In the world of office fit outs and refits, you, as a landlord, want to ensure your building or space is appealing to as many potential tenants as possible. If your current space is fitted out for one purpose, that’s great for tenants in the same industry. But with that, you’re decreasing your options— and, in turn, decreasing your rental potential. And if your building is dilapidated and run-down, your chances of finding a tenant are even lower. To get the best and highest quality tenants through your door and considering your space for their business, you need a Cat A fit out.
In the world of office fit outs and refits, you, as a landlord, want to ensure your building or space is appealing to as many potential tenants as possible. When moving into a new office space, making sustainable decisions is crucial, particularly in terms of reusing previous fit-out elements to reduce costs and environmental impact. If your current space is fitted out for one purpose, that’s great for tenants in the same industry. But with that, you’re decreasing your options— and, in turn, decreasing your rental potential. And if your building is dilapidated and run-down, your chances of finding a tenant are even lower. To get the best and highest quality tenants through your door and considering your space for their business, you need a Cat A fit out.
Understanding Office Fit Outs
An office fit out is the process of transforming an empty shell into a functional and ready-to-occupy office space. This involves designing and constructing various elements to make the space suitable for work. The fit-out process starts with an empty shell and core office and continues until the space is fully equipped for occupation. The current condition of the building is categorized to describe its stage in the fit-out journey, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to create a functional and compliant office environment. You can read our full guide to understanding your office fit out needs here.
What is a Cat A Office Space Fit Out?
A Cat A (Category A) fit out is a step above the core office fit or shell of the main structure. It includes the basic elements such as lighting, flooring, and ceiling, and ensures the space complies with regulations. With a Cat A fit out, your building is certified as safe and structurally sound and includes all of the necessities for a tenant to come in and put their stamp on it.
Key Differences Between Cat A & Cat B Fit Outs
Cat A and Cat B fit outs represent two distinct stages in the office fit out process. A Cat A fit out provides a basic finish, including essential elements like raised flooring, suspended ceilings, and basic lighting. This creates a blank canvas for tenants to customize according to their needs. On the other hand, a Cat B fit out goes a step further, transforming the space into a fully operational work environment. This includes installing workstations, meeting rooms, and personalized design elements that reflect the tenant’s brand and work style. While Cat A fit outs offer flexibility for tenants to add their own touches, Cat B fit outs deliver a complete, move-in-ready office space.
What Does a Cat A Fit Out Include?
Flooring
The flooring will be raised and given a basic finish so it’s safe to walk on.
Ceiling
The ceiling will be suspended to meet regulations and provide protection from the elements.
Lighting
Nothing fancy, but basic lighting so you can see your space during both day and night.
Mechanical & Electrical Services
This includes air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and in some cases lifts and escalators.
Fire Detection
Including smoke alarms and fire protection services for the safety of everybody on site.
Toilets
To make sure the space meets regulations.
If your building needs development or improvement to meet regulation standards, a Cat A fit out will tick all the necessary boxes. A Cat A fit out will turn your empty shell into a blank canvas, ready for personalisation and decoration for your tenant, whoever they may be. To get started on your Cat A fit out, contact us at HQ Renovations today.
Benefits of a Cat A Fit Out for Tenants
A Cat A fit out offers numerous benefits for tenants looking to create a customized office space. With a basic finish in place, tenants have the freedom to design and install their own finishes, tailoring the space to their specific needs and brand identity. This level of customization can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the office, making it a perfect fit for the tenant’s work style. Additionally, opting for a Cat A fit out can be more cost-effective, as tenants can prioritize their budget on the most important aspects of their office fit out. However, it’s important to consider that additional time and resources may be required to complete the customization process.
Sustainable Office Fit Outs
Sustainable office fit outs are gaining traction as companies strive to reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmental responsibility. One effective approach to achieving sustainability is by reusing materials between office fit outs. This can include repurposing flooring, walls, and ceilings, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources. Additionally, selecting durable materials can minimize the need for frequent replacements, further contributing to sustainability. Another key strategy is to eliminate the requirement to reinstate the office to its original condition at the end of a lease. This not only reduces waste but also saves on additional materials and labor, making the office fit out process more eco-friendly.
Your Cat A Fit Out Questions Answered
What is a Cat A fit out?
A Cat A fit out creates a blank canvas to ensure the space meets regulations and building codes, making it a safe space ready for takeover.
What Does a Cat A fit out include?
A Cat A fit out includes the basic necessities a space needs, such as raised flooring, ceilings, and toilets. It also includes fire detection, basic mechanical and electrical services like lighting, and air conditioning and ventilation. Depending on the size and/or purpose of the building, a Cat A fit out can also include lifts and escalators.
What are the benefits of a Cat A fit out?
With a Cat A fit out you can rest assured your space is habitable, safe for use, and adheres to building regulations. It also widens your pool of potential tenants, as the blank canvas can be further fitted out as the tenant sees fit.
Who is a Cat A fit out for?
Cat A fit outs are best suited to building developers and/or landlords, and these are the main clientele who request Cat A fit outs.
How long does it take to complete a Cat A fit out?
The length of time it will take depends on many factors, including the size of your space. For an initial timeline estimate for your space, please contact us at HQ Renovations.
A Cat B fit out is a step above Cat A in that it is more tailored to the specific tenant. A Cat B fit out will include functional spaces like workstations and fully-fitted kitchens, and more personalised details like design and branding.
Why Choose HQ Renovations?
HQ Renovations is the high-quality renovation and office fit out service you’ve been searching for. We also offer Cat A+ fit outs, which are designed as a play space to attract tenants, allowing them to occupy the space immediately with minimal adjustments. Between our diligence in making sure everything is top-notch and our dedication to customer service, you can’t go past HQ Renovations for your building’s or space’s needs. With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, our multi-skilled team have talents across every type of trade you need to fit out your space to become the blank canvas your tenants want.
