‘Fit out’ is a term used to describe the process of making interior spaces suitable for occupation. It is often used in relation to office developments, where the base construction is completed by the developer, and the final fit out by the occupant. The occupant will generally be leasing space as a tenant from the developer / landlord.
Depending on the degree of completion of the building, and the interior specification required by the occupant, fit-outs can take a range of different forms:
Category A fit out
Category A generally describes the level of fit-out that the tenant’s own space is completed to by the developer. There is no standard definition, but a category A fit-out may include.
- Raised floors and suspended ceilings.
- Distribution of mechanical and electrical services.
- Internal surface finishes.
- Blinds.
If the tenant has very complex fit out requirements, this may impact on the category A fit out. In this case, they may make a contribution to the costs of the category A fit out to ensure that it meets their needs, and offset this against their own costs. This saves wasted time and money modifying the category A fit out.
Category B fit out
Category B completes the fit out of the internal space to the tenants requirements. This may include:
- Final finishes and branding.
- Installation of offices.
- Installation of specialist facilities in meeting rooms, board rooms conference rooms and so on.
- Fitting out reception areas.
- Installation of specialist lighting.
- Installation of ICT equipment.
- Installation of audio visual equipment.
- Fit out of kitchen areas.
- Installation of furniture.
The developer may make ask the tenant to carry out some of their more sensitive category A works on their behalf during the category B fit out, when they may be less subject to damage. The developer will pay the tenant a sum equivalent to the cost of the works had they carried them out themselves.