Commercial construction costs typically range from $150 to $400+ per square foot depending on the project type, finishes, and site conditions. A basic warehouse or shell building falls on the lower end, while medical offices, restaurants, and retail build-outs with specialized mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements land higher. Factors like site work, permitting, and current material pricing also affect your final budget. The most accurate way to price your project is a detailed estimate. P.A.V.C.O. Contracting Group provides free preliminary budgets for commercial projects so you can plan with real numbers before committing to design.

Timelines vary by scope: a tenant improvement or office build-out typically takes 2–4 months, while ground-up commercial construction runs 8–18 months including permitting. The biggest schedule variables are permit approval times with the local building department, long-lead materials like HVAC equipment and switchgear, and how early a contractor is brought into the design process. Engaging your general contractor during preconstruction is the single best way to compress your schedule, because it allows permitting, procurement, and design to run in parallel.