Commercial Building Renovation Houston | RJT Construction

When your commercial property needs a transformation, the contractor you choose determines whether your project comes in on time, on budget, and built to last. RJT Construction is a licensed and bonded commercial general contractor based in Houston, TX, with a proven record of delivering high-quality commercial building renovation projects across the Greater Houston area. From Midtown and Downtown to The Heights, Galleria, and beyond, we bring technical precision, transparent communication, and full project management to every build. Whether you are upgrading an aging office suite, building out a new retail space, or converting a warehouse into a modern medical facility, our team is ready to make it happen.

Page last updated: June 2025. Published by RJT Construction.

Key Takeaways

RJT Construction is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured commercial general contractor serving Houston and Harris County.
We manage the entire renovation process from design coordination and permitting through construction and final inspection.
Our team specializes in tenant build-outs, retail renovations, restaurant remodels, and medical space construction.
We actively minimize business disruption by scheduling work around your operating hours whenever possible.
All projects comply with Texas building codes, City of Houston permitting requirements, and ADA accessibility standards.

Houston Commercial Building Renovation Services

RJT Construction provides a full spectrum of commercial construction and renovation services designed to meet the demands of Houston's fast-moving business environment. Our services include:

Tenant build-outs for office, retail, and mixed-use spaces
Interior commercial remodeling including flooring, ceilings, walls, and mechanical systems
Exterior facade upgrades and structural improvements
Restaurant and food service renovations that meet Texas Department of State Health Services standards
Medical and dental office construction with compliance to HIPAA spatial requirements and infection control guidelines
ADA compliance retrofits to bring older commercial buildings into alignment with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Design-build services that combine architectural planning and construction under one roof for a streamlined experience
Full project management from initial estimate through certificate of occupancy

Our design-build approach is a key differentiator. Rather than forcing you to coordinate separately between an architect and a contractor, RJT Construction manages both sides of the process. This reduces miscommunication, compresses timelines, and helps keep your project within budget. View our full list of commercial construction services to learn more.

Why Houston Businesses Choose RJT Construction

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

RJT Construction holds an active Texas contractor registration and carries full general liability insurance and a contractor surety bond. Our bonding protects your business in the unlikely event of incomplete work or financial default, and our insurance covers property damage and on-site injuries. We are happy to provide certificates of insurance upon request before any contract is signed.

We are proud members of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and maintain an active standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). These affiliations reflect our commitment to ethical business practices and industry-standard construction excellence.

On-Time, On-Budget Delivery

Every commercial renovation project we accept receives a detailed written estimate, a clearly defined scope of work, and a milestone-based project schedule. We do not pad timelines or present surprise invoices. Our project managers track labor, materials, and subcontractor performance daily to ensure your build stays on course. Over 90 percent of our completed Houston commercial projects have been delivered on or ahead of schedule.

Local Houston Expertise

We understand Houston's unique construction landscape, including the City of Houston's permitting process through the Houston Permitting Center, Harris County floodplain regulations, and the specific code requirements that apply to commercial occupancies under the International Building Code (IBC) as adopted by the State of Texas. This local knowledge saves time and prevents costly compliance errors during the inspection process.

Our Commercial Renovation Process: From Design to Build

Transparency is a core value at RJT Construction. Here is exactly how we approach every commercial building renovation project in Houston:

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Site Assessment

We begin with a no-cost walkthrough of your existing space. Our lead estimator evaluates structural conditions, mechanical and electrical systems, ADA compliance gaps, and the scope of work required to achieve your goals. This assessment takes approximately one to two hours depending on building size.

Step 2: Scope of Work and Detailed Estimate

Within five business days of the site visit, you receive a written estimate with line-item pricing for labor, materials, permits, and project management. There are no hidden fees. Budget ranges for Houston commercial renovations typically fall between $25 and $150 per square foot depending on finish level, MEP complexity, and whether structural changes are required.

Step 3: Design Coordination and Permitting

For projects requiring architectural drawings, we coordinate directly with licensed architects and engineers. Once drawings are approved, we submit permit applications to the Houston Permitting Center on your behalf and track approval status. Most commercial renovation permits in Houston are approved within two to six weeks depending on project complexity.

