Category A fit-out works
Rules of Thumb, Guidelines for building services (5th Edition) BG 9/2011, by Glenn Hawkins, published by BSRIA in 2011, states: ‘Category A fit-out works extend central services out on to floor plates and provide a background for Category B works. Category A works comprise services, life safety elements and basic fittings and finishes for the operation of lettable work space, including:
- Suspended ceilings
- Raised floors and skirtings
- Cooling and heating systems
- Office ventilation systems
- Open plan base lighting solution
- Life safety systems, such as fire alarms, sprinklers and emergency lighting
- Distribution boards
- Office carpet and floor boxes
- Blinds
- Basic statutory signage
- Basic security systems and wireways’
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
A new CIOB TIS on discharging CDM 2015 duties
Practical steps that can be undertaken in the Management of Contractors to discharge the relevant CDM 2015 duties.
Planning for homes by transport hubs
Next steps for infrastructure following the updated NPPF.
Access, history and Ty unnos.
The world’s first publicly funded civic park.
Exploring permitted development rights for change of use
Discussing lesser known classes M, N, P, PA and L.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024 winners
Fresco School by Roman Robroek and Once Upon a Pass by Liam Man.
Comments
Category A fit-out works refer to a specific level of interior construction and finishing that is carried out within a commercial or office space before it is leased or occupied by a tenant. These works typically focus on creating a basic, functional, and visually neutral environment, providing a clean canvas for tenants to customize according to their specific needs and preferences. Category A fit-out works are usually undertaken by the building owner or developer. Here's an overview of what Category A fit-out works may involve:
- Installation of raised floors: Raised access floors are commonly used in commercial spaces to accommodate cabling and utility distribution beneath the floor surface.
- Suspended ceilings: Basic suspended ceiling systems are often installed to hide utilities and provide a uniform appearance.
- Installation of basic HVAC systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are installed to provide climate control within the space.
- Lighting and electrical outlets: Basic lighting fixtures and electrical outlets are provided to meet standard requirements.
- Fire safety systems: Installation of fire alarms, emergency lighting, and other necessary fire safety equipment.
- Basic wall finishes: Painting or applying a neutral-colored finish to walls to provide a clean appearance.
- Basic floor finishes: Installation of basic floor coverings such as carpet tiles or vinyl flooring.
- Doors and partitions: Basic internal doors and partition walls to create separate areas.
- Basic washroom facilities: Installation of basic toilet facilities with necessary plumbing and fixtures.
- Basic building management systems: Implementation of basic systems for monitoring and managing utilities and security.
The primary goal of Category A fit-out works is to create a functional and presentable space that meets standard requirements. The tenant who leases the space can then proceed with Category B fit-out works, which involve customization and enhancement of the space to align with their specific needs, branding, and design preferences. Category B fit-out works often include aspects such as specialized lighting, branding elements, custom partitioning, meeting rooms, breakout areas, and more.
It's important for both building owners and tenants to have a clear understanding of what is included in Category A fit-out works, as well as the transition to Category B, to ensure that the final space meets their expectations and requirements.