Cost & Budgeting
Commercial Renovation Costs in 2026: A Complete Budgeting Guide
February 26, 2026 · 7 min read
Material pricing settled in 2026, but labor availability and permitting timelines are doing more to move budgets than lumber or steel ever did. Here is how to build a commercial renovation budget that survives contact with the field.
Cost ranges by space type
Interior renovation, excluding furniture and equipment, per square foot:
- Warehouse and industrial interiors: $35–$90
- Retail: $80–$180
- Office: $90–$200+
- Restaurant and food service: $200–$450
- Medical and dental: $180–$400
What pushes a project to the top of its range
Heavy MEP, specialized equipment, occupied phasing, after-hours labor, older buildings with unknown conditions, and any change in occupancy classification.
Contingency
Carry 5–10% on standard interiors and up to 15% on pre-1970 buildings or projects with limited existing documentation.
Transparent price vs. cost-plus
Cost-plus shifts overrun risk onto the owner. A complete, transparent scope is almost always the better financial instrument for a defined interior renovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I lower renovation cost without cutting quality?
Lock scope early, release long-lead items on time, reuse compliant existing infrastructure, and avoid design changes after permit filing.
Planning a commercial interior project?
Transparent pricing, one contract, and a schedule we commit to — across New York, Texas and Florida.
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