Step 4: Construction and Project Management

Our team manages all subcontractors, material deliveries, and daily site operations. You receive weekly progress reports and have direct access to your assigned project manager at all times. We schedule noisy or disruptive work during off-hours whenever your business remains operational during construction.

Step 5: Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy

We coordinate all required inspections with City of Houston building officials and resolve any punch-list items before requesting your final certificate of occupancy. We do not consider a project complete until you do.

Tenant Build-Outs and Interior Renovations

Tenant build-outs are one of the most common forms of commercial construction in Houston's active commercial real estate market. Whether you are a landlord preparing a shell space for a new tenant or a business customizing a leased suite, RJT Construction delivers build-outs that reflect your brand and function flawlessly from day one.

We handle all elements of interior commercial remodeling including framing, drywall, drop ceilings, flooring systems, lighting, plumbing rough-ins, HVAC modifications, and finish carpentry. Our project managers work directly with property managers and leasing agents to ensure compliance with lease improvement allowances and landlord approval requirements.

Interior renovation timelines for standard tenant spaces (under 5,000 square feet) typically range from four to ten weeks. Larger or more complex spaces may require twelve to twenty weeks. We provide a firm timeline at contract signing so all parties can plan accordingly.

Retail, Restaurant, and Medical Space Renovations

Retail Space Renovations

Retail environments in Houston neighborhoods like the Galleria corridor, Midtown, and EaDo require construction solutions that balance aesthetics, durability, and budget. RJT Construction has completed retail renovations for national franchises and local boutiques alike, delivering custom solutions that attract customers and stand up to heavy foot traffic.

Restaurant Renovation and Build-Out

Restaurant construction in Texas involves coordination with multiple regulatory bodies including the City of Houston Fire Marshal, the health department, and building inspectors. Our team understands commercial kitchen hood ventilation requirements, grease trap installation standards, and the structural demands of high-volume food service environments.

Medical and Healthcare Office Construction

Medical space renovations require careful attention to infection control, plumbing layout, electrical load planning, and ADA accessibility. RJT Construction has completed dental offices, outpatient clinics, and specialty medical suites across Houston. We build to Texas Health and Safety Code standards and coordinate with medical equipment vendors to ensure rough-in dimensions are accurate before walls are closed.

Commercial General Contractor Serving All of Houston

As a commercial general contractor based in Houston, we serve businesses across the entire metro area. Our active project areas include Downtown Houston, Midtown, Montrose, The Heights, the Galleria and Uptown district, Greenway Plaza, the Texas Medical Center, EaDo, Pearland, Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, and all of Harris County. If your business is located in Greater Houston, our team can be on-site.

We work with commercial property managers, real estate developers, franchise operators, healthcare groups, and independent business owners. No project is too specialized. Our custom solutions for complex builds are what set us apart from general remodeling companies that lack commercial construction experience. Contact our team today to discuss your project requirements.

Featured Houston Commercial Renovation Projects

Midtown Houston Office Suite Build-Out

RJT Construction completed a 4,200-square-foot office build-out for a Houston-based financial services firm in Midtown. The project included open-plan workstation areas, five private offices, a conference room, a full break room, and custom millwork throughout. The project was delivered in seven weeks, two days ahead of the contractual deadline, and came in 3.8 percent under the original budget. The client noted: "RJT kept us informed every step of the way. We never had to chase anyone for updates, and the finished space exceeded our expectations."

Galleria-Area Restaurant Renovation

A regional restaurant group retained RJT Construction to renovate a 3,800-square-foot dining space near the Galleria. Work included full kitchen demolition and rebuild, new hood system installation, updated plumbing, new flooring and wainscoting, custom bar construction, and exterior signage framing. The project was completed in nine weeks during off-hours to allow the business to remain open for lunch and dinner service throughout construction. The owner reported a 22 percent increase in table capacity following the renovation.

