In the ever-evolving landscape of the workplace, the design and functionality of office spaces play a pivotal role in shaping the way businesses operate.

There are different types of renovations available to organisations looking to upgrade their office space. In this article, we'll be discussing the Category A (CAT A) fit-out—a canvas upon which the identity and productivity of a workplace can be sketched.

As businesses increasingly acknowledge the impact of their surroundings on employee wellbeing and performance, the CAT A fit-out emerges as a way to achieve the optimal balance between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

Read on as we unravel the layers of CAT-A fit-outs so you can understand what a CAT A-fit out is, and whether or not it's right for your company.

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What is a CAT A fit-out?

A CAT A fit-out is a type of commercial interior fit-out that involves extensive renovations to the underlying structure and services of a building. CAT A fit-outs can also be referred to as ‘landlord’s works’ as their very basic and stripped-back finish provides a blank canvas for tenants.

The idea behind CAT A fit-out is to provide a functional, barebones space that tenants can customise further according to their specific needs. This typically involves a range of improvements to the building, including the installation of new services, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and basic ceiling and floor finishes.

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‍What does a CAT A fit-out include?

A CAT A fit-out typically includes the following elements:

• Structural works: making changes to the underlying structure of the building, such as the installation of new partitions or load-bearing walls
• M&E services: installing new mechanical and electrical services, such as HVAC systems, lighting, and power
• Flooring: installing new flooring, such as carpet or vinyl
• Ceilings: installing new suspended ceilings
• Decoration: adding new paint, wallpaper, or other basic decorative elements to enhance the appearance of the space.

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What are the benefits of a CAT A fit-out?

One of the main benefits of a CAT A fit-out is that it provides tenants with a high-quality environment that can be customised and tailored as required. It’s a chance for tenants to start fresh and build their environment from the ground up. 

As sustainability becomes an ever-important consideration for employers, CAT A fit-outs provide businesses and landlords a chance to implement sustainable changes such as technology integration, improving indoor air quality and maximising efficiency. These changes can contribute towards achieving sustainability certifications like LEED or BREEAM. 

CAT A fit-outs also provide landlords with the opportunity to add value to their building by improving its overall quality and functionality. These refurbishments can make the building more attractive to potential tenants, and can also increase its value in the long term. 

Once the CAT A fit-out is completed, tenants may proceed with a CAT A+ or CAT B fit-out, which involves the customization of the space to meet their particular requirements, such as installing specific rooms, furniture, and decorative elements.