Construction planning tool
Fit-out cost estimator
A planning range for a commercial fit-out in Ontario — per square foot and in total — by sector, size, finish level and the condition of the space. Free. Runs in your browser.
Planning range · construction hard costs
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| Hard-cost range | — |
|---|---|
| With 10% contingency | — |
| HST (13%) on top | — |
Not included: design and permit fees, furniture and equipment, IT/AV, signage. A planning estimate, not a quote.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a call with our team.
How the estimate is worked out
The starting point is published GTA office interior fit-out rates from Altus Group's 2025 Canadian Cost Guide — $110–$150 per sq ft for Class B and $160–$265 for Class A, hard costs only, before HST. Standard finishes use the Class B range, high-end uses Class A, and mid-grade sits between them at $135–$205.
That base is then adjusted:
- Sector — for the mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration and security work each type of space usually needs. Restaurants carry the largest adjustment; the industrial option blends office and warehouse space and sits below office.
- Condition — a raw shell costs more than redoing a previous fit-out; a refresh that keeps services and layout costs less.
- Size — small units cost more per square foot because some costs are fixed.
- Occupied work — overnight and phased work adds a premium for off-hours labour and repeated setup.
The sector, condition, size and occupied adjustments are MARLICON planning allowances, not published figures. The base rates are dated January 2025 and exclude tariffs and later price changes, so treat the low end as a floor. For more on the benchmarks, read how much a commercial fit-out costs in Ontario.
FAQ
About this estimator.
Is the fit-out cost estimator free?
Yes. The calculator is free and runs in your browser. To email or download the PDF report, we ask for your email address.
How accurate is the estimate?
It's a planning range for budgeting before drawings exist, anchored to published GTA benchmarks. A real price depends on the drawings, the building services and the site, so use it to set expectations, not to sign a contract.
What isn't included in the estimate?
HST, design and permit fees, furniture and equipment, IT and AV, and signage. The estimate shows a 10% contingency and HST separately so you can see their effect.
Can MARLICON give me a real number?
Yes. On design-build and construction management engagements we provide budget pricing before drawings are complete. Send the project details through the project request form.
Turn the range into a real number.
Send the address, the size and what the space needs to do. We'll come back with budget pricing.