Cost per Square Foot of Commercial Construction by Region
We get this question all the time: How much does it cost to build a commercial building? There is no quick answer and without more information about the project and its location, is essentially akin to asking how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. However, there is some guidance provided we know where you are located and what kind of building you are looking to build. Local economy is a very important factor in construction cost as well as the type of construction you intend to build.
We subscribe to RSMeans', researchers of construction cost data nationwide, and have come across some important current data on the cost of commercial construction for four different commercial project types as a function of their location. Note, that not all types of construction cost the same per square foot, and even more importantly, the cost of construction per square foot varies significantly with location.
Below are four different types of commercial construction and the varying cost per square foot to expect for each in different regions. All graph images are courtesy of RSMeans Construction Cost Data. Data source: Reed Construction Data – RSMeans/Charts: Reed Construction Data – CanaData
One Story Office Building
Convenience Store
Fast Food
Day Care
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Jagtar,
Thank you for your inquiry. All of our labor and material data comes from Reed Construction Data and is specific only to territories in the United States. I do not have international construction cost data, but would be happy to help you with you project. To get the kind of information from a project, you will need a preliminary conceptual design to identify the major cost drivers like type of construction, occupancy, level of finish, etc.. Are you in need of design services for architecture or engineering?
John,
Thanks for your inquiry. We will need a bit more information to be able to speak to the differences between Gym space and Pool space. Do you have a concept plan for the spaces involved or do you need design services at this stage? I am forwarding your question to our recreation design specialist, Matt Svoboda. He will be able to discuss the various aspects of your project along with general cost parameters. We would also be happy to discuss architectural and engineering design services for your project. Thanks!
Please update the chart with the prevailing-2012 cost for commercial building, Portland, OR.
Thank you.
Krishnamurthy
Krishnamurthy, thanks for your comment - is there a particular project type that you are interested in? I don't believe that there would be data for 2012 yet as we are not yet even a quarter into the year, but we could extrapolate other more recent data to help you with your project if you could narrow down the type of project you are inquiring about. We work on a wide variety of projects and can draw from a number of sources of information. Thanks!
Dear Sir/Madam:
Which is the best source for Saudi Arabia construction cost estimation?
Thank you.
Dr.N.Murthy
MTC
Dr Murthy,
I apologize, but I do not know what professional resources are available for construction costs outside of North America. RS Means is an excellent resource that thoroughly covers the United States and surrounding countries with similar market conditions. I would assume that there are similar resources for other regions in the world, but I am unfamiliar with any at this time. Perhaps others reading this blog could comment and provide some insight.
What is the average cost per square foot to build refrigerated warehouse in Connecticut (southeastern)?
Hi David,
While I do not have RSMeans data for this project type, we have designed warehouses in Colorado and Texas that average in the ballpark of $80-$100 per square foot. Southeastern Connecticut may have a regional premium associated, but the costs of other amenities, like office and restroom space, and level of finish would drive that more. Also, construction type will also dictate where you fall in that range. For example, cmu walls will be costlier than metal buildings. But function and value also need to be considered. If you need any help designing your project, let us know - we have an engineer licensed in Vermont and getting reciprocity in Connecticut is a piece of cake. Thanks!
Hi Dean,
What is the average cost per sq ft for building primary educational facilities in the Sacramento California region and what's the percentage increase for prevailing wage?
Thanks!
Hi Jerold,
You can find Cost data for educational facilities at the following post that I wrote:
http://evstudio.com/cost-per-square-foot-of-educational-facilities-by-region/
I do not know the percentage increase for prevailing wages, but you can infer regional cost comparisons by the data in the charts. Best of luck with your project!
replacement cost per sq. foot, 1 story apartment, frame, slab on grade in Southaven Ms. outside Memphis
Thanks
Bill,
Without much more information, the range will be rather wide. For low end single story apartments, perhaps $150 a square foot might be a good conservative place to start. For high end luxury apartments, you can see costs as high as $190 per square foot or more. Cost of finishes and interesting, unique architecture can really drive costs in all directions. Single story is also driving elevated costs. Typically, 2-4 stories will get you more units for less cost per square foot. Are you in need of an architect to proceed to he next step? EVstudio specializes in multifamily projects and we would be happy to discuss your project in greater detail.
