Commercial tenant improvements across California: the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and Sacramento
Budgeting a Tenant Improvement
The cost drivers that matter most in California, the soft costs people miss and how to keep the budget intact.
California cost drivers
- Reuse of the existing build-out
- Path-of-travel accessibility upgrades
- Title 24 lighting and mechanical compliance
- Plumbing moves and slab work
- Electrical and utility upgrades
- Finish level, glass and millwork
- Labor rates, which vary by region
Soft costs
Design and engineering, plan check and permit fees, utility and impact fees, testing, furniture, IT and moving can add significantly to the total. California permit fees in large cities can be substantial.
Allowances
Know what your allowance covers and how it is paid. See our allowance guide.
Protect the budget
Complete the design, carry a contingency, decide finishes early and approve changes in writing.
Planning a build-out?
Tell us the address, the square footage and your target opening date. A project manager will call you back with next steps.
Common questions
Do not see your question? Call and talk to a tenant improvement project manager.
Cost per square foot?
Too variable for averages; we price your space.
Contingency?
Carry one, larger for older buildings.
Are accessibility upgrades included?
We include them in the estimate when they are required.
Avoiding change orders?
Complete design and early decisions.
Ready to build out your space?
Send the address, square footage and target opening date. A California project manager will walk the space and return a written estimate.
California Tenant Improvement builds out leased commercial space for offices, medical practices, retailers, restaurants and industrial tenants across California.
Services
- Tenant Improvement General Contractor
- Design, Space Planning & Permitting
- Commercial Demolition
- Commercial Concrete
- Framing, Drywall & Acoustic Ceilings
- Commercial Plumbing
- Commercial Electrical
- Commercial Lighting
- Commercial HVAC
- Fire Sprinklers & Life Safety
- Low Voltage & Data Cabling
- Commercial Security Systems
- Access Control
- Commercial Roofing
- Storefront & Glazing
- Commercial Flooring
- Millwork & Casework
- Painting & Wall Coverings
- Commercial Elevators
- Commercial Signage
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