Select Interiors
Creators & Makers of inspiring office, hospitality, retail and commercial interiors
Cat A vs Cat B Fit Out
If you are planning a new office space, one of the first terms you are likely to encounter is Cat A and Cat B fit out.
Understanding the difference between the two is essential when budgeting, planning and preparing your workplace project.
At Select Interiors, we help businesses across Manchester and the North West deliver both Cat A and Cat B office fit outs, creating workplaces that support productivity, collaboration and future growth.
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What Is the Difference Between Cat A and Cat B Fit Outs?
We provide a complete range of office fit out services in Manchester, and we offer a fully comprehensive turnkey service that means you can have one single point of contact throughout the process.
What Is a Cat A Fit Out?
A Cat A fit out prepares a commercial space for occupation.
It provides the essential infrastructure required before a tenant can move into the building but does not include the elements that make the workspace operational.
A typical Cat A fit out may include:
- Raised access flooring
- Suspended ceilings
- Basic lighting
- Air conditioning
- Fire detection systems
- Electrical distribution
- Internal finishes
- Painted walls
- Lift lobbies and communal areas
Following a Cat A fit out, the space is functional but largely empty.
It is often described as a blank canvas ready for tenant occupation.
What Is a Cat B Fit Out?
A Cat B fit out transforms a commercial space into a fully operational workplace.
This stage focuses on creating an environment tailored to the needs of the business and its employees.
A typical Cat B fit out may include:
- Reception areas
- Meeting rooms
- Boardrooms
- Kitchens and tea points
- Breakout spaces
- Collaboration areas
- Furniture installation
- Branding and graphics
- Technology integration
- Acoustic solutions
- Storage facilities
Cat B fit outs are highly bespoke and vary significantly between organisations.
Which Fit Out Do I Need?
The answer depends on the condition of the building and your requirements.
You May Need a Cat A Fit Out If:
- You own a commercial property
- You are preparing space for tenants
- The office is currently a shell condition
- Existing services require installation
You May Need a Cat B Fit Out If:
- You are moving into a new office
- You want a workplace designed around your team
- You require meeting rooms and breakout areas
- You want furniture and branding included
Most businesses moving into new office space will require a Cat B fit out.
Can Cat A and Cat B Fit Outs Be Delivered Together?
Yes.
Many projects involve both Cat A and Cat B elements.
For example:
A commercial space may require upgrades to lighting, air conditioning and flooring before workplace design, furniture and meeting rooms can be installed.
A design and build approach allows both stages to be coordinated efficiently under one contractor.
Benefits of a Cat B Office Fit Out
A Cat B fit out allows businesses to create a workplace that reflects their culture, operations and future ambitions.
Benefits include:
- Improved employee experience
- Better collaboration
- Increased productivity
- More efficient use of space
- Stronger company culture
- Enhanced visitor experience
- Support for hybrid working
A well-designed office can become a valuable business asset rather than simply a place to work.
How Much Does a Cat A or Cat B Fit Out Cost?
Costs vary depending on specification, building condition and project scope.
As a general guide:
Fit Out Type | Typical Cost Range |
Cat A Fit Out | £30 – £80 per sq ft |
Cat B Fit Out | £60 – £150+ per sq ft |
For a more detailed breakdown, see our Office Fit Out Cost Manchester guide.
The Office Fit Out Process
Consultation Phase
We begin by understanding:
Business objectives
Space requirements
Budget
Programme
Workplace Design
Our design team develops:
Concepts
Space plans
Mood boards
3D concepts
Technical Design
Detailed information including:
Building control
M&E
FF&E
Construction drawings
Fit Out Delivery
Our construction team manages:
Site works
Installation
Furniture
Final finishes
Final Handover
On completion we carry out:
Quality inspections
Snagging
Final sign-off
Client handover
Cat A vs Cat B: Key Differences
Feature | Cat A Fit Out | Cat B Fit Out |
Purpose | Prepare space for occupation | Create a fully operational workplace |
Flooring | Basic | Finished flooring selections |
Ceilings | Installed | Enhanced where required |
Lighting | Basic lighting | Task and feature lighting |
Furniture | Not included | Included |
Branding | Not included | Included |
Meeting Rooms | Not included | Included |
Kitchens | Not included | Included |
Technology | Basic infrastructure | Fully integrated |
Employee Facilities | Not included | Included |
Why Choose Select Interiors?
Businesses choose Select Interiors because we provide a complete in-house solution.
From initial concepts through to final handover, we manage every stage of your project.
As a Manchester-based office fit out company, we understand the local commercial property market and workplace requirements.
Every project is assigned a dedicated project manager who oversees programme, budget and delivery.
No two businesses work the same way. So we ensure every office fit out is designed around your people, culture, vision and objectives.
Regular updates, clear timelines and proactive project management ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
With over 35 years of experience in delivering office fit out and workplace transformation projects for businesses across Manchester and the North West
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cat A or Cat B more expensive?
Cat B fit outs are generally more expensive because they include workplace design, furniture, meeting rooms, branding and operational facilities.
Does every office need a Cat B fit out?
Most occupied workplaces require some form of Cat B fit out to make the space functional for employees.
Can an existing office be refurbished instead?
Yes. In many cases an office refurbishment can modernise an existing workplace without the need for a full Cat A fit out.
How long does a Cat B fit out take?
Most Cat B projects take between 6 and 12 weeks depending on size and complexity.
Can Select Interiors deliver both Cat A and Cat B fit outs?
Yes. We provide complete design and build services covering both Cat A and Cat B office fit out projects.
