If you’re planning an office fit out, you’ve likely heard the terms Cat A and Cat B, but what do they really mean?
Understanding the difference between the two can help you make the right decision for your business and your workspace.
At WOWVI Spaces, we specialise in both Cat A and Cat B office fit outs in Leeds and across the UK. Whether you’re a landlord preparing a space for tenants or a business ready to move into a new office, we make sure your fit out delivers exactly what you need.
What Is a Cat A Office Fit Out?
A Category A (Cat A) fit out is the foundational stage of an office project. It provides a functional, compliant, and safe workspace, but without the personal touches or design elements that make it uniquely yours.
Cat A fit outs are typically carried out by landlords or developers who want to make a space ready for occupation.
A Cat A office fit out usually includes:
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Raised floors and suspended ceilings
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Lighting, air conditioning, and ventilation systems
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Fire alarms and smoke detection
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Electrical distribution and small power
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Painted walls and basic finishes
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Shared amenities such as lifts, toilets, and stairwells
Think of Cat A as a blank canvas: it’s clean, practical, and ready for the next step your Cat B fit out.
What Is a Cat B Office Fit Out?
A Category B (Cat B) fit out is where the magic happens. This is the stage where your office becomes a fully functional, branded environment, designed to reflect your company culture and support the way your team works.
A Cat B fit out includes everything you need to create a workspace that’s ready to move into and start using right away:
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Space planning and interior design
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Partitioning, meeting rooms, and breakout areas
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Furniture, fixtures, and fittings
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IT infrastructure and AV systems
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Kitchen, reception, and collaboration spaces
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Décor, colour schemes, and branding elements
In short, Cat B is the transformation stage, where we turns an empty shell into an inspiring place to work.
Which Is Right for You?
The right fit out depends on your role and your goals:
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Landlords or developers typically choose Cat A to make the space lettable and compliant.
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Businesses or tenants go for Cat B when they want a complete, branded office ready for their team to use.
If you’re unsure which type of fit out your project needs, our team at WOWVI Spaces will assess your space, listen to your plans, and guide you through the right approach, from design to delivery.
Office Fit Outs in Leeds and Across the UK
Based in Leeds, WOWVI Spaces delivers Cat A and Cat B office fit outs for businesses throughout the UK. We combine creativity with technical expertise to create workspaces that are efficient, modern, and built around how your team works best.
From city-centre offices to out-of-town business parks, we handle every stage, with flexible scheduling to ensure minimal disruption to your operations.
