Construction Intelligence Center

One of the first questions owners ask when considering a commercial project is: “What should this cost per square foot?” It is a reasonable question. Cost per square foot provides a quick way to compare projects, test an early idea, and decide whether a property or construction plan deserves further investigation. The problem is that commercial construction cost per square foot is often treated as a fixed price rather than an early planning tool. Two projects with the same sq

A commercial property can look like the perfect fit. The location is right. The square footage works. The asking price appears reasonable. The existing layout seems close enough to what the business needs. Then construction planning begins. The electrical service is insufficient. The HVAC system cannot support the proposed use. The plumbing is in the wrong location. An accessible entrance must be rebuilt. The parking count does not work. The property needs a fire sprinkler sy

Few phrases make commercial property owners more nervous than “We need a change order.” For many owners, change orders are associated with budget overruns, project delays, and unexpected frustration. The reality is more nuanced. Not every change order is avoidable... and not every change order is a bad thing. Understanding why change orders happen and how they can be minimized helps owners make better decisions before and during construction. What Is a Commercial Construction

A commercial construction budget should not be built around the assumption that every existing condition, material price, permit requirement, and design detail will unfold exactly as expected. Even a well-planned project can encounter concealed conditions, design changes, material substitutions, code requirements, or owner-requested revisions after construction begins. That is why commercial property owners and developers should establish a construction contingency before sig

If you’re planning a commercial construction project, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: “How much does commercial construction cost per square foot?” It’s a fair question, but it’s also one of the hardest to answer accurately without understanding the details of your project. The reality is that two buildings with the same square footage can vary in cost by millions of dollars depending on their intended use, finishes, systems, and site conditions. Here’s wha