Commercial tenant improvements (TI) and interior remodels represent over 40% of all commercial building permits in major Texas cities. Accurate estimating requires dividing the scope into architectural demolition, MEP re-routing, drywall partition assemblies, and interior finish schedules.
Remodel Scope Tier Pricing (2026)
| Renovation Scope Tier | Cost / Sq Ft | Typical Scope Elements Included |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: Cosmetic Refresh | $25 - $45 | Paint, commercial carpet tile, LVP flooring, LED lighting fixture swap, base trim |
| Tier 2: Mid-Level Reconfiguration | $50 - $95 | Partial wall demolition, new drywall offices, acoustical tile ceilings (ACT), HVAC duct drops, power/data re-pulls |
| Tier 3: Full Core Gut & Rebuild | $100 - $190+ | Complete interior strip-down to structural deck, new ADA restrooms, fire alarm re-strobe, dedicated server room HVAC |
Drywall & Partition Assembly Estimating
Commercial metal stud framing (3-5/8" 20-gauge or 25-gauge) with 5/8" Type X fire-rated gypsum board averages $8.50 to $12.50 per square foot of wall surface (both sides taped and floated to Level 4 finish). Sound attenuation batting (R-11) adds $0.85 to $1.20 per square foot.