-Dean
Where can I get post construction final cleaning prices by the square foot for residential and commercial jobs in the Chicago area?
Al,
RSMeans only reports on construction cost data. You may find references to construction cleaning in their resources available at http://www.rsmeans.com. Otherwise, for a specific trade, I would suggest simply calling a construction cleaning company to get a direct quote as that would give you the fastest and most accurate response. Good luck!
Hi Dean
I am from ontario. I am wondering if you can help me for approximate sqaure feet cost for a 1500 sqf. convenience store on a gas station. It is in a small town. Buliding will be 50' long 30' wide & 10 feet high on a lot of 1 acre. I would like to have stucco finsih on concrete blocks. There is no basement. . I am trying to see the feasibilty of this project. Please make me clear if the $ value is just for the exterior building or it includes finishing inside as well. Thanks a lot.
JC,
Thanks for your inquiry. While RSMeans does not provide this data outside of the United States, EVstudio has designed projects in Canada and we have found that costs per square foot tend to run a little higher there than in comparable sized towns in the US. Whether this is due to the cost of labor, materials or perhaps the climate and construction season, they all play a role. As a result, for initial ballparking, I would consider a range of between $100 and $120 per square foot for the convenience store itself (the gas pumps, tanks and associated systems would be outside of that number). That number also would not include any furnishings, trade fixtures or equipment for the convenience store (like cash registers, refrigerators, drink dispenser equipment, etc.. I hope that helps. We are licensed architects and engineers in Canada, so once you get to a point where you are ready to talk about getting the design started, please let me know and we would be happy to speak with you about it. Thanks!
Hi Dean
Thanks a lot for quick answer. Yeah sure I will keep you in mind if this project gets to the stage that I need to hire an Architect. Once again thanks.
I live in the western suburbs of Chicago, Dupage County to be exact. Was curious to find out what the square footage cost of an industrial warehouse would be. Somewhere in the range of 8,000-15,000 sq/ft. Is precast construction the cheapest and best option? Thanks in advance
Dean,
Would you be able to give a ballpark cost per foot for a commercial maintenance shop to be built in New Mexico. What would be the cost to demolish the exisiting building and rebuild on the same site. I don't have an actual footage of the exsisting building, but would guess it to be in the area of 60,000 to 80,000 sqft.
Shawn, thanks for your question. I can't speak too much on the demo, not knowing what is currently there, but a new warehouse type space will be in the ballpark of $50-$70/ sq.ft. for a metal building and $70-$90 for a masonry block building. All depends on what you put inside, of course. These would assume a fairly austere finish (raw concrete slab floor, etc.). Trade fixtures and similar equipment would be outside of these numbers. Best of luck!
Lou, thanks for your question. I can't speak too much on the demo, not knowing what is currently there, but a new warehouse type space will be in the ballpark of $50-$70/ sq.ft. for a metal building and $70-$90 for a masonry block building. All depends on what you put inside, of course. These would assume a fairly austere finish (raw concrete slab floor, etc.). Trade fixtures and similar equipment would be outside of these numbers. Best of luck!
Dean,
Could you ballpark a 4500 sq' lower end night club upfit. It is also a smoke remediation with little to no structural damage. The project will consist of gut, remediate and rebuild with no change of use.The work is all interior other than mechanical equip to be replaced. The space is mostly dance floor with a few auxillary rooms and a small/minimal commercial kitchen as food prep is required for serving liquor in SC. I will be shopping Architects & MEP if you are interested(SC).Thanks and Best Regards-Josh.
Hi Josh,
We recently did something very similar to this in Denver that ran approximately $80 per square foot. They had premium finishes for the bar and stage areas (it was a live music venue). That figure did not include their own FF&E. The budgets on these types of projects can be very sensitive to what needs to change in the spaces and the impact of structure and MEP changes, as well as the level of interior finishes and any special systems (a/v, etc.).
