What Business Owners Should Know About Commercial Build-Outs
Whether you’re launching your first storefront or renovating an existing commercial space, a build-out is one of the most critical phases of setting up your business. It’s your opportunity to transform a blank space—or a rough shell—into a functional, branded, and code-compliant environment.
At OJB Solutions, we specialize in commercial build-outs for business owners across Portland and the surrounding cities. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you start swinging hammers (or signing contracts).
What Is a Commercial Build-Out?
A commercial build-out (also known as a tenant improvement or TI) refers to the process of customizing an interior space to meet a tenant’s or business owner's operational needs. This could include:
Offices, cubicles, or open-concept layouts
Retail floor plans, shelving, or display infrastructure
Restaurants, cafes, and kitchens
Medical suites, salons, or wellness spaces
Warehouses or light industrial shops
Whether you're moving into a cold shell (empty space with no walls, HVAC, or plumbing) or a white box (finished walls, lighting, and basic systems), your build-out brings your business to life.
What Business Owners Need to Know
1. Understand Your Lease First
Before planning your build-out, carefully review your lease agreement. Pay attention to:
Who pays for the build-out: landlord, tenant, or a combination?
Allowances: Are you getting a TI allowance or rent credit?
Reversion clauses: Do improvements become property of the landlord?
Approval timelines: How long does the landlord have to approve plans?
Tip: Bring in your contractor before signing the lease to assess feasibility and budget accurately.
2. Permits and Code Compliance Are Non-Negotiable
In Oregon, most commercial build-outs require building permits, especially if you’re modifying:
Load-bearing walls or partitions
Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems
ADA accessibility features
Fire suppression or egress paths
Our team at OJB Solutions handles all permitting through the appropriate municipality—whether it’s Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, or Gresham—to make sure your project stays legal and inspection-ready.
3. Budgeting: What to Expect
Commercial build-out costs vary widely depending on the space, business type, and material selections. As a rule of thumb:
Basic office build-out: $45–$100 per sq ft
Retail or service-based businesses: $60–$150 per sq ft
Restaurants or medical: $150–$300+ per sq ft
Your budget should include:
Design and architectural drawings
Permits and inspection fees
Materials and labor
Project management and cleanup
Change order contingencies (~10–15%)
OJB Solutions provides clear, transparent estimates and value-engineering options to help you stay on track.
4. Timeline Considerations
Build-outs can take anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks depending on scope, materials, permitting, and inspections.
Common delays include:
Long lead times for electrical panels or custom fixtures
Permit approval lag from local jurisdictions
Tenant indecision on finishes or layout changes
We offer realistic timelines with weekly updates, so you always know what to expect—and when to schedule your grand opening.
5. Choose a Contractor Who Specializes in Commercial Work
Unlike residential remodels, commercial build-outs have stricter codes, faster schedules, and higher stakes. You need a contractor who:
Is CCB licensed for commercial construction
Understands local regulations and inspection schedules
Can coordinate with designers, engineers, and landlords
Has experience working in occupied buildings or shared spaces
At OJB Solutions, we’re built for business. From retail flips and startup offices to complex multi-phase renovations, we bring professionalism, precision, and accountability to every job.
Our Commercial Build-Out Services Include:
✅ Permit-ready plans
✅ Demolition and space prep
✅ Framing, drywall, and drop ceilings
✅ Commercial-grade electrical and HVAC
✅ Plumbing and fixture installs
✅ Finish work (flooring, paint, millwork)
✅ Final inspection support and sign-offs
We also offer junk removal and haul-away, which keeps your job site clean and your project moving.
Serving Portland Metro & Beyond
We proudly serve commercial clients in:
Portland, OR
Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego
Clackamas, Oregon City, and Happy Valley
Gresham, Hillsboro, Wilsonville
And surrounding areas in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties
Ready to Build Out Your Business?
Whether you're building a salon, a sandwich shop, or a high-end showroom, OJB Solutions delivers results that are clean, compliant, and on time. Let us help bring your commercial space to life.
(503) 882-0704
contact@oregonjunkbusters.com
ojbsolutions.com
