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
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
ECA launches Welsh Election Manifesto
ECA calls on political parties at 100 day milestone to the Senedd elections.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
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.