The Fit-Out Construction Process And Different Types Of Fit-Outs

People often think that a fit-out is the same as a renovation or vice versa because they are similar in some ways. However, they are not the same in terms of how they are done or what their goals are.

Fit-out Construction

So, what exactly is an office fit-out? Fit-out is a term used in commercial construction to describe the process of building the inside of a business and making it ready for people to move in. This is why a newly built commercial building is often left empty, and a fit-out is needed to make the inside of the building fit the needs of the tenants.

A fit-out also includes any steps that help improve the interior space as a whole, such as installing walls, floors, lighting, and other things.

Fit-out Construction Types

To better understand how fit-outs work for commercial spaces, it’s important to learn more about the different types of fit-outs in construction. So, without further ado, here are the big three:

#1 Shell And Core Fit-Out

The first step is shell and core, which is just a space that is ready for the fit-out process. It doesn’t include installing interior walls, floors, furniture, or lights. On the other hand, this type of fit-out focuses on the building’s most important structural parts, like the roof, walls, and foundation. In this case, the outside of the building is finished, but the inside still needs work. This gives the tenant or business owner more freedom to make the space fit their needs and wants.

#2 Cat A Fit-Out

Cat A or Category A fit-out is the process of putting in a building’s mechanical and electrical systems. Cat A is the type of fit-out that covers the interior space. The shell and core describe the most important parts of the building’s outside. It is usually in a business space that is ready to be rented. Also, it’s easy to sell a Cat A space because it’s a blank slate that can be designed to fit the needs of the tenant. But it’s important to remember that a Cat A fit-out still needs secondary design features to meet its goals, no matter how functional the interior is.

Other things that are part of a Category A fit-out are:

• Grid ceilings
• Plugs for electricity
• Protection against fire
• Lightings
• Toilets
• Lift Shafts
• Welcome areas
• Lobbies
• Raised floors for easy access
• HVAC systems (Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems)

#3 Fit-Out For Cat B

Cat B or Category B fit-out goes along with Cat A because it involves installing everything that wasn’t done during Cat A. This means that in addition to the things that are needed to make an office or commercial space work, it also includes putting in place the aesthetics and anything else that will make the space look better and make day-to-day work easier. With Cat B fit-out, you can put a lot of emphasis on the way the space looks and make it more in line with your company’s branding and identity.

Some of the installations that are part of Cat B fit-out are:

• Workstations
• The kitchens
• Design and branding of the company Furnishings and decorations in meeting rooms or conference rooms.