A CAT B office fit-out transforms an empty shell into a fully functioning workplace. The landlord provides the basic structure. The CAT B office fit-out contractor adds everything else. Partitions. Suspended ceilings. Flooring. Doors. Kitchens. Decoration.
For London property owners, understanding CAT B is essential. It separates shell from finished space. It determines cost, timeline, and tenant satisfaction. This guide explains everything property owners need to know.
Understanding CAT B: The Basics
CAT A and CAT B are industry standard terms. They describe different stages of office fit out.
CAT A is the shell. The landlord provides raised floors, suspended ceilings, basic lighting, and mechanical and electrical services to the core. The space is empty. No internal walls. No finished toilets. No kitchen. No decoration.
CAT B is the finish. The tenant or the property owner hires a CAT B office fit-out contractor to install everything that makes an office usable. This includes glass partitions, dry wall offices, meeting rooms, tea points, flooring, painting and decorating, office doors, and fire doors.
The result is a space ready for desks, chairs, and people.
For London property owners, offering CAT A only or CAT A plus CAT B changes the rental value. CAT A spaces appeal to tenants who want to design their own layout. CAT B spaces attract tenants who want to move in immediately with no disruption.
What Does a CAT B Fit-Out Include?
A full CAT B scope of work covers almost every interior element. Here is what a typical project includes.
Office Partitions
- Glass partitions bring light into open plan areas.
- Dry wall partitions create private offices and meeting rooms.
- Soundproof partition installation ensures confidentiality.
- Demountable partitions allow future reconfiguration.
Suspended Ceilings
- Acoustic suspended ceilings control noise in busy offices.
- Fire rated suspended ceilings meet building regulations.
- The grid system hides wires, pipes, and ductwork while allowing easy access for maintenance.
Floor Coverings
- Carpet tiles are popular for serviced offices. Individual tiles can be replaced when damaged.
- LVT flooring for commercial properties offers a premium wood or stone look.
- Vinyl flooring works well in tea points and breakout areas.
Decoration
- Commercial painting and decorating refreshes the entire space.
- Low VOC paints mean no strong smells.
- Office wall covering and painting packages include walls, ceilings, and woodwork.
Doors and Ironmongery
- FD30 and FD60 fire doors for offices are a legal requirement.
- Modern office door sets include frames, hinges, seals, and signage.
- Glass office doors add a contemporary feel.
Kitchens and Tea Points
- Staff kitchen and breakroom installation includes sinks, cabinets, and worktops.
- Serviced office pantry design and build fits into small footprints.
- Office tea point installation in London is a common request.
DDA Compliance
Accessibility is not optional. DDA compliant office alterations in South East include wider doorways, level access, accessible tea points, and appropriate signage. Every CAT B project from Fleet meets Equality Act 2010 standards.
Why Hire a Professional CAT B Office Fit-Out Contractor?
Some property owners attempt to manage CAT B themselves. They hire separate trades — a partition company, a ceiling company, a flooring company, a decorator. This approach rarely saves money. It creates coordination problems. It leads to delays. It produces inconsistent quality.
A professional CAT B office fit-out contractor manages everything under one roof. One point of contact. One schedule. One budget. One warranty. No subcontractors fighting for space. No finger pointing when something goes wrong.
For commercial office fit-out in London, the benefits of a single contractor are even greater. London sites have strict delivery windows. Limited working hours. Neighbourhood noise restrictions. Waste disposal rules. A specialist contractor knows how to navigate these challenges.
Office refurbishment contractors in South East like Fleet have local knowledge. They know which suppliers deliver on time. They understand building control requirements across different boroughs. They have relationships with fire safety inspectors and planning officers.
The Fleet Approach to CAT B
Fleet Office Interiors has delivered CAT B fit outs for 44 years. The process follows four clear stages.
Stage One: Discovery
The team visits the site. Measures every room. Notes every constraint. Discusses the tenant requirements. A fixed price quote follows within one week.
Stage Two: Design
Space planning happens. Partition layouts are drawn. Finishes are selected. The design includes all DDA compliant office alterations in South East from the start. No retrofitting. No surprises.
Stage Three: Delivery
In-house teams only. No subcontractors. Partitions go up first. Then ceilings. Then flooring. Then decoration. Then doors and kitchens. The project manager provides weekly updates.
Stage Four: Handover
The site is cleaned. Certifications are provided — fire door certificates, acoustic test reports, building control sign off. The tenant moves in. The landlord invoices.
How Much Does a CAT B Fit-Out Cost in London?
Costs vary significantly based on specification. A basic CAT B fit out with dry wall partitions, standard carpet tiles, and emulsion paint costs less than a premium fit out with full height glass partitioning, acoustic ceilings, and LVT flooring.
For commercial office fit-out in London, prices typically range from £40 to £120 per square foot. The exact cost depends on these factors:
- The amount of glass versus dry wall
- The fire rating required
- The acoustic performance needed
- The quality of floor coverings
- The number of tea points and kitchens
- Whether DDA alterations are required
Fleet provides fixed price quotes. No hourly rates. No provisional sums. The price quoted is the price paid.
Common Mistakes Property Owners Make
Mistake One: Separating Design from Build
One designer. One contractor. Different teams create gaps in responsibility. Fleet offers integrated design and build.
Mistake Two: Ignoring Fire Door Compliance
Non-compliant fire doors invalidate building insurance. Fleet installs only FD30 and FD60 fire doors for offices with full certification.
Mistake Three: Forgetting DDA Requirements
Late accessibility alterations cost more. DDA compliant office alterations in South East must be planned from day one.
Mistake Four: Choosing the Cheapest Quote
Low bids mean low quality. Or hidden extras. Or subcontractors. Fleet provides fair prices for professional work.
Choose Fleet. Choose Simplicity.
A CAT B office fit-out turns an empty shell into a productive workplace. The right CAT B office fit-out contractor makes the process simple. One team. One plan. One warranty.
For London property owners, Fleet Office Interiors delivers exactly that. 44+ years of experience. In-house trades only. Full compliance with fire and DDA standards.
Call Fleet today for a fixed price quote.