If you are planning to transform your commercial space, you have likely come across both terms – office fit out and office refurbishment. They are often used interchangeably, but they describe two quite different types of project. Understanding the distinction can help you plan more effectively, budget accurately, and choose the right contractor for the job.
At Shakery Group, we specialise in both. Whether you are moving into a new space or breathing new life into an existing one, this guide will help you understand which route is right for your business.
What is an Office Fit Out?
An office fit out is the process of making an interior space ready for occupation. It typically applies when a business moves into a new or empty building, a shell, and needs to install everything from partitioning and flooring to lighting, furniture, and technology infrastructure.
Fit outs are classified into three categories:
| Category | What it includes |
|---|---|
| CAT A | Base build only – raised floors, suspended ceilings, basic M&E. No partitions or finishes. |
| CAT A+ | CAT A plus basic furnishings and finishes. Move-in ready for immediate occupancy. |
| CAT B | Full occupier fit-out – branded interiors, partitions, AV, furniture, kitchen. The most common for commercial tenants. |
At Shakery, our CAT B fit outs are the most common. These are fully customised, brand-aligned environments designed from scratch to reflect how your team works and how you want to present your business to clients.
Find out more about our commercial fit out services.
What is an Office Refurbishment?
An office refurbishment involves updating, improving, or reconfiguring an existing workspace. Rather than starting from a blank canvas, refurbishment works with what is already there – adjusting layouts, replacing finishes, upgrading facilities, or modernising the overall look and feel.
Common refurbishment projects include:
- Reconfiguring floor plans to improve workflow or increase desk capacity
- Replacing outdated flooring, ceilings, or wall finishes
- Upgrading kitchen and welfare facilities
- Improving lighting or HVAC systems
- Redecorating to align with a new brand identity
Refurbishment is often the right choice when a business is not moving premises but needs its existing space to work harder or simply look better.
Fit Out vs Refurbishment: Side-by-Side Comparison
Use this table to get a quick overview of how the two approaches differ:
| Factor | Office Fit Out | Office Refurbishment |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Create a new, fully fitted workspace | Update or improve an existing space |
| Scope | End-to-end from shell to complete fit-out | Targeted improvements to specific areas |
| Disruption | Usually requires vacant possession | Can often be phased around operations |
| Cost | Higher upfront investment | Typically lower, but varies by scope |
| Timescale | Longer project lead times | Shorter, depending on works required |
| Best For | New premises or complete overhaul | Outdated spaces or operational changes |
| Planning Required | Extensive design, specification and build planning | Moderate planning with defined scope and phased delivery |
How Do You Know Which One You Need?
The right choice usually comes down to three factors: your premises situation, your budget, and the scale of change you need.
You probably need a fit out if:
- You are moving into a new, empty, or shell-and-core building
- You are taking on a new floor or additional space in your current building
- You need a fully branded environment built from scratch
- Your current space cannot be adapted to meet your operational needs
You probably need a refurbishment if
- You are staying in your current premises but need significant changes
- Your space feels dated, inefficient, or no longer reflects your brand
- You need to increase capacity within the same footprint
- You want to phase work around your business operations
If you are still unsure, the best starting point is a consultation. Our team regularly works with clients at the early stages of planning to help them understand what is achievable within their space, budget, and timeframe – before any commitment is made.
Book a free consultation with Shakery Group to discuss your requirements.
What is the difference between a CAT A and CAT B fit out?
A CAT A fit out delivers a base-level space ready for the next occupier, including raised access floors, basic mechanical and electrical systems, and suspended ceilings, but no partitioning, branding, or furniture. A CAT B fit out goes further, creating a fully finished, branded, and operational workspace tailored to a specific occupier. Most commercial tenants undertake a CAT B fit out when moving into a new space.
Want to learn more? Read our guide, CAT A vs CAT B Fit Out: What Is the Difference?, where we explain Shell & Core, CAT A, CAT A+, CAT B, typical costs, timelines, and which option is right for your project.
Why Experience Matters in Commercial Fit Out and Refurbishment
Commercial fit out and refurbishment projects involve multiple workstreams, design, construction, M&E, furniture procurement, and project management, running simultaneously. Getting the sequencing right, managing subcontractors effectively, and keeping the project on budget requires genuine hands-on experience, not just project management software.
Shakery Group has over 40 years of combined experience across the team, with accreditations from CHAS Elite and SafeContractor. We work across a range of sectors including offices, laboratories, healthcare, retail, education, and industrial units, which means we bring sector relevant knowledge to every project, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our process starts long before any work begins on site. We offer property selection consultation, space planning, and 3D renders to help clients make informed decisions before committing to a design direction.
What Does the Process Look Like?
Regardless of whether you are undertaking a fit out or a refurbishment, the project process at Shakery follows a consistent structure:
- Initial consultation and feasibility review
- Space planning and design development
- 3D renders and client sign-off
- Procurement and contractor coordination
- Construction and installation
- Snagging, handover, and aftercare
For refurbishments, we are also experienced in phasing works around live operations – minimising disruption while still delivering a high-quality outcome.
Office Fit-Out vs Refurbishment Questions Answered
Can a refurbishment be as disruptive as a fit out?
It depends on the scope. Minor cosmetic refurbishments can often be carried out in phases around your working day or over weekends. Larger structural refurbishments, particularly those involving M&E upgrades or full reconfiguration, may require the space to be vacated temporarily. We always discuss phasing options with clients during the planning stage.
How long does an office fit out take compared to a refurbishment?
A CAT B fit out for a medium-sized office typically runs between 8 and 16 weeks, depending on size and specification. A targeted refurbishment of the same space could be completed in 4 to 8 weeks. Both timescales depend heavily on the design sign-off process, lead times for materials, and the complexity of the works involved.
Do I need planning permission for an office fit out or refurbishment?
In most cases, internal fit out and refurbishment works do not require planning permission. However, certain changes, particularly those affecting the external appearance of a listed building or a building in a conservation area, may require consent. Your contractor should advise on this during the design stage, and it is always worth checking with your landlord and local planning authority where there is any doubt.
Can Shakery Group handle both the design and the build?
Yes. We operate as a design and build contractor, meaning we manage the entire project under one roof, from initial space planning and 3D renders through to construction, installation, and aftercare. This reduces the risk of miscommunication between separate design and build teams and gives clients a single point of accountability throughout the project.
Is a refurbishment a good option if I have recently signed a new lease?
It can be, particularly if you are taking on a CAT A space and want to avoid the full cost of a fit out but still need some bespoke elements. In some cases, landlords will contribute to fit out or refurbishment costs as part of a lease incentive, commonly known as a rent-free period or a landlord contribution. It is worth exploring this with your property advisor before committing to a specification.
Talk to Shakery Group About Your Fit Out Project
If you are weighing up a fit out versus a refurbishment for your commercial space in Essex or beyond, the team at Shakery Group is happy to help you think it through. We offer free initial consultations and can provide feasibility input, space planning analysis, and indicative costings to help you make an informed decision before committing to a direction.
Call us on: 01376 617530
Email us on: enquiries@shakery.co.uk