What is an Interior Fit-Out? What services does it include? ISS Acoustic & Interiors.

Sometimes, the term 'Interior fit-out' can go under the radar, with not many people knowing about it unless they are within the business. Some people may believe it's interior design or even just a dry-lining service, but a complete Interior fit-out describes the processes required to make a space inhabitable. The stereotypical Interior fit-out job looks to transform empty commercial properties, usually offices, giving them a modern look and a new lease of life.

What's the difference between interior fit-out and Interior design?

A lot of people will compare and match Interior design to interior fit-out, but there are some differences. Interior design primarily focuses on the aesthetic, functional, and spatial aspects of interior spaces, whereas Interior Fit-out focuses on the technical and construction aspects required to transform the design concept into a tangible interior space. In some cases, the Interior Fit-Out Team will work closely with interior designers to ensure that the design vision is aligned with their work.

So what stages are there during an interior fit-out?

Interior Fit-out involves multiple stages with a variety of different tradesmen, including designers, architects, dry-liners, plasterers, plumbers, electricians, decorators, alongside others depending on the project scope. An interior fit-out is usually broken down into 5 stages: Planning and Preparation, Design and Development, Pre-Construction, Construction, Post-Construction.

What Types of Interior Fit-outs are there?

A lot of companies refer to different types of interior fit-outs in three different ways. You've got the shell and core, category A, and Category B. These establish how far the building has already been developed, starting from the shell of the building all the way to finishing furnishings.

What is a Shell and Core Fit-Out service?

A Shell and Core Fit-Out service will include the development of the space's main structural elements. This means floors, walls, ceilings, roofing, electrics, and plumbing alongside other services within the scope and will be handled by the dry-liners, electricians, and plumbers.

Shell and core fit-outs could include:

Base flooring
Skirting
Doors
Standard white walls
Drylining Interior Systems
Metal Partitions
Wood Stud Partitions
Plasterboard Walls
Plasterboard Ceilings
Plastering
Tape and Jointing
Hygienic Wall & Ceiling Cladding
Stairs and elevators
Insulation
SFS Systems
Cladding
Plumbing
Toilets
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems

What is a category A fit-out?

A Shell and Core Fit-Out service will include the development of the space's main structural elements. This means floors, walls, ceilings, roofing, electrics, and plumbing alongside other services within the scope and will be handled by the dry-liners, electricians, and plumbers.

Category A fit-outs can include:

Raised access flooring
Mezzanine flooring
Suspended ceilings
Grid ceilings
Basic stair balustrades
Internal surface finishes
Basic lighting
HVAC systems
Fire detection and prevention systems
Electrical outlets and cabling

What is a category B fit-out?

A Category B fit-out focuses on the detailed design and customisation of interior spaces to accommodate the tenant's specific needs. This will depend on the size of your company and staff, your visual preference, and branding signage. These can typically include:

Category B fit-outs can include:

Office Furnishings
Kitchens and break rooms
Lighting Fixtures
Artwork and Decor
Specialized finishes
Specialized flooring
Carpets
Branding and signage
Office furniture
Storage facilities
Meeting and Conference Room Furniture