Commercial Fit-Out Costs in the GTA (2026 Price Guide)
Commercial fit-out construction in the GTA typically costs $60 to $150 or more per square foot, depending on project type, finishes, and mechanical scope, with permit drawings adding $3,500 to $12,000 or more on top of construction.
Whether you're opening a retail store, office, café, or full-service restaurant, your total fit-out cost depends heavily on project type. This guide breaks down what drives the cost and gives realistic per-square-foot ranges by fit-out type.
Cost Per Square Foot by Fit-Out Type
Retail and office fit-outs typically run $60 to $110 per square foot, while restaurants and cafés with commercial kitchens run $90 to $150 or more per square foot due to specialized mechanical, plumbing, and ventilation requirements.
| Fit-Out Type | Permit Drawings | Construction Cost / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Retail store | $3,500–$6,500 | $60–$100 |
| Office | $4,000–$8,000 | $70–$110 |
| Café / coffee shop | $5,500–$9,500 | $90–$130 |
| Full-service restaurant | $7,500–$12,000+ | $110–$150+ |
| Wellness clinic | $4,500–$8,500 | $80–$120 |
Figures are typical GTA ranges based on project experience; confirm against your own recent project costs before quoting.
What Drives Your Total Cost
Mechanical and plumbing scope is the single biggest cost driver in a commercial fit-out — a space with a commercial kitchen, multiple washrooms, or specialized HVAC needs costs significantly more per square foot than a simple open-plan retail or office buildout.
Other major factors include finish level (base-building standard vs. custom millwork and flooring), whether structural changes are needed (removing or adding walls, new openings), electrical capacity upgrades, and accessibility compliance requirements that vary by occupancy type.
Permit Drawings vs. Construction Costs
Permit drawing fees and construction costs are separate line items — drawings are a one-time professional fee to design and submit your permit application, while construction cost is what it takes to physically build the space.
Engineering coordination (structural, mechanical, or fire protection, as required) is typically quoted separately from the base drawing fee, depending on your project's complexity. See our full commercial drawings page for a detailed breakdown of what's included.
Franchise and Multi-Location Budgeting
Franchise operators budgeting for multiple locations should expect per-unit costs to decrease slightly after the first location, since permit drawings and design work can be adapted rather than built from scratch for each new unit.
For franchise and QSR-specific budgeting, including health unit and grease interceptor costs, see our franchise & QSR fit-out page.
Get an Accurate Quote for Your Space
Every commercial space is different — the only way to get an accurate number is a site visit and project-specific quote. Contact Sandhu Design Build at (365) 727-7755 for a free, no-obligation consultation.