Commercial Renovation

Commercial Renovation Cost
Toronto 2026 — Office, Medical, Retail

March 20267 min readDotch Construction

Commercial renovation costs in Toronto and GTA vary widely depending on the type of space, scope of work, and finishes. Whether you're fitting out a new office, renovating a medical clinic, or building out a restaurant — this guide gives you real 2026 pricing with no guesswork.

Quick Summary: Commercial renovations in GTA cost $60–$350/sqft depending on type. Office tenant improvements run $60–$150/sqft, medical/dental clinics $150–$350/sqft, and restaurant fit-outs $100–$300/sqft.

Cost by Commercial Space Type — GTA 2026

Space TypeCost Per SqftTypical Total
Office — basic tenant improvement$60–$100/sqft$60K–$200K
Office — full fit-out, high-end$100–$150/sqft$150K–$350K
Medical clinic$150–$250/sqft$150K–$350K+
Dental office$200–$350/sqft$200K–$500K+
Restaurant / café$100–$250/sqft$100K–$300K
Retail fit-out$50–$150/sqft$50K–$200K
Warehouse / light industrial$30–$80/sqft$30K–$150K

Office Renovation — Tenant Improvement

Office tenant improvements in GTA typically run $60–$150/sqft for a complete fit-out including:

  • Demising walls and glass partitions
  • Electrical — new circuits, lighting, data infrastructure
  • HVAC — zone controls, duct modifications
  • Flooring — commercial carpet or LVT
  • Millwork — reception desk, kitchenette, storage
  • Washroom upgrades if required

Many commercial leases include a Tenant Improvement (TI) allowance from the landlord — typically $30–$60/sqft. Dotch Construction can work directly with your landlord and property manager to maximize your TI budget.

Medical & Dental Clinic Renovation

Medical and dental offices have the highest cost per sqft of any commercial renovation due to specialized mechanical requirements:

  • Plumbing — multiple wet locations (dental chairs, exam rooms, sterilization areas)
  • Electrical — high-amperage circuits for dental equipment, medical gas lines
  • HVAC — specialized ventilation, negative pressure rooms
  • Accessibility — AODA compliance required
  • Lead-lined walls — X-ray rooms require lead shielding
  • Infection control — specific materials and sealing requirements

A complete dental office build-out for a 2,000 sqft clinic typically costs $400,000–$700,000 including all equipment rough-ins and specialized systems.

Restaurant Renovation

Restaurant renovations are among the most complex commercial projects due to the density of mechanical systems required:

  • Commercial kitchen exhaust and ventilation
  • Gas lines for commercial cooking equipment
  • Grease traps and specialized plumbing
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Health department compliance
  • LLBO (Liquor License) requirements if applicable

A restaurant fit-out in Toronto typically costs $100–$250/sqft. A 1,500 sqft restaurant runs $150,000–$375,000 for a complete build-out.

Key Considerations for Commercial Projects

Business Continuity

Unlike residential renovations, commercial renovations often need to happen while the business remains partially operational. Dotch Construction plans phased work schedules to minimize disruption to your business.

Building Permit & Inspection

All commercial renovations in Ontario require a building permit. Work must be inspected at key stages — framing, mechanical rough-in, and final inspection. Dotch Construction manages the entire permit process.

AODA Accessibility Compliance

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires that commercial spaces be accessible. Any renovation triggering significant work must include accessibility upgrades — ramps, accessible washrooms, door width requirements.

Landlord Approval

If you're a tenant, all renovation work requires landlord approval. Dotch Construction has extensive experience working with Toronto commercial property managers and can help navigate the approval process.

Dotch advantage: We have 30+ years of commercial renovation experience across Toronto and GTA — offices, medical clinics, restaurants, retail, and industrial. We understand building codes, landlord requirements, and business continuity needs.

Get a Commercial Renovation Quote

Every commercial project is unique. Contact Dotch Construction for a free site assessment and detailed quote for your office, clinic, restaurant, or retail space. We serve Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, and all GTA municipalities.

Call 416-716-4090 or submit the form on our website for a response within 24 hours.