The most common question we get from commercial tenants in Denver is simple: how much is this going to cost? The honest answer depends on your space, your scope, and your finish level. But here are the real numbers we are seeing in the Colorado market in 2026.
Cost Per Square Foot by Build Type
These ranges reflect what we are quoting and building in the Denver metro right now. They include general contractor costs, subcontractor labor, materials, and permit fees. They do not include architectural fees, furniture, or technology/AV systems.
- Basic office buildout (paint, carpet, basic lighting, minimal walls): $45 to $75 per SF
- Standard office TI (private offices, conference rooms, break room, new MEP): $80 to $130 per SF
- Medical or dental office (specialized MEP, plumbing-heavy, equipment coordination): $120 to $200 per SF
- Restaurant or food service (commercial kitchen, grease traps, Type I hoods, heavy plumbing): $150 to $300+ per SF
- Retail (open floor plan, storefront modifications, branding finishes): $60 to $120 per SF
A 3,000 SF standard office TI in Denver runs between $240,000 and $390,000 all-in for construction. That is the range most tenants should budget for.
What Drives the Cost Up?
Not all square footage is equal. Here are the biggest cost drivers we see on commercial TIs in Colorado.
Plumbing adds up fast. Every new sink, toilet, or floor drain means cutting into the slab (if you are on grade) or running supply and waste lines. A single restroom relocation can add $15,000 to $25,000. Restaurant buildouts with commercial kitchens are the most plumbing-intensive.
HVAC modifications are expensive. If the existing system cannot serve your layout, you may need new ductwork, additional units, or a complete system replacement. This is especially common when converting open space into multiple private offices or exam rooms.
Finish selections swing the budget. Luxury vinyl plank at $4/SF installed versus polished concrete at $8 to $12/SF. Painted drywall versus wood accent walls. The finishes you choose can move the total project cost by 20% or more.
What Drives the Cost Down?
The cheapest TI is one that works with what is already there. If the previous tenant had a similar layout, reusing existing walls, MEP, and ceiling grid can cut costs by 30% to 40%.
Early planning helps too. When we are involved during the design phase through a design-build approach, we steer decisions toward cost-effective solutions before they get drawn into the plans.
What About the Landlord's Contribution?
Most commercial leases include a Tenant Improvement Allowance (TIA). This is the landlord's contribution toward buildout costs, usually expressed as a dollar amount per square foot. In the Denver metro, we are seeing TIAs range from $15/SF on the low end to $60+/SF for Class A office space.
The TIA rarely covers 100% of the build. Understanding the gap between the allowance and the actual cost is critical before you sign a lease. We help tenants run these numbers during the lease review phase of the TI process.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
Online cost calculators are guessing. National averages do not reflect Colorado labor rates, Denver permitting costs, or Front Range material pricing. The only way to get a real number is to have a contractor review your space and your scope.
We provide detailed, line-item estimates at no cost. No vague allowances, no hidden fees. Every dollar is accounted for so you can make informed decisions. Check out our FAQ for more on how our estimating process works.
Want to know what your project will actually cost? Get a free estimate or call 833-SNYDER-9 (833-769-3379).
Next read: What to Expect During a Commercial Tenant Improvement