What does $200 / SF get you now?
Construction budgets are rising, but so are complexity and delays. Here’s what that means for real-world projects.
We’re spending more than ever to build...and getting less.
Back in 2015, I was building Starbucks stores across the western U.S. At the time, the core and shell came in around $180 per square foot.
Fast forward to today: You can spend well over $200/SF and still fall short.
In addition to inflation, we're also facing:
Longer permitting cycles
Stricter energy codes and plan reviews
Trade shortages and labor premiums
More ambitious tenant expectations
So what do smart teams do now? They shift their mindset from, How can we save?, to:
How can we build more efficiently?
How early can we align expectations?
Where can we avoid design, permitting, and coordination delays before they start?
Better planning and earlier management will help keep costs down.
Here's a look at current averages by building type:
Retail: $325 – $450
Office: $300 – $550
Medical Office: $280 – $500
Restaurant / Food Service: $250 – $600+
Warehouse / Industrial $200 – $300
Source: Commercial Construction Cost Per Square Foot, HomeGuide
If you’re navigating growth, remodels, or team changes, let’s connect. A 20-minute call could save you months of headache.
