Fit Out
CID carry out both “CAT A” and “CAT B” fit outs to business premises in London and the South East.
Fit Out is the end-to-end process of making an internal space suitable for occupation. It’s the transformation of a concrete shell into a working space; from installing facilities and raising the flooring, to installing team breakout areas, meeting rooms and workstations.
As the tenant, it’s important that you confirm with your landlord or developer what level of finish they’ll provide. Often a space will be provided by the landlord or developer as either a Shell and Core or a Cat A fit out, leaving it up to the tenants to provide the final working finish in what is known as a Cat B fit out.
Terms such as Shell and Core, Cat A fit out and Cat B fit out can seem confusing to those who are not familiar with the commercial property market. Below we have explained in plain English without industry buzzwords each of these terms. This will allow you to make an informed decision before you begin your office relocation and refurbishment process.
Shell and Core
A Shell and Core is the basic internal framework of the building that has been completed. At this point an office building will look complete from the outside, however the space will simply be an empty shell on the inside. If a developer is planning to hand over a project in this state, it is unlikely you’d have any level of polished finish, so expect to see concrete floors and exposed ceilings. A Shell and Core fit out may have shared areas completed, for example; the building reception, lifts and communal toilets, however it’s best to check this with your developer.
