In a recent blog we talked about the reasons why you should have an office fit out and the difference between an office fit out and an office refurbishment. However are you aware that there are different types of fit outs and a different term for each one?
What Is an Office Fit Out?
An office fit out is a project in which the office interiors are altered into a state where it is functional and in a good condition to work in. It’s all about developing a space that was originally not in a suitable state for the working environment and transforming it into a place where people want to work.
Shell & Core
The idea of shell & core originated in America in order to allow an easy step in which developers and landlords can rent a space that is somewhat functional.
The shell & core section of the office revamp is the part in which all the structure and base work is completed in order to get the fit out underway. This is the section that often occurs before the Office Fit Out Partner begins tailoring to the needs of the workspace. Shell & Core is considered to be the first phase of the fit out.
A shell & core fit out predominantly includes the following: lifts, washrooms, receptions, workplace entrance and stairs.
CAT A Fit Out
A CAT A fit out ensures that the workspace meets certain standards and regulations in order that prospective tenants can move straight in. This is based on certain services such as: facilities, flooring, ceiling works, health & safety systems and overall decoration.
The primary focus here is on being a functional space to work as opposed to the complete design aspect, meaning that the office space is visually neutral as opposed to a funky and bespoke interior. This is often the section of the fit out carried out for landlords in need of dilapidation works, who want a clear space ready for new upcoming tenants.
CAT B Fit Out
A CAT B fit out on the other hand is all about making sure the workspace accommodates employees through design and the use of the right furniture for the office. This would predominantly focus on the design choices and decorative qualities of the workplace as opposed to the functionality.
This type of office fit out is often for businesses that have recently relocated or need a new office space to accommodate the needs of their employees. This type of fit out includes the following: Breakout Areas, Meeting Rooms, Office Furniture, Branding/ Signage, Office Partitions and Overall Office Installation.
Turnkey Office Fit Out
A turnkey office fit out is where the developer or tenant of the workspace makes sure that the current build is ready to be occupied. This is often based around time and how cost effective the new build is and can include furniture and the complete commercial fit out.
Turnkey design and fit out helps clients in times where the process of appointing designers and contractors appears too tasking as well as taking up an abundance of time. This allows a single contractor to take over the entirety of the project on a particular budget.
The fact that there is only one point of contact through a turnkey fit out means that communication between commercial office fit out companies and clients are considerably more concise, making the entire process smoother.
Employing the right office fit out company to give you the ideal commercial office fit out is essential to your employee productivity, so ensure that you choose wisely and that the company you work with is well accredited.
Rap Interiors are a well accredited office fit out company who excel at delivering innovative office interiors nationally across the UK. From the initial design and space planning phase to the complete office fit out and refurbishment, we promise to create inspirational office interiors that improve the way you work.
Need your very own office fit out?
Contact us on 0333 600 1234 to ensure that you get the right office space for you.