Medical Office Conversion in the Texas Medical Center District

RJT Construction converted a 6,000-square-foot commercial office space into a fully operational outpatient specialty clinic near the Texas Medical Center. The project required significant MEP upgrades, ADA-compliant restroom construction, medical-grade finishes, and coordination with the client's equipment installation team. The project received its certificate of occupancy on the contracted date, with zero open items at final inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Renovation in Houston

How much does commercial building renovation cost in Houston?

Commercial renovation costs in Houston generally range from $25 to $150 per square foot. Basic cosmetic remodels (paint, flooring, lighting) fall at the lower end of this range. Mid-range office build-outs with new partition walls, updated MEP systems, and standard finishes typically cost between $50 and $90 per square foot. High-end medical offices, restaurant build-outs with commercial kitchen equipment, or spaces requiring significant structural work can reach $100 to $150 per square foot or more. RJT Construction provides detailed line-item estimates at no charge so you understand exactly where every dollar goes before signing a contract.

How long does a commercial renovation project typically take?

Project timelines depend on square footage, scope of work, permit approval speed, and material lead times. Small tenant build-outs under 3,000 square feet typically take four to eight weeks. Mid-size projects between 3,000 and 10,000 square feet generally require eight to sixteen weeks. Large or complex renovations exceeding 10,000 square feet may take four to eight months. RJT Construction provides a firm milestone schedule at contract signing and updates you weekly on progress.

Do you handle permits and inspections for commercial renovations in Houston?

Yes. RJT Construction manages the entire permitting process on your behalf, including application submission to the Houston Permitting Center, coordination with plan reviewers, scheduling of all required inspections, and obtaining the final certificate of occupancy. We are familiar with the City of Houston's commercial building permit requirements under the adopted International Building Code and can anticipate common review comments that slow down competing contractors.

Can you renovate our space while our business stays open?

In many cases, yes. RJT Construction has extensive experience phasing construction work to allow businesses to remain operational during renovation. We can schedule demolition, noisy framing, and other disruptive work during evenings, weekends, or off-peak hours. We also use temporary partitions and dust barriers to separate active construction zones from occupied areas. During the initial consultation, we develop a phasing plan tailored to your specific business hours and operational requirements.

What types of commercial buildings does RJT Construction renovate?

We renovate a wide range of commercial building types including office buildings and suites, retail stores and shopping centers, restaurants and food service facilities, medical and dental offices, outpatient clinics, warehouses converted to commercial use, mixed-use developments, and light industrial spaces. If your project is a commercial occupancy in Houston or Harris County, we can help.

What is the difference between a commercial renovation and a tenant build-out?

A commercial renovation typically refers to updating or improving an existing, previously finished commercial space. A tenant build-out (also called a tenant improvement) usually refers to constructing improvements within a space that was previously unfinished or delivered in shell condition by a landlord. Both involve similar construction processes, but build-outs often start from a bare concrete floor and exposed ceiling with only base MEP rough-ins in place. RJT Construction handles both types of projects with equal expertise and provides full project management for each.

Are you a licensed commercial general contractor in Texas?

Yes. RJT Construction holds an active Texas contractor license and registration. We carry general liability insurance and a contractor surety bond. We are happy to provide documentation of our licensing, bonding, and insurance coverage to any client or property manager before a contract is executed. Our team has completed commercial construction projects throughout Houston, Harris County, and the Greater Houston area for over a decade.

Contact RJT Construction for Your Houston Commercial Renovation

Your commercial property is one of your most valuable business assets. Choosing the right contractor for your renovation is a decision that affects your operations, your tenants, your customers, and your bottom line. RJT Construction brings the licensing, experience, and project management discipline that Houston businesses and property managers rely on to get complex builds done right.

We invite you to contact our team for a free on-site consultation and detailed project estimate. There is no obligation and no pressure. Just honest, expert advice from a commercial general contractor who knows Houston construction inside and out.

Call us today, request a quote online, or submit a project inquiry and a member of our team will respond within one business day. You can also view our completed projects to see the quality and range of work we deliver across Greater Houston.

RJT Construction | Houston, TX | Serving Houston, Harris County, and Greater Houston | Licensed, Bonded, and Insured | Member, Associated General Contractors of America