What is the difference between a shell and core office fit out?

‘Fit out’ is the process of making interior spaces suitable for occupation, improving aspects such as aesthetics, function and efficiency. In office developments, the type of fit out needed depends on the business and employee needs, ranging from commercial design to additional mezzanine flooring. Understanding the difference between a shell and core office fit out is crucial, as this dictates the amount of work and investment required to get the space to where it needs to be.

A shell office fit out refers to a commercial space that is furnished in a basic, unfinished state, providing the standard structural framework. This means that essential elements such as interior walls, ceilings, lighting, flooring, and mechanical and electrical services are not included. The term ‘shell’ aptly describes the condition of the space, as it consists of little more than the outer shell of the building itself, making it the starting point for any refurbishment project.

A shell fit out is designed to give businesses flexibility over how they design and finish the interior to suit their specific needs. It provides a blank canvas, allowing for full customisation, which can be particularly appealing for companies with very specific operational requirements or brand aesthetics.

A core office fit out refers to a commercial space that has been partially finished to include the essential structural and functional elements of the building. Core fit out spaces are typically closer to being move-in ready, with the building’s core infrastructure and basic utilities already in place. Essentially, a core fit out provides the fundamental components needed for an office space to operate, but it leaves certain interior design elements such as partition walls, furnishings and additional electrical work. This is why it is often referred to as Cat A fit out,’ a term commonly used in the commercial property industry, swiftly followed by a Cat B process which includes those finishing touches.

When deciding between a shell and core office fit out, there are several factors to consider, such as time, cost, and control over design. This decision will depend on how much work you are prepared to put into your refurbishment and whether or not you want to start from scratch or add to what you’ve got.
Choosing between a shell and core office fit out largely depends on your business’s needs, budget, and timeframe. If your company requires a highly customised space or has specific operational requirements, a shell fit out may be the better choice. Although it requires more work and investment, the blank canvas it provides allows for maximum control over how the space is designed and utilised. Alternatively, if your business is looking for a faster, more cost-effective solution, a core fit out is likely the best option. With key systems already in place, you can move in more quickly and still have the flexibility to personalise the space.

A shell office fit out is a completely bare space, offering no internal infrastructure beyond the building’s structural elements. A core office fit out on the other hand provides essential systems and utilities, such as HVAC and lighting, but lacks personalised interior features such as branding, fixtures and furniture.

A shell fit out allows for full customisation, giving businesses complete freedom to design the space from scratch. This is ideal for organisations with unique operational requirements or branding needs. A core fit out provides less customisation flexibility as the fundamental services are already in place. However, it still offers room for some design freedom, especially in terms of layout, furnishings, and decor.

The initial cost of a shell office fit out is lower, but it requires a significant investment to bring the space to a functional state. Businesses will need to install all services, from electrical wiring to air conditioning and lighting meaning the cost will build up over time. A core office fit out typically has a higher upfront cost because basic infrastructure is included, but this can save money in the long term as fewer construction and installation works are needed.

When investing in a shell office fit out, the project is considered a lot more time consuming compared to a core option as businesses will need to bring in contractors and there may be a lot more back and forth. With core fit outs, these allow for quicker occupancy since the fundamental systems are already in place and tenants only need to focus on furnishings and final elements.

Dealing with us couldn’t be simpler. Our CAT A Fit Out service includes a free survey and fixed price quotation for the works, extensive access to CAT A products for a cost-effective job and a turn-key service from start to finish! Offering our services across the country, we cover areas including Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, Derby and Manchester.

If you’re looking to update your office or starting a new business some time soon, give us a call today on 0115 647 7429 to get some free advice or visit our Cat A fit out service page to find out more.