Your office isn’t just a place to work—it’s a space that shapes productivity, culture, and growth. But before your team moves in, you need to understand what kind of fit out the building offers.

Terms like Cat A, Cat A+, and Cat B describe how far the space has been prepared, from basic structure to fully functional and branded environments.

Choosing the right stage can mean the difference between months of extra building work or a smooth, ready-to-go move-in.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down the cat a and cat b fit out meaning, and give you the clarity you need to make the right decision for your business.

An office fit-out is the process of transforming an empty building space into a working office environment. It's like the difference between buying an empty house with just walls and a roof versus buying one that's fully furnished and ready to live in.

The fit-out process covers everything from installing basic utilities like electricity and plumbing to adding furniture, decorating walls, and creating the layout that makes a space functional for your business. Without a proper fit-out, you'd be trying to work in what's essentially an empty concrete box.

Mechanical and Electrical Services: When we talk about mechanical and electrical services, we mean all the invisible systems that make a building work. This includes installing air conditioning systems throughout the space so people can work comfortably year-round. The electrical services cover everything from the main power supply coming into the building to basic lighting that provides adequate illumination for office work.

Raised Access Floors: These might sound fancy, but raised access floors are actually very practical. Instead of having cables and wires running along walls or ceilings where they look messy and are hard to access, raised floors create a hidden space underneath the floor surface. This space acts like a highway system for all the electrical cables, internet wiring, and sometimes even air conditioning ducts. If something needs to be repaired or upgraded later, workers can simply lift up floor panels instead of tearing apart walls.

Suspended Ceilings: Similar to raised floors, suspended ceilings create a hidden space above your head. This space hides all the mechanical systems like air conditioning ducts, fire safety equipment, and electrical wiring. The ceiling you see isn't the actual building ceiling - it's a suspended grid system that provides easy access to everything hidden above. This makes maintenance much easier and gives the space a clean, professional appearance.

Basic Lighting Systems: Cat A lighting is functional but not fancy. You'll get standard office lighting that provides adequate illumination for work, but it won't be customized for specific tasks or designed to create any particular atmosphere. Think of it as the lighting equivalent of a basic white t-shirt - it does the job but doesn't make any style statements.

Fire Safety and Protection: This covers all the systems required by law to keep people safe. Fire alarms throughout the space will detect smoke and alert everyone to evacuate. Sprinkler systems will automatically activate if there's a fire. Emergency lighting will guide people to exits even if the main power fails. Fire doors and escape routes ensure people can get out quickly and safely.

Basic Internal Finishes: The walls will be painted, but usually in neutral colors like white or light gray that won't clash with any future tenant's preferences. Floors will typically be the raised access floor system we mentioned, which provides a flat, walkable surface but isn't particularly attractive. It's functional flooring that's meant to be covered later with carpet, tiles, or other finishes.

Common Areas: Reception areas, lift lobbies, and toilet facilities will be completed to a basic but professional standard. These areas need to be functional for any tenant, so they're finished in a neutral, practical way.

What's deliberately NOT included in Cat A:

• No furniture or workstations
• No internal partitions (the space is completely open)
• No kitchen facilities beyond basic toilets
• No decorative elements or branding
• No carpet or attractive flooring
• No specialized lighting for different areas
• No meeting rooms or private offices

Cat A+ has become increasingly popular because it solves a real problem: many businesses want something better than a basic Cat A space, but they don't want the cost and complexity of a full Cat B fit-out.

Understanding the Cat A+ concept:

Cat A+ takes everything from Cat A and adds practical elements that make the space immediately usable. It's like buying a furnished apartment instead of an empty one - you can move in and start living (or working) right away, but you can still add your own personal touches later.

The "plus" in Cat A+ refers to the additional features that bridge the gap between basic infrastructure and full customization. These spaces are sometimes called "plug and play" offices because you can literally plug in your equipment and start working.

What Cat A+ includes beyond Cat A:

• Basic Furniture and Workstations: You'll get essential office furniture like desks, chairs, and basic storage units. The furniture is typically good quality but neutral in style - think of it as the office equivalent of furniture in a corporate hotel. It's professional and functional, but not personalized to any particular company's style.
• Internal Partitioning: Unlike Cat A which is completely open, Cat A+ includes some basic room divisions. You'll typically get a few meeting rooms, some private offices, and defined areas for different functions. The layout is designed to work for most businesses, but it's not customized for any specific company's workflow.
• Kitchen and Break Areas: Cat A+ includes basic kitchen facilities - typically a small kitchen area with a refrigerator, microwave, sink, and some seating. These aren't fancy corporate kitchens, but they're functional spaces where staff can have lunch and take breaks.
• IT Infrastructure: The space will be pre-wired for internet and telecommunications. Network cables will be installed and connected, often with WiFi already set up. You might even get basic phone systems installed. This means you can start working immediately without waiting for the IT installation.
• Enhanced Lighting: While still not fully customized, Cat A+ spaces typically have better lighting than basic Cat A. You might get some task lighting in work areas and different lighting zones for different functions.
• Basic Branding Opportunities: While you won't get custom branding, Cat A+ spaces are designed to accommodate your company's identity. Reception areas are finished to a standard where you can easily add your company logo and branding materials.

