Cost Range by Complexity
- Basic shell buildout (retail, minimal plumbing): $40–$80/sq ft
- Standard retail (HVAC, lighting, some plumbing): $80–$150/sq ft
- Restaurant/food service (full kitchen, grease traps, hood systems): $150–$300/sq ft
- Medical/dental (specialized plumbing, imaging, clean rooms): $150–$250/sq ft
Cost Breakdown by Category
| Category | % of Budget | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Framing & Drywall | 15–20% | $8–$25/sq ft |
| Electrical & Lighting | 15–20% | $10–$30/sq ft |
| HVAC | 10–15% | $8–$20/sq ft |
| Plumbing | 5–15% | $5–$25/sq ft |
| Flooring | 5–10% | $4–$15/sq ft |
| Finishes & Paint | 5–10% | $3–$12/sq ft |
| Permits & Fees | 2–5% | $2,000–$10,000 |
Permit Timeline
Commercial permits in Grand Rapids and Kent County take 2–6 weeks for review. Plan accordingly — permit delays are the most common cause of commercial project delays. Submit early.
Phased Construction
If you are building out a space in an operating shopping center or office building, phased construction minimizes disruption to neighboring tenants. Grand City Builders plans around business hours and coordinates with property management. (616) 886-7138.