Where is your project located? It is best to design to a budget rather than hope the design comes in under budget, so if you have a figure in mind, we can look at what that can get you. Let me know and we would be happy to help. Thanks!
-Dean
Dean,
You're an amazing guy for answering all these individual questions. Many thanks!
C/S
Thanks Chris - much appreciated!
Hello Dean,
I am interested in estimated costs to build a 500 seat Lutheran church in the South Phoenix area with multipurpose capability with our school, such as offering a gymnasium, classrooms, utility rooms, and offices. This will likely be built in two phases and will ultimately be two story. The 4.3 A lot is now unimproved land so will require appropriate parking spaces, etc. Since we're in the initial planning stages of deciding affordability, etc., we have yet to engage an architect, etc. Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Dale
Dean,
As an addendum to the above, the sanctuary would only be used for contemporary worship services, with 3-6 vocalists and 8-10 instruments located near the front to lead the singing. Would require front of house video projection. There would be no choir, organ, etc. normally associated with traditional services.
Thought this might help. Thanks again - Dale
Dale,
I'd be happy to discuss this project with you. We have designed a number of projects with similar programs, but we need to understand how much accessory and support space you will need for the project (classrooms, offices, etc.). Do you have a general idea for total number of rooms you are requiring? We could look at similar models we've worked on and be able to ballpark some general guidance for an initial conceptual budget. Let me know your thoughts on that and we can go from there. If the project appears within reach of your congregation, we would be happy to discuss how we can help you on the design and engineering for the project. I am licensed in Arizona, and we can help provide a full scope of design services necessary fom the front end concptual design, all the way though to the engineering and construction documents for permitting and construction. Thanks and I look forward to learning more about your project.
We are looking at building a 24 unit, 6 apartments per floor and one commercial space for a barber shop, 4 story, 2 underground parking levels in the Va suburbs of Washington D. C. Building footprint is 61' x 122'. It will require two stair wells and one elevator shaft. this is a build by right site . This will not be delux but not bottom end either. Some options under consideration are to construct the parking levels and then place modular component above, frame construction. With proper processes in place this may offer the shortest time and cost of money option.
The second option is of course to stick build the apartments over the parking.
Anticipate that at least the face of the building will be brick vaneer and siding or stucco for the rest.
What are you thoughts on the cost per square foot below:
General cost for 2 level, concrete slab on grade and second concrete slab underground parking, 11' walls (8' min clearance) @ $85 per gross square footage
Estimate units at $150 per gross square foot including stairs and elevator.
Total area in unit levels lost to stairs, elevator and halls is 1040 sf per floor of 7420 sf
Are these numbers at all realistic?
Thank you,
Robin
Robin,
Thanks for your inquiry. The numbers you are proposing for the construction cost of the building certainly seem within the reasonable range of costs. It depends heavily, of course, on the type of construction, and complexity of design. Have you worked with an architect yet on a schematic design? We would be happy to discuss this project with you if you are looking for an Architecture firm. We also provide Engineering in-house as well. Our Architects and Engineers are NCARB and NCEES record holders, so reciprocity in your jurisdiction is quick and easy, and the basic program of this project is a perfect fit for the kind of work that we do. Let me know and we can go from there. Thanks!
-Dean
Hi ~ I have bought an 3700 square feet commercial building (residing 3 stores) in Boston area, but the height of the ceiling is only 7 inches and would like to increase it and perform stuko work. I have been advised rather to tear the building apart (as it is older) and rebuild on existing foundation. Do you think rebuilding will be cheaper than increasing ceiling height? Also can I use existing foundation and would the cost be lower if I am using existing foundation? I assume the cost above covers all electric, plubing and roof work.
Thanks in advance.