What is Cat B in construction?

A Cat B fit-out is where a space gets completely customized for a specific company's needs. This is the stage where you take a Cat A space and transform it into a workplace that reflects your company's culture, supports your specific way of working, and creates the environment you want for your employees and clients.

Cat B is typically undertaken by the tenant (the company moving in) rather than the landlord. It's a collaborative process involving architects, designers, project managers, and various specialist contractors, all working together while following construction best practices to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency.

Custom Space Planning: This goes far beyond just adding some furniture. Professional space planners will analyze how your company actually works. Do you need lots of private offices for confidential work? Open collaborative areas for creative teams? Quiet zones for focused work? The space gets designed around your specific workflow, not a generic office layout.

Advanced Mechanical and Electrical Systems: While Cat A provides basic systems, Cat B optimizes them for your specific needs. This might mean upgrading the air conditioning system for better climate control in server rooms, adding specialized electrical circuits for manufacturing equipment, or installing advanced lighting controls that adjust throughout the day.

Custom Interior Design: This is where your company's personality really shows. Interior designers will create a cohesive look that reflects your brand and culture. Color schemes, materials, textures, and lighting all work together to create an environment that feels uniquely yours.

Specialized Areas: Cat B creates spaces designed for specific functions.

This might include:

• Reception areas designed to impress your particular type of clients
• Meeting rooms equipped with the latest video conferencing technology
• Quiet phone booths for private calls
• Collaborative areas with writable walls and comfortable seating
• Server rooms with specialized cooling and security
• Storage areas organized for your specific inventory needs

Advanced IT Infrastructure: Beyond basic internet connectivity, Cat B includes whatever data center infrastructure your business needs. This might mean installing server rooms, advanced security systems, specialized telecommunications equipment, or industry-specific technology.

High-Quality Finishes: Everything gets upgraded to professional standards. Flooring might include high-quality carpets in work areas, hardwood in reception areas, and specialized flooring in technical areas. Wall finishes could include custom paint colors, wallpaper, wood paneling, or even living walls with plants.

Custom Furniture Solutions: Rather than standard office furniture, Cat B includes furniture chosen specifically for your needs and aesthetic. This might mean ergonomic workstations for staff who spend long hours at computers, comfortable lounge areas for informal meetings, or specialized furniture for your particular industry.

Branding Integration: Your company's visual identity gets integrated throughout the space. This goes beyond just hanging up your logo - it might include custom wall graphics, branded color schemes, mission statements displayed prominently, or even custom artwork that reflects your company values.

Choose Cat A if:

1. You have specific design requirements: If your business has unique needs that standard layouts can't accommodate, Cat A gives you complete freedom to create exactly what you need.
2. You already have furniture and equipment: If you're relocating from another office and want to bring existing furniture, paying for Cat A+ or Cat B furniture doesn't make sense.
3. You want long-term control: If you're planning to stay in the space for many years, investing in a custom Cat B fit-out of a Cat A space might be worthwhile.
4. Budget flexibility: If you'd prefer to spread fit-out costs over time rather than paying higher rent from day one.

Choose Cat A+ if:

1. You need to move quickly: If your current lease is ending soon or you need to relocate quickly for business reasons, Cat A+ lets you be operational within days.
2. You want some customization options: You can still add your branding and make modifications, but you're not starting from scratch.
3. You're a growing company: If you're not sure about your long-term space needs, Cat A+ provides flexibility without major investment.
4. You want predictable costs: Everything is included in the rent, so you won't face unexpected fit-out expenses.

Choose Cat B if:

1. Professional image is crucial: If your space needs to impress clients or help with recruitment, a custom design makes a significant difference.
2. You have specific operational needs: Some businesses require specialized layouts, equipment, or environmental controls that only custom fit-outs can provide.
3. You're planning long-term occupancy: If you'll be in the space for 5+ years, the investment in customization pays off over time.
4. Employee experience matters: If staff retention and satisfaction are priorities, a well-designed custom workspace can make a real difference.

Knowing the difference between Cat A, Cat A+, and Cat B fit-out categories is key to making the right decision for your space. Each option comes with its own costs, timelines, and level of flexibility. Following office design tips can help you maximize the benefits of your chosen fit-out.

Cat A gives you a blank canvas with maximum control, but it requires more time and effort.

Cat B delivers a fully customized, ready-to-use workspace, though it involves higher investment and planning.

Cat A+ offers a balanced middle ground—practical, quicker, and ideal for many modern businesses.

The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and long-term goals. Remember, your office fit-out isn’t just about space—it’s about creating an environment that supports productivity and growth.