Lease signed means the clock starts — rent is running and your opening date is fixed. Chicago Construction Crew turns a gray shell or vanilla box into a finished, inspected, open-for-business storefront on your lease schedule. We build commercial interiors only, which means your retail build-out gets scoped right, permitted cleanly, and delivered without the surprise change orders that blow up budgets and timelines.
What a Retail Build-Out Includes
Every retail space is different, but a full storefront build-out typically covers: demolition and demising walls; storefront and entry work coordinated with the landlord's facade; framing, drywall, and finishes; flooring (LVT, polished concrete, tile, or carpet); ceilings and lighting laid out for merchandising; electrical for POS, displays, and signage; HVAC distribution and balancing; fire sprinkler and life-safety modifications; ADA-compliant restrooms and accessible routes; back-of-house stockroom, break, and office space; and paint plus fixture coordination.
How We Run a Retail Build-Out
We read the work letter and lease first, so base-building versus tenant responsibility versus TI allowance is clear and in writing before anything starts. We price with exclusions named up front — signage, security, data and low-voltage, and fixtures are called out, not assumed — so there are no gaps to argue about later. And we build to your opening date backward, because City permit and inspection timing drives the schedule, not the other way around.
Why Chicago Businesses Trust Us
Chicago Construction Crew is a licensed City of Chicago general contractor, fully insured, with a certificate of insurance available on request. We've built commercial interiors across the city since 1998 — including a recent permitted change-of-use build-out in Lincoln Park (City of Chicago permit #101062623). Retail, restaurant, medical, and office build-outs are the core of what we do, every day.
Start Your Retail Build-Out
Tell us your address, square footage, and target opening date, and we'll give you a realistic read on cost and schedule before you lock in construction decisions. Call tel:7739341500 or email george@chicagoconstructioncrew.com.
Retail Build-Out FAQs
How much does a retail build-out cost in Chicago?
Cost depends on the starting condition of the space, the level of finish, and how much mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work is involved. A vanilla box with light finishes costs far less than a gray shell needing full MEP distribution. We give you a realistic range once we see the space and the scope. For a deeper breakdown, see our retail build-out cost guide for Chicago tenants.
How long does a retail build-out take?
Most retail build-outs run from a few weeks to a few months. The schedule is driven by City of Chicago permit and inspection timing and the amount of MEP work — not just the construction itself. We build backward from your opening date so the timeline is realistic.
Who pays for a retail build-out — the landlord or the tenant?
It depends on your lease and work letter. Landlords often deliver a base building condition and provide a tenant improvement (TI) allowance, with the tenant covering costs beyond that. We read the work letter first so responsibility is clear before construction starts.
Do I need permits for a retail build-out in Chicago?
Almost always, yes. Interior build-outs require City of Chicago permits, and a change of use — for example, converting a former restaurant into retail — adds additional requirements. We handle the permitting process as part of the job.