Embarking on a commercial renovation requires meticulous planning, a clear vision, and an understanding of your business needs. This guide aims to navigate you through the critical aspects of planning your commercial renovation, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
What Should I Consider Before Starting a Commercial Renovation?
When planning a commercial renovation, the expertise of interior designers and architects becomes invaluable. These professionals bring your vision to life while ensuring functionality, compliance, and aesthetic appeal.
- Interior Designers focus on optimizing the interior space for efficiency, aesthetics, and comfort. They select color schemes, materials, and finishes, and often provide furniture and décor recommendations. Their insight is crucial in creating an environment that reflects your brand and meets the needs of your employees and customers.
- Architects take a broader view, considering the structural aspects of your renovation. They ensure that the design is not only beautiful but also safe, sustainable, and compliant with all building codes and regulations. Architects often handle the necessary documentation for permits and can oversee the construction process to ensure fidelity to the design.
Price Range: For interior design services, costs can vary widely depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Generally, you might expect to pay between $2,000 and $10,000 for smaller projects, and upwards of $50,000 for extensive renovations involving high-end design elements.
Architectural services typically range from 8% to 15% of the total project cost for commercial renovations. For a project with a budget of $100,000, this could mean architectural fees between $8,000 and $15,000.

By leveraging the expertise of these professionals, you ensure your commercial renovation is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, compliant, and aligned with your strategic business goals.
How Much Will My Renovation Cost?
One of the most pressing questions for anyone considering a commercial renovation is, naturally, « How much is this going to cost me? » The answer, while variable, is pivotal in shaping your renovation plans.
Commercial renovation costs can range widely based on factors like the size of the space, the complexity of the project, the quality of materials, and the geographical location. To give you a broad idea:
- Basic Tier: Starting at $50 to $100 per square foot, basic renovations cover cosmetic updates like painting, simple lighting upgrades, and new flooring options like carpet or vinyl. Ideal for a fresh look without structural changes.
- Mid-Range Tier: With costs ranging from $100 to $200 per square foot, this tier includes more substantial modifications such as new hardwood or tile floors, custom-built features, and significant electrical or plumbing work, enhancing both function and aesthetics.
- Premium Tier: Exceeding $200 per square foot, premium renovations involve high-end finishes, custom designs, and potentially structural alterations, offering a bespoke solution for those seeking unparalleled quality and uniqueness.
While specifics can vary widely based on scope, quality, and location, a structured approach to understanding costs can be found in our « Renovation Tiers from Basic to Premium » guide.
It’s crucial to remember these figures are starting points. For a detailed, tailored budget that aligns with your specific project and vision, reaching out for a personalized quote is the next step.

At Frank & Swann, we pride ourselves on our transparent and detailed budgeting process. We invite you to contact us for a comprehensive quote that considers your unique needs and project scope, ensuring your renovation investment is planned with precision.

How Long Will the Renovation Take?
The timeline of a commercial renovation project can vary widely based on its scope, complexity, and unforeseen challenges. At Frank & Swann, we emphasize the importance of creating a detailed schedule during the subcontractor bidding process. This schedule, broken down into phases and steps, offers a clear roadmap of the project’s timeline. It’s also worth noting that our payment schedule is closely aligned with this project schedule, with payments due at the completion of each phase, ensuring transparency and predictability for all parties involved.
How Do I Choose the Right Contractor for My Commercial Renovation?
Delays and cost overuns plague most construction projects. A key reason? Lack of planning. Here’s how to pick a contractor who gets it right:
- Plan Ahead: Expect a clear budget and schedule from your contractor before starting. This shows their dedication to your project’s success.
- Contract Clarity: Everything agreed upon should be in a written contract. This includes the work scope, budget, timeline, and how to resolve disputes.
- Payment Terms: A predefined payment schedule, outlined in the contract, prevents any surprises.
- Clear Expectations: A good contractor will explain what they’ll need from you and what you should expect from them.
Quick Tips:
- Past Work: Reviewing a contractor’s previous projects can offer insights into their quality and reliability.
- Credentials: Make sure your contractor has the right licenses and insurance.
- Compatibility: Choose a contractor you’re comfortable with, who shares your vision.
- Flexibility: Ask how they handle unexpected issues. Adaptability is key.

By following these guidelines, you’ll find a contractor who aligns with your project’s needs, ensuring a smoother renovation process.
Conclusion
Embarking on a commercial renovation is an exciting journey that can significantly enhance your business space. However, the key to a successful renovation lies in meticulous planning and choosing the right partners. At Frank & Swann, we understand the intricacies of commercial renovations and are committed to guiding you through each step with precision and care. If you’re ready to transform your commercial space, reach out to us, and let’s bring your vision to life.