What's the Difference Between Class A, Class B, and Class C Office Buildings?

When we started our cleaning company, our goal was to clean commercial office space. It didn't matter what kind it was – upscale office buildings, office buildings in industrial parks, offices attached to big warehouses. We wanted it all.

Eventually we learned that there are different classifications of office buildings: Class A, Class B and Class C. This article explains the differences.

Why will the differences between Class A, Class B, and Class C office buildings impact my proposal price?

As a BSC (building service contractor) it is important to understand the difference between the classifications. Why? Because you will likely price each type of building differently. Because of the different surfaces and upscale characteristics of Class A office space, you'll likely charge a higher price per square foot. In addition, you'll need expertise in cleaning high end furnishings such as granite or marble surfaces.

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Class A Office Buildings

Have you ever walked into an office building and been in awe of its astonishing architecture, mirror-like granite floors, custom stone work, lavish furnishing and decor, and extravagant amenities? Then you are most likely looking at a Class A office building.

Class A buildings are the best of the best. They exemplify excellence and quality and are professionally managed and maintained. Class A buildings include high-end design and architecture, multi-level buildings with unusual angles and details, natural stone and granite, fountains, high-end lighting, and landscaping.

Tenants may include professionals such as financial advisers, law offices, and medical specialists. Their offices have high-end finishes, hard wood moldings like maple and cherry; solid wood six panel doors; crown molding, counter-tops and flooring made from natural stone, granite and marble. The highest quality carpet, decorative window elements and doors, architectural columns and ceiling domes can be found in Class A buildings.

Restrooms have the highest-quality sinks and faucets, as well as high-end partitions. Restrooms will contain high end consumable products that may include soft towels and upscale soaps.

Class B Office Buildings

Class B buildings are a step down from the Class A. Although they may have some of the same amenities found in the Class A, they are generally of a lesser grade. You will identify a mix of hard woods, wood flat panel doors, laminate counter-tops, ceramic tile, and porcelain sinks and toilets.

Design and look are not at the same level of the Class A building and are usually a bit older. Medium grade carpet or carpet tile will be prevalent throughout and there will be fewer angles and architectural details on the buildings. These types of buildings may still feature quality property management and high-end tenants, but normally require less time to clean than that of the

Class C Office Buildings

Class C is the lowest classification of office buildings. Class C's are older buildings, found in less desirable locations, and have dated exterior/interior features. They may be found in industrial parks and may have attached warehouses.

Class C buildings use lower cost materials such as Formica countertops, VCT or sheet vinyl floors, vinyl baseboards, and lower grade carpet. The design will be basic with the use of lower grade windows and doors. You'll also see very few angles and architectural details on Class C buildings. Steel buildings and manufacturing facilities fit into this category. Many Class C buildings do not seek daily cleaning, but may require 1 to 3 cleanings per week.

Conclusion

Building classifications reveals a great deal of information about the use of the building, as well as the appearance and cleanliness needs the owner or facility manager have for their building.

Although there is no official industry standard for building classification, the above guidelines can be used by BSC's to help identify and classify office building types, best determine the probable expectations, and develop the most appropriate and effective cleaning and care regiments for the building. Building service contractors need to provide their customers with the quality they expect for their particular building and provide those services at a profitable price.