Ground-Up Construction Cost in DFW
What new commercial construction really costs per square foot in North Texas.
In Dallas–Fort Worth, ground-up commercial construction typically runs about $150–$350 or more per square foot all-in — including site work, foundation, structure, envelope, MEP and finish. Warehouse and shell buildings sit lowest; office, retail and restaurant run higher; medical and specialty space highest. Site conditions, building type and finish level drive the number.
Typical ground-up construction prices in DFW (all-in)
| Building type | Per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Warehouse / distribution | ~$80–$160 |
| Light-industrial / flex | ~$100–$180 |
| Office building | ~$180–$320 |
| Retail / restaurant | ~$200–$350 |
| Medical / specialty | ~$300–$500+ |
Typical all-in DFW ranges — your written estimate follows a preconstruction review of site and drawings.
Ground-up vs. tenant buildout
Ground-up construction includes the land improvements, foundation, structure and shell, so the per-foot cost is higher than a tenant improvement buildout (typically $40–$120/sq ft), which starts from an existing shell. If you have a building and need to fit it out, TI is the path; if you're building new, this is your number.
What drives ground-up cost
- Site conditions — grading, utilities, drainage and soils
- Building type & use — warehouse vs. office, retail, medical
- Structure — tilt-wall, steel or conventional framing
- Finish level — shell vs. fully finished, Class A
- MEP scope — and any specialty systems
See our ground-up construction service and our commercial general contracting for what's included.
Ground-Up Construction Cost in DFW — frequently asked questions
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