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Find the Top 27 Commercial Build Out Contractors in Houston, TX

City of Houston permits take 2-3 weeks (fastest in Texas). Prime contractors book 3-4 months out for Energy Corridor and Medical Center work. Costs are lower than Austin/Dallas but rising fast.

Start your renovation project with confidence. Get accurate costs, compare verified pros, and manage your RFP—all in one place.

Houston Market: Fast Permits, Tight Booking

Houston Development Services moves fast—permits in 2-3 weeks vs 4-6 weeks in Dallas. But quality contractors book 3-4 months out, especially for Energy Corridor offices and Medical Center build-outs. Costs run $44-$77/sqft (less than Austin but catching up).

Contractor specialization by area:

  • Energy Corridor/Westchase: Corporate HQ specialists handling executive suites, lobbies, and fast-track schedules (book early or settle for B-tier).
  • Texas Medical Center: Medical construction pros with OSHPD-equivalent experience, sterile room expertise (permits take 3-4 weeks here).
  • Downtown: Union labor required in most buildings (adds 25-30% to costs). Know the building's union requirements before bidding.

Post-Harvey: flood compliance reviews now mandatory (add 1-2 weeks). Summer heat affects schedules—interior work continues but expect slower exterior progress June-Aug.

Project by ALC Builders
Project by Byrd Interior Construction
Project by CBRE Project Management

Why Houston is Unique

Houston Development Services issues permits in 2-3 weeks—faster than Dallas or Austin. Top firms for Energy Corridor or Medical Center projects book 3-4 months ahead (oil sector drives demand spikes). Market is ~60% open shop, 40% union (higher near downtown). Flood compliance is mandatory post-Harvey—expect elevation and drainage reviews.

Understanding Commercial Build-Out Costs in Houston

Costs vary significantly based on finish level, building age, location, and scope of work. Here's what you can expect:

Basic Build-Out

$49 - 74/sqft
Paint, carpet, ceiling tiles, minor electrical. Ideal for move-in ready spaces.

Premium

$85 - 135+/sqft
Custom millwork, glass partitions, high-end finishes, advanced technology.

Factors That Affect Your Budget

  • Building Age: Older buildings may require electrical upgrades, asbestos abatement, or structural modifications
  • Permit Requirements: Houston permitting can add 4-8 weeks and $5,000-50,000+ depending on scope
  • MEP Complexity: HVAC, electrical, and plumbing changes significantly impact cost
  • Timeline Pressure: Accelerated schedules may require overtime and premium pricing

Soft Costs & Fees

  • Architectural Fees: 5-15% of construction costs
  • Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) design
  • Permit & Impact Fees: City-specific municipal charges
  • Project Management: Optional oversight (3-5% of project)

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List of Commercial Build Out Contractors in Houston

Browse 27 verified contractors serving Houston. Filter by specialty, service type, or project size to find your perfect match.

27 contractors
ALC Builders project

ALC Builders

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,000+ sqft
Retail - Restaurant Medical - Hospital Hospitality

Houston office remodeling specialist with focus on innovation and energy-efficient solutions.

Byrd Interior Construction project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,000+ sqft
Retail - Showroom

Over 23 years of Houston tenant improvement expertise with 300+ annual projects.

CBRE Project Management project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
5,000+ sqft Design & Build
Office - Corporate HQ Industrial Medical - Clinical

The global leader in commercial real estate and project delivery.

Cushman & Wakefield project

Cushman & Wakefield

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
5,000+ sqft Design & Build
Office - Corporate Industrial Retail - Storefront

Global real estate services firm delivering integrated project & development services.

Greystone Construction Company project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
3,000+ sqft
Retail - Restaurant Industrial Office - Financial Industrial - Warehouse Hospitality Office - General Medical - Hospital

Comprehensive Houston commercial services including interior build-outs and renovations.

Hammond Remodeling & Construction project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,000+ sqft
Office - General

Houston office renovations combining style, functionality, and practicality since 2012.

R.J. Harris Construction project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,500+ sqft
Retail - Restaurant Office - General Retail - Showroom

Quality Houston tenant build-outs focused on unique, functional office spaces.

Redwood Builder Houston project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,000+ sqft
Office - General Industrial - Warehouse

Over 35 years transforming Houston commercial spaces with comprehensive TI services.

Right Choice Construction project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,500+ sqft
Industrial Industrial - Warehouse Office - Corporate Retail - Restaurant Office - Financial Office - General Medical - Hospital

Woman-owned Houston contractor specializing in transforming commercial interior spaces.

Rise Construction project

Rise Construction

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
3,000+ sqft
Office - General

Full-service Houston construction company delivering quality tenant improvements since 2007.

RJT Construction project

RJT Construction

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,500+ sqft
Industrial Office - Financial Office - Tech

Top-rated Houston office remodeling focused on efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

StarTex Construction project

StarTex Construction

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,000+ sqft
Industrial Office - General Industrial - Light

Houston specialist in customizing commercial spaces with innovative, functional designs.

