FAQs

An expert guide to your construction or refurb project

The building sector is a vast and varied area which requires specific skills and expertise. Whether you’re renovating a relic into a new home, building a new leisure  facility from the ground up or completing a complete fit out for your commercial property, the expert team at Eden London have come together to answer some of the most frequently asked questions in their trade.

What is a principal contractor?

A principal contractor is the role appointed by the client to control the construction phase of a project where there is more than one contractor involved. 

They are responsible for the organisation of the entire construction process. They manage everything from health & safety risks and client liaison to the preparation of construction phase plans and suitable onsite facilities for workers.

Why should I hire a principal contractor?

Hiring a principal contractor takes the stress and risk of avoidable set-backs out of the construction process. 

A principal contractor’s job is to organise all present contractors and ensure that deadlines are met and work is carried out to a high standard in line with the relevant health & safety regulations.

How do I find a reliable contractor?

It is vital that clients do their research when searching for a reliable contractor—especially if they’re the principal contractor—who can deliver their project to a high standard on time and to budget.

Looking at reviews, searching registered tradespeople sites, asking the right questions and selecting builders with recognised accreditations is the best way to ensure your contractors are trustworthy.

What is a Cat A fit out?

A Cat A (Category A) fit out is the basic level of finish applied to an interior space, such as an office. This type of fit out allows the tenant to put their own stamp on the space, making it a popular choice with landlords.

Cat A fit outs include:

  • Raised flooring
  • Suspended ceilings
  • Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) 
  • HVAC
  • Flooring
  • Kitchens and tea points
  • Tiling
  • Decorating
  • Ceiling
  • Partitions
  • Cubicle systems
  • Lift installation
  • DDA compliance
  • Structural steel
  • Staircases

What is a Cat B fit out?

A Cat B (Category B) fit out is a high level of finish which makes an interior into fully functional space, ready to be inhabited.

Cat B fit outs include everything featured in a Cat A fit out, plus: 

  • Final finishes and branding
  • Installation of offices
  • Installation of specialist lighting
  • Installation of furniture
  • Raised flooring
  • Suspended ceilings
  • Bespoke joinery
  • Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) 
  • HVAC
  • Flooring
  • Kitchens and tea points
  • Tiling
  • Decorating
  • Ceiling
  • Partitions
  • Cubicle systems
  • Lift installation
  • DDA compliance
  • Structural steel
  • Staircases
  • Reception desks

How long does a fit out take?

Every fit out project is different, but generally speaking you should allow between 6 and 26 weeks for a complete fit out. With this said, there are factors which must be considered when setting a timescale, including the size of the project, the level of finish and the budget.

A professional fit out service provider will be able to conduct a consultation and offer a more accurate time estimate, depending on the volume of work needed to produce the results desired.

How much does a fit out cost?

Much like the timescale of a fit out, the cost is impossible to pinpoint. There are many factors which contribute to the cost of a fit out project, including:

  • Project size
  • Level of finish
  • Location
  • Contractor used
  • Materials selected

If you’re in need of a fit out and want to know the estimated cost of any work, a reliable fit out provider will be able to offer a detailed quote, including things like labour costs and materials.

Is a fit out / refurbishment worth it?

Whether you want a breath of fresh air in your home, want to boost the productivity of your staff with an updated workplace or increase footfall in your retail premises, a refurbishment or fit out service could be the answer.

Whatever the demand on your space, a refurbishment or fit out has the potential to completely reinvent the interior of your premises and bring your desired style together with complete functionality. 

Not only can this give your building a new lease of life, it can also produce measurable results, including increased profit, higher productivity rates and increased trade.

Get in touch

Is your question left unanswered? Get in touch with Eden London now for more expert advice. 

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For more information about how Eden can help with your next project, get in touch