cons that depend on the goals, schedule, and budget of the tenant.

• Its flexibility is one of the best things about it. Cat A fit out is a basic empty space that tenants are free to plan, layout and brand to their preference. Cat A+ fit outs are ready to use offices that only require plugging in and playing with, ideal in businesses where speed and convenience are required. Cat B fit out is a completely tailored fit into the culture, work processes and brand of a particular business.
• The appropriate choice of technique can save both time and money. In some cases, it can be cheaper to go straight to Cat B without doing Cat A. This prevents insertion of Cat A features where unnecessary as they can be eliminated or modified to suit a tenant design. Following simple office design tips can help make the most of each type.
• Another crucial thing to think about is sustainability. Reusing the designs or materials used by previous tenants can save businesses money and lower the carbon footprint that businesses take extra measures. The sustainable fit-out solutions minimize waste and respond to the increasing demand of environmentally friendly workplaces.

Craftex focuses on providing commercial fit outs that are of high quality which are durable. Their site does not describe all kinds of fit out with a detailed description, but their work in London is renowned for being durable and well made.

1. Eco-Friendly, Energy-Saving Solutions

Craftex applies eco-friendly materials and fits power saving mechanisms in every project. Their fit outs are healthy, sustainable and affordable with BREEAM and WELL standards. These solutions are beneficial to your business and to the environment.

2. Future-Ready Workspaces

Craftex does not just build spaces - they are future-ready businesses. Their fit outs are smart infrastructure friendly, AI-friendly and fast-growing. The construction of all projects is done to high standards with consideration to safety, functionality and technological readiness.

3. Expertise in Fit Out Categories

Craftex delivers excellent Cat A+, Cat B, and custom fit outs, especially where brand-driven design, high technical standards, and sustainability matter most, with a clear reference to the guide for Cat A, Cat A+ and Cat B Fit Out. These fit outs are designed to match the unique culture, workflow, and branding needs of each business.