The commercial building industry might be lucrative, but it is not for the faint-hearted. The commercial construction cost per square foot is one of the essential indicators for completing a commercial building project.

 

The cost per square foot on commercial construction projects varies significantly. To maintain project control, the commercial contractor should have accurate methods for financial forecasting and keep an eye out for large variations in the construction cost per square foot.

 

What Affects Commercial Construction Cost? 

The cost of a building project is crucial for all parties involved. Several factors affect the overall cost of estimating the square foot expenses for commercial construction. These factors include:

• Location 
• Labor
• Type of building being constructed
• Materials to be used
• Finishes 

 

Commercial Construction Cost Breakdown 

It is common to feel overwhelmed by analyzing the cost breakdown of a commercial building project due to its complexity. For this, it is vital to consider all the operational expenses involved.

 

The breakdown of costs includes the following:

• Hard Costs – Includes the cost of maintaining the property and the materials and labor required to make repairs, modifications, and improvements.
• Soft Costs – Costs related to services necessary to finish the project, such as taxes, insurance, and permits.
• Vendor Costs– Includes various start-up expenses such as computer cables, security, telephones, and signs.
• Operational Costs — includes the cost to operate the facility over its lifetime.

 

The Commercial Building Cost per Square Foot: Breakdown by Building Type 

Construction prices vary greatly based on the type of structure. Cost per square foot is undoubtedly affected by the structure being constructed. For instance, a simple, single-story warehouse will cost significantly less per square foot than a high-rise office structure.

 

High-rise buildings demand significantly higher engineering and design expenditures, site preparation expenses, permits and inspection fees, and logistical expenses, which increase the cost per square foot. Below is a breakdown of costs by building type throughout the United States.

 

Commercial Office Space

The average cost per square foot to construct a single-story office building in the United States is $313. A mid-rise office building costs an average of $562 per square foot. On average, high-rise structures cost $660 per square foot to construct.

 

Warehouses and Manufacturing Facilities 

Numerous commercial buildings fall under manufacturing facilities, including factories, warehouses, and laboratories for technological companies. Comparatively, specialized laboratories cost approximately $666 to $798 per square foot, whereas warehouses cost between $206 and $320 per square foot.

 

Healthcare

Construction for the healthcare industry is more expensive than the construction of other structures. This is because health care necessitates that the facilities feature sophisticated finishes. For example, in the construction of an acute care hospital, the average cost per square foot is $888, while the average cost per square foot for a medical office building is $498. Notably, the cost per square foot for commercial construction for a specialized clinic is $619.

 

Schools and Universities 

A junior or high school building costs an average of $327 per square foot. This cost is considering the averages of $295, $325, and $359 per square foot for elementary, middle, and high schools.

 

Building institutions of higher education is far more expensive than creating elementary schools. A typical classroom facility costs $580 per square foot. On average, laboratory buildings cost $756 per square foot to construct. The average administrative building at an American institution costs $596 per square foot to build. The university structures’ least expensive dormitories cost an average of $322 per square foot.

 

Public and Community Facilities 

Public and communal buildings can be among the most expensive per square foot. For example, building gymnasiums and recreation complexes cost $403 per square foot. On the other hand, building a police station averages $580 per square foot.

 

On average, government administration buildings cost $591 per square foot. Museums and performing arts institutions are the most expensive structure types on our list of commercial structures, costing an average of $892 per square foot to construct.

 

Parking Structures 

 The cost to construct the low-grade multilevel parking structure is approximately $143 per square foot. In contrast, the multilevel parking structure can be built for an inexpensive cost of $70 per square foot.

 

Hire the Best Commercial Contractors in Dc, Maryland, and Virginia 

Commercial contractors ensure the timely completion of quality projects. Therefore, it is advisable to hire a competent contractor to safeguard the value of your next commercial project. Tech 24 Construction is a top player in the construction industry in Dc, Maryland, and Virginia. 

 

With a dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and rigorous project management, we uphold a culture of collaboration in the construction process. Contact us for inquiries on your construction project. 

 

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