Vishal, Thanks for your inquiry. It is difficult to opine on your specific situation without knowing more about the construction of the existing building (or at least seeing photos). However, it has been our experience with older buildings that raising the roof can be very costly if the infrastructure was not originally designed for it. We have done it on historic preservation projects, but you often have to rebuild the walls in order to meet the current code requirements. Also, the foundation can be re-used, but it too would need to be inspected and verified that it has the necessary structural integrity to carry the loads under the current codes. The costs per square foot in this post are for new construction, so if you were to raze the building to the foundation, the costs would apply, but you could deduct the cost of foundation and excavation, but add the cost of demolition. On a project like this, you should expect all new MEP systems.
I hope that helps!
-Dean
hi
how much the coast to build super market 14000 s,f
in Fresno county ca
Junior, you should be planning for approximately $150 per square foot, not including FF&E, site development, entitlements or finance costs. It's difficult to get any more detailed for you without knowing more about the project, site, construction methods, etc.. We do have a California affiliate and would be happy to discuss your project with you in more detail. Just let us know if you would like to do that. Thanks!
-Dean
Dean, I am looking to buy an old building [ late 1800s] it has room for 16 apartments on the second floor ,structure is good but the interior is rough I have figured out how much materials will be but I m a little stuck on labor costs ,The building is in Congers N.Y. which is 25 miles north of N.Y.C. and I have gotten a really wide range of answers I figured I would ask you .
Kurt,
Thanks for your reply. It's a difficult question to answer without knowing more about the building or the project. Is the existing building already an apartment building? Are other amenities going to be provided within the building? How significant are the renovations required for the building? Are trades in your area controlled by labor unions that define rates? Would this project be subject to other regulatory requirements?
An extremely rough "back of the envelope" guesstimate at labor costs without any more information than we have here is typically to assume that the labor on a project is roughly equal to the materials costs. So if you already have your materials costs, then simply double it and that will be at least within the ballpark of your total project cost - Again this would be for the sole purpose of a rough estimate before any actual design begins. Once you have plans and specifications you can start bidding and be much more accurate.
Let me know if you would like to discuss the project in more detail. We have worked on projects in New York and are NCARB and NCEES certified, so our team of professionals are mobile and can work all over the country. Our Multifamily Studio would be happy to help you move forward on this project in whatever capacity you might need. Thanks!
What would you expect the cost per square foot to be for an optometry practice in west Texas?
Jay,
Are you thinking a stand alone building? Approximately how large is your practice / how many square feet to you need? It's best to start with an inventory of space - number of offices, amount of staff, etc.. We will have our Texas studio principal reach out to you directly to follow up on that and hopefully we can help you move forward with this project!
What would it cost per square foot for a two story comerical building that has a restaruant on 1st floor and apartment on 2nd level. Or on the 1st floor you had a wok shop and 2nd floor storage room. It has limited space on the outside.
Thanks Tina for your question. Where is your project located? As you can see from the data, construction cost is fairly sensitive to location. Let us know and we would be happy to help!
-Dean
Tell me what the cost should be on a bar/ grill 50' x 70' in south Alabama, country, none city. 2 baths, small kitchen, bar, storage room, freezer for foods and cooler for beer. 10 ft ceilings, metal building on slab.
Between $300,000 and $350,000 construction cost. Tell me if you need a set of plans.
We are planning to build a church. Could you give me the building cost in Beebe, AZ 72012?
Can you tell me a bit more about the church and the site itself? Size of the congregation, functions and spaces desired, programs and amenities provided by the church? As you know, churches come in all shapes and sizes, so we would need to know more about the program in order to get a clearer picture.
Are you working with a design team yet? EVstudio has provided architecture and engineering on several church projects across the country and we are licensed in Arizona, so we would be happy to discuss this project with you in more detail.
We are in Arkansas and I am looking for cost per sq ft. The building is 10,111 sq ft. The zip code is 72012. It will be a metal building on a slab.
Thanks Raymond, yes - that zip code makes more sense now. From what you described, I think you will be somewhere between $100 and $120 per square foot. We would be happy to speak with you about providing architecture and engineering for your project if this moves forward. Thanks!
-Dean