Office renovation costs in Texas depend heavily on the scope of work, the condition of the existing space, and the finish level you're targeting. Here's a realistic breakdown.
Office Renovation Cost Ranges
Basic refresh (paint, carpet, minor lighting): $20–$45 per sq ft. Mid-level renovation (new partitions, updated HVAC, modern lighting): $45–$85 per sq ft. High-end renovation (full gut, custom millwork, glass partitions, AV systems): $85–$150+ per sq ft.
For a 3,000 sq ft office in Plano or Frisco, expect $60,000–$250,000 depending on scope.
What's Typically Included
Most office renovations in DFW include: demolition and disposal, framing and drywall, electrical upgrades and data cabling, HVAC balancing or new units, flooring (LVP, carpet tile, or polished concrete), painting, and lighting. Conference rooms, reception areas, and break rooms add cost per square foot versus open office plans.
The Tenant Improvement Process
If you're leasing office space in Texas, your landlord may provide a TI allowance. In DFW Class A office buildings, TI allowances of $50–$100 per sq ft are common for multi-year leases. Negotiate this before signing — it's one of the most impactful lease terms for your buildout budget.
Office Renovation Cost Examples
Applying the per-square-foot ranges above to common office sizes gives these typical planning estimates. They cover construction, MEP work, permits and the contractor’s fee — not furniture, IT and AV equipment, signage or moving costs.
| Office size | Refresh ($20–$45/sq ft) | Mid-level ($45–$85/sq ft) | High-end ($85–$150/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000 sq ft | $60,000–$135,000 | $135,000–$255,000 | $255,000–$450,000 |
| 5,000 sq ft | $100,000–$225,000 | $225,000–$425,000 | $425,000–$750,000 |
| 10,000 sq ft | $200,000–$450,000 | $450,000–$850,000 | $850,000–$1,500,000 |
For Dallas-specific numbers, timelines and permits, see our Dallas office buildout cost guide, or run your own size through the cost estimator.
What Moves the Price Within a Range
- Walls you move: every new partition brings electrical, data, HVAC and sprinkler changes with it. Keeping much of the existing layout is the biggest lever on cost.
- Shell condition: a second-generation suite with usable ceilings, lighting and restrooms costs far less than a shell floor.
- Occupied buildings: after-hours work rules, freight elevator scheduling and phasing around employees add labor premiums.
- Room mix: conference rooms, break rooms and server rooms cost more per square foot than open office because of the extra power, cooling, plumbing and finishes.
- Finish level: glass-front offices, custom millwork and AV integration push toward the top tier.
Office Renovation Timeline
As a typical estimate, allow about 2–6 weeks for plan review and permits in DFW cities, then roughly 2–4 weeks of construction for a refresh, 6–10 weeks for a mid-level renovation and 12–20 weeks for a full gut. Furniture and long-lead items such as glass partitions and HVAC equipment should be ordered early, so they arrive when construction finishes.
Permits and Approvals
Office remodels that add walls or change electrical, plumbing or HVAC usually need a city building permit, and a new tenant generally needs a Certificate of Occupancy. Projects with a total estimated cost of $50,000 or more must be registered with TDLR for accessibility review, with plan review and an inspection by a Registered Accessibility Specialist. In multi-tenant buildings, the landlord usually approves drawings and contractors first. Renovating in Plano? See office renovation contractors in Plano for local permit notes.
Costs Outside the Construction Budget
Plan separately for furniture and workstations, IT and AV equipment, security and access control (often bid separately from the buildout), signage, moving and any temporary space. These can add a large share on top of construction, so put them in your budget from the start.
Office Renovation Cost FAQ
How much does it cost to renovate a 5,000 sq ft office in Texas? As a typical estimate, about $100,000–$225,000 for a refresh, $225,000–$425,000 for a mid-level renovation with new partitions, HVAC and lighting, and $425,000–$750,000 for a high-end full gut.
Can I renovate while my team works in the space? Yes, with phasing and after-hours work, but it adds time and cost. Ask bidders to price the phasing plan explicitly.
Who pays for an office renovation in a leased space? Often the tenant and the landlord share it through a tenant improvement allowance. Negotiate it before you sign the lease.
Getting the Right Contractor
Office renovations require coordination across multiple trades — electrical, HVAC, low voltage, flooring, and general construction. BidBridge Texas matches office tenants and property managers with verified commercial GCs who specialize in office renovation across the DFW Metroplex.