This page provides general practical guidance and does not replace project-specific legal, engineering, planning, ecological, asbestos or waste advice.
The short answer
CAT A, CAT B, back-to-shell and dilapidations are commonly used to describe commercial premises at different stages of occupation or handover. They are useful shorthand, but they do not define a demolition or strip-out package on their own. The lease, Schedule of Dilapidations, drawings and agreed specification determine what is to be removed, what must remain and the condition required at handover.
Why it matters
Commercial removal work often sits between an outgoing occupier, landlord, incoming tenant, designer and main contractor. If the handover condition is not defined clearly, the parties can have different expectations about ceilings, partitions, services, floor finishes, fixtures and making good. A written scope helps separate strip-out and enabling works from fit-out or reinstatement that is not included.
Information that may be needed
The lease, Schedule of Dilapidations, drawings, landlord requirements, photographs, service information and the agreed specification may all be relevant. Where a landlord, managing agent or main contractor is involved, their written requirements should be confirmed before the scope is priced.
What can affect the scope
Shell and core generally describes the base building condition; CAT A commonly describes a landlord-ready office condition; CAT B commonly describes a tenant-specific fit-out; and back-to-shell commonly describes removal back to an agreed base condition. These terms vary between buildings and leases. The actual scope may include agreed strip-out, removal, enabling works and waste arrangements, but does not include full fit-out or reinstatement unless that is separately specified.
When specialist input may be needed
A dilapidations surveyor, landlord representative, managing agent, structural engineer, asbestos professional or utility specialist may be needed depending on the premises and scope. Their role should be confirmed before work begins where their approval or information is required.