Stovall Construction Inc project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
3,000+ sqft
Retail - Restaurant

Over 40 years of Houston commercial remodeling with expertise in budget and design.

Teal Construction Company project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,000+ sqft
Office - General

Trusted Houston tenant improvement contractor with proven commercial expertise.

Anslow-Bryant project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,500+ sqft
Office - Tech Medical - Hospital Hospitality Medical - Clinical Retail - Restaurant Office - General Retail - Storefront

Customer-focused Houston contractor for new builds, expansions, and custom remodels.

Armantel LLC project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,500+ sqft
Office - General

Houston specialist in office build-outs, retail renovations, and tenant turnover projects.

Arrant Construction project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
3,000+ sqft
Productivity Design Full Reno

Creating productivity-focused workspaces with over 30 years of market experience.

Atlas Construction Services project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,000+ sqft
Office - General

Houston construction leader transforming commercial spaces with innovative TI solutions.

Benchmark Contractors project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,500+ sqft
Office - General

Quality Houston commercial construction for corporate and retail tenant improvements.

Brand Construction Services project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,000+ sqft
Office - Financial

Premier Houston commercial remodeling for local businesses with first-rate service.

Contractors Inc project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,000+ sqft
Multi-Family Interior Work

Experienced renovation specialists delivering quality interior and repair work.

CTC Contractors project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,500+ sqft
Office - General

Houston design-build specialist offering turnkey construction services across multiple markets.

Dezynd project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,500+ sqft
Retail - Restaurant Medical - Hospital Hospitality

Houston tenant improvement specialist focused on design collaboration and compliance.

Division 9 Inc. project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,500+ sqft
Office - General

A+ rated design-build firm with decades of Houston commercial construction experience.

Marlin Commercial Contractors project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,500+ sqft
Industrial

30 years of Houston commercial construction expertise in tenant finish and design-build.

ML Deer Construction project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,000+ sqft
Office - Tech

Experienced Houston team specializing in commercial interior build-outs and modifications.

Morsbach General Contractors project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,500+ sqft
Office - General

Greater West Houston specialist creating move-in-ready commercial tenant improvements.

RFP Service

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Finding the right contractor takes time. Our RFP service handles the entire process—we document your requirements, engage qualified Houston contractors, manage the bidding, and deliver proposals ready for comparison.

  • We capture your requirements professionally
  • We distribute to vetted Houston contractors
  • You receive structured proposals in 2 weeks
  • We help you evaluate and choose
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The Houston Commercial Construction Process

Timeline Expectations

Commercial build-outs in Houston typically follow this timeline:

  • Planning & Design (4-8 weeks): Space planning, architectural drawings, engineering
  • Permitting (3-8 weeks): Building department review and approval
  • Construction (8-20 weeks): Varies by size and complexity
  • Final Inspections (1-2 weeks): Certificate of occupancy

A standard 5,000 sqft office build-out takes approximately 4-6 months from design to move-in.

Choosing the Right Contractor

When evaluating contractors for your Houston project, consider:

  • Licensing & Insurance: Verify active licenses and adequate coverage
  • Specialty Experience: Has the contractor completed similar projects?
  • References: Speak with recent clients about their experience
  • Project Size Fit: Match contractor capacity to your project scope
  • Communication Style: Ensure alignment on reporting and updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about commercial renovation in Houston.

What is the average cost of a commercial build-out in Houston?
Commercial build-out costs in Houston typically range from $40-300+ per square foot depending on finish level and complexity. Basic cosmetic renovations run $40-80/sqft, standard tenant improvements cost $80-150/sqft, and high-end executive spaces can exceed $200-300/sqft. Factors like building age, MEP requirements, and permitting complexity significantly impact final costs.
How long does a typical commercial renovation take?
A standard 5,000 sqft office build-out takes 4-6 months from design to move-in. This includes 4-8 weeks for design, 3-8 weeks for permitting, and 8-16 weeks for construction. Larger or more complex projects can take 6-12 months. Fast-track schedules are possible at additional cost.
Do I need permits for my project?
Most commercial renovations require building permits. Cosmetic-only work (paint, carpet) may be exempt, but any structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require permits. Your contractor should handle the permit process, but budget 3-8 weeks and $5,000-50,000+ depending on project scope.
What's included in your RFP service?
Our RFP service includes professional scope of work documentation, distribution to 3-5 pre-qualified contractors in Houston, bid comparison analysis, and a dedicated project manager to guide you through selection. Most clients receive competitive proposals within 2 weeks.
What's the difference between Design & Build vs. Build Only?
Design & Build contractors handle both architectural design and construction under one contract, offering streamlined communication and often faster timelines. Build Only contractors work from plans provided by your architect or designer, which can offer more design flexibility but requires additional coordination.