Commercial construction costs $240 to $870 per square foot on average, depending on the location and building type. Commercial projects in the Midwest and South usually cost less than on the East or West coast.

• Warehouses cost the least to build, while high-rise office buildings, museums, or five-star hotels cost the most. 
• Parking garages cost $70 to $100 per square foot, or $21,000 to $30,000 per stall.
• An ice rink costs $125 to $250 per square foot or $150,000 to $1,000,000 to build, depending on the size and type.

A commercial building is any structure in which at least 50% of its square footage is used for retail, food, or other operations that serve clients in some way. This includes retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, museums, hospitals, hotels, schools, or office buildings.

Commercial buildings provide a service to customers or community members. Residential buildings are used primarily for small-scale homes and include single-family homes, townhomes, or duplexes.

Apartment buildings and condominiums with 5 or more units are techinically residences but fall under the commercial category because they’re primarily designed to make money on a large scale.

A straightforward or small commercial building typically takes between 4 to 6 months to build. However, for large or complex structures, the construction may take 8 to 10 months. The exact timeline depends on the type of structure, weather, and material shipping delays.

A straightforward or small commercial building typically takes between 4 to 6 months to build. However, for large or complex structures, the construction may take 8 to 10 months. The exact timeline depends on the type of structure, weather, and material shipping delays.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires fire sprinklers in all buildings with the following characteristics:

• Buildings with 5,000+ square feet
• Remodeled buildings with 12,000+ square feet
• Townhomes with 3+ units per building
• Buildings that are over 55 feet tall

Before hiring a commercial construction company near you, be sure to:

• Choose companies with high reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask to see a portfolio or pictures of past projects.
• Get multiple different estimates to compare.
• Choose licensed, bonded, and experienced companies.
• Get an itemized estimate and contract before making payments.

When hiring builders, ask these questions:

• How long have you been in the commercial construction business?
• Can you give me references from your clients?
• Will you hire all the necessary subcontractors?
• How much feedback can I provide during the building process?
• What are your labor rates?
• How long will the project take?
• Can you get me discounts on bulk materials orders?
• What delays and extra fees can I expect?
• Can you give me an itemized quote and contract?