These figures are typical South Bay / Central Valley planning bands for light-to-mid commercial scope — not a quote from Precision Heating & Cooling. Site conditions, crane access, and Title 24 path change the number.
Typical cost ranges
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light open-office revise (duct/box moves, controls) | $4–$9 / RSF | Existing RTU capacity OK. Includes typical Title 24 paperwork assumptions — confirm with engineer. |
| Moderate TI with zoning / VAV changes | $8–$15 / RSF | Conference rooms, densification, or after-hours zones. TAB and controls integration matter. |
| Heavy mechanical (RTU add/replace + suite) | $15–$30+ / RSF or lump sum | Better as a lump-sum alternate than a thin $/SF guess. Crane and curb are building-level costs. |
| Dedicated IDF / server cooling add | $4,500–$25,000+ lump | Keep as an alternate so the office allowance stays comparable across bidders. |
What moves the price
- Landlord base-building capacity and after-hours HVAC rules change tenant cost dramatically.
- Glass load, headcount, and conference density drive whether existing tonnage is enough.
- BAS integration and Title 24 acceptance testing are easy to under-allow.
- South Bay high-rises may restrict roof work windows and crane days.
- Central Valley suites can need more cooling capacity for the same headcount.
When this guide applies
- You are writing a work letter or GC bid package for an office suite.
- Brokerages need a mechanical placeholder before MEP drawings exist.
- You are comparing landlord turnkey vs tenant-managed buildout.
- Prior TIs blew the HVAC line and you want a better first pass.
Failure modes to avoid
- Copying a residential $/ton number into a commercial TI.
- Omitting Title 24, TAB, and controls from the allowance.
- Assuming the base-building RTU has spare capacity without a load check.
- Bundling server-room cooling into the office $/SF so bids look artificially low.
FAQs
Is $/RSF accurate enough to award HVAC?
It is a planning tool. Award from drawings, load calc, and a scoped mechanical bid — especially if an RTU change is possible.
Who owns after-hours HVAC cost?
Lease language varies. Clarify landlord AHU charges vs tenant equipment before setting the allowance.
Should we alternate RTU replacement?
Yes when age or capacity is uncertain — keeps the base TI comparable and avoids a mid-project capital surprise.
Can Precision bid office TIs?
Yes for light-to-mid commercial mechanical scope in our markets. Request a commercial bid with drawings or a site walk.
Next step
Ready for a site-specific number? Request a commercial bid — we will survey before we price.