Choose a benchmark that fits the use
The calculator’s office-style commercial range is CAD $160–$265 per square foot, based on a secondary summary of the Altus 2025 Canadian Cost Guide for GTA office fit-outs. It is a proxy, not a medical, laboratory or specialist clinical fit-out rate. Retail uses a separate CAD $80–$180 standard-spec tenant-improvement benchmark for existing Toronto retail space—not luxury flagships or new buildings.
Confirm construction inclusions
Partitions, finishes, building-service work and fixed elements must be checked against the contractor’s scope. Custom millwork should not be counted a second time if it is already included. Major base-building upgrades and unusual existing conditions can change the budget substantially.
Price furniture and equipment explicitly
Loose furniture, IT/AV, specialist equipment, signage and other excluded items need separate confirmation. Retail inventory and business operations are not construction costs. Add only genuinely additional scope to the calculator.
Use fees and contingency as assumptions
The calculator offers a design and consultant allowance of 8–12% of construction and contingency of 10–15% of construction plus additional scope. These are planning assumptions, not Consultony fees or published tariffs. Turn off a fee allowance if already included. Optional 13% Ontario HST is illustrative; confirm actual tax treatment separately.
Give contractors a clear brief
Record floor area, intended use, existing conditions, layout, materials, fixed fixtures, additional items and target dates. Consultony helps connect design and fabrication decisions with reputable contractors who complete the work. Project-specific approvals and construction pricing require confirmation with your appointed professionals.