The Glasgow office market is booming. The city is teeming with businesses of all sizes, and many of them are looking to move into new, larger premises. If your company is one of them, you’ll need to start thinking about a Category A (CAT A) fit-out.
A CAT A fit-out is a complete refurbishment of a commercial property, stripping it back to its bare bones and starting again. It’s a big job, but if you’re prepared for it, it can be a smooth and stress-free process. Here are 8 steps that will get you ready for a CAT A + fit-out in Glasgow.
1. Find the right property
The first step is to find the right property for your business. This is easier said than done, as there are a lot of factors to consider. The location is important, of course, but you also need to think about the size and layout of the property, its condition, and whether it has the potential to be transformed into the type of space you need.
2. Choose the right contractor
Once you’ve found the perfect property, it’s time to start looking for a contractor who can carry out the work. This is vital, as a CAT A fit-out is a big and complex job. You need to find a contractor who has experience in this type of work, and who you can trust to do a good job.
3. Plan the project
Once you’ve chosen your contractor, it’s time to start planning the project. This includes deciding on a timeline and budget as well as drawing up a detailed plan of what needs to be done. It’s important to be realistic about what can be achieved in the given time frame and budget and to ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page.
4. Order the necessary materials
Once the plan is in place, it’s time to order the necessary materials. This can be a daunting task, especially if your company has never carried out a CAT A fit-out before. However, by working with your contractor, you can create a list of all the materials you’ll need and get them delivered on time.
5. Schedule the work
Once the materials have been delivered, it’s time to start scheduling the work. This includes booking tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers, as well as arranging for the office furniture to be delivered. It’s important to give yourself some leeway in the schedule, as there will inevitably be some delays.
6. Manage the disruption
A CAT A fit-out can be disruptive to your business. This is unavoidable, but there are things you can do to minimise the disruption. For example, you can schedule the work so that it doesn’t take place during peak times or arrange for a temporary office space while the work is being carried out.
7. Manage the project
Once the project is underway, it’s important to manage it effectively. This means staying on top of budgets and deadlines and keeping everyone involved in the process informed about what’s happening. It can be difficult to keep everything running smoothly, but with careful planning and good communication, it’s definitely doable.
8. Inspect the work
Once the fit-out is finished, it’s important to inspect the work and make sure it meets your standards. This may involve hiring a third-party inspector to check that everything has been done correctly.
9. Celebrate at the end!
Once the final inspection is complete, it’s time to raise a glass to your new office space! A CAT A fit-out is a big job, but it’s definitely worth it when you see the finished product. And since you’ve worked hard to get to that point, it’s definitely worth taking a step back and admiring all your hard work.
Planning to undertake such a project? Why not work with the experts?
If you’re thinking of carrying out a CAT A + fit-out in Glasgow, these steps should get you prepared for the project in a very general way. However, with all the work that goes into completing a CAT A fit-out, it’s best to team up with and leave the finer details to the experts.
If you’re looking for a contractor who can help with your CAT A fit-out, Worksmart Contracts is here to help. We have extensive experience in this type of work and can offer a wide range of services to suit your needs. So, if you’re looking for a partner who can help you with your CAT A fit-out in Glasgow, get in touch with us today. We’ll be more than happy to help!
