What is Fit-Out? What are the types?

Fit-Out, or more commonly known as architectural application project, covers the processes of covering all necessary equipment and labor costs, making it ready for use and delivering it to the customer in full, in cooperation with the designers.

What is Cat A Fit-Out?

Category (Cat) A Fit-Out application usually means that the space is built by the owner and the functional design and finishing touches are undertaken by the occupant (or tenant).

Cat A, which also includes the installation of mechanical and electrical services, is an open-plan surface that, apart from looking technically quite simple and habitable, is often later treated as a blank canvas for interior designers. For example, moving directly into a Cat A venue can be tiring afterwards, as it will not include breakout areas, meeting rooms or a useful kitchen. As soon as you move in, you need to install Cat B equipment to get started.

Those included in Cat A Fit-Out:

• Basic interior surfaces
• Grid ceiling and lighting (basic finish)
• Raised floor
• Basic mechanical, plumbing and electrical
• Air conditioning and ventilation systems
• Toilets
• Fire Detection-Alarm System

What is a Cat A Plus Fit-Out?

Cat A plus, the midpoint between the traditional boundaries of Cat A and Cat B equipment, is essentially a plug-and-play office installation provided by homeowners.

Those included in Cat A Plus Fit-Out:

• Fitted kitchen
• Basic compartments
• Basic mechanical, plumbing and electrical
• Furniture
• Working areas
• Air conditioning and ventilation systems
• IT installation and infrastructure
• Access points
• Toilets
• Fire Detection-Alarm System

What is Cat B Fit-Out?

In a Category (Cat) B Fit-Out, every detail of the space is determined, including factors such as floor plans and the basic design of each room. Everything from ceiling design and staircase installation to interior partitions and even furniture is taken care of. The areas where all objects in the interior will be located, including desks, electrical outlets, IT hardware and infrastructure, are identified. After Cat B, the interior is delivered to the customer largely ready for use or occupation. If Cat A is a blank canvas, Cat B is a finished work of art.

Those included in Cat B Fit-Out:

• Design and brand detailing
• Fully equipped kitchen and office areas
• Floor coverings
• Choice of all materials and decor
• Mechanical, plumbing and electrical
• All compartments and doors
• Staff areas
• Recreation areas
• Installation of IT and workstations
• Providing all soft seating furniture
• Air conditioning and ventilation systems
• Access points
• Toilets

Are Cat B Fit-Out and Venue Renovation the same?

These two concepts are sometimes used interchangeably. But “renovation” refers specifically to an existing interior that is being redone. For example, a refurbishment may involve removing existing Cat B equipment for the person re-using the venue.