CAT A & CAT B Fit Outs in Edinburgh & The Lothians
If you’re taking on a new office or commercial unit, you’ll often hear the terms CAT A and CAT B. They describe two different stages of work — and understanding the difference helps you plan budget, timescales, and what’s actually included.
At Fit Out Edinburgh, we deliver CAT A and CAT B fit outs across Edinburgh and the Lothians, helping landlords, tenants, and businesses take spaces from “shell” to fully usable workplaces with the right finish for the people using them.
What is a CAT A fit out?
A CAT A fit out (Category A) is the “base build” level. It prepares the unit so it’s clean, compliant, and ready for an occupier to move onto the next stage.
CAT A typically includes:
- Basic internal finishes (walls, ceilings, floors made “ready”)
- Core lighting and electrical basics
- Heating/ventilation provision (where relevant)
- Fire safety and compliance essentials
- Making the unit presentable for letting or tenant handover
In short: CAT A gets the space to a functional, neutral baseline.
What is a CAT B fit out?
A CAT B fit out (Category B) is the tailored stage — where the unit becomes a working space designed around a specific business.
CAT B commonly includes:
- Space planning and layout for teams and workflow
- Meeting rooms, offices and breakout areas
- Partitions (including glazed systems) and doors
- Feature finishes, branding touches and higher-end detailing
- Flooring choices suited to day-to-day use
- Joinery and custom-built furniture (reception, storage, feature walls)
- Final lighting, power/data points placed for how the space will be used
In short: CAT B turns a neutral space into your workspace.
Which one do you need?
Most businesses need CAT B (or a combination), but it depends on what you’re moving into.
You may need CAT A if:
- You’re a landlord preparing a unit for lease
- You’re handing a space over to a tenant at base-build stage
- The unit is currently unfinished or needs bringing back to a lettable standard
You may need CAT B if:
- You’re a tenant moving in and need a finished, usable workplace
- You want a branded space that fits your team and business needs
- You need rooms, storage, reception, meeting spaces and practical working zones
If you’re unsure, we can review the space and tell you what’s already in place and what still needs done.
Our process
Site visit & brief
We understand the unit, the timeline, and what “complete” looks like for you.
Define the scope (CAT A, CAT B, or both)
Clear inclusions, realistic timescales, and a straightforward plan.
Programme the works
We plan delivery so progress is predictable and disruption is kept as low as possible.
Build, fit out & finish
From preparation through to the final details — we manage the job end to end.
Snagging & handover
Final checks and finishing touches so the space is ready to use.
Why Fit Out Edinburgh
Practical, business-first delivery
spaces that work day-to-day
Quality workmanship
clean finishes and strong detailing
Clear communication
organised delivery from start to handover
Local service
Edinburgh & the Lothians, with experience across commercial interiors
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do CAT A and CAT B as one project?
Yes — if the space needs both stages, we can deliver it as a single, coordinated project.
Do CAT A/CAT B definitions vary?
They can vary slightly depending on the building and lease requirements. We’ll confirm what your space needs based on the unit and your goals.
Do you include custom joinery and furniture in CAT B?
Yes — custom-built furniture is a great way to maximise space and elevate the overall finish.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Email : hello@fitoutedinburgh.co.uk