Fit Out Cost Guide 2025 | Legal Sector

Cost Breakdowns

Beyond the base hard cost fit out, this legal sector cost guide supplement examines additional expenses, including soft costs, IT, A/V, furniture and miscellaneous costs. These expenses go beyond the base construction budget needed to build out a shell. 3 Premiums on top of initial fit out construction costs typically range from 60% to 95%, depending on upgrade quality and market specific cost dynamics. Furniture is the largest category, accounting for an average of 26% of a base buildout in Gateway Markets and 28% in Secondary Markets. A/V costs vary widely based on the size and scope of conference space and amenities. For “base” projects with standard conference rooms, A/V expenses typically range from 12% to 18%, while fully amenitized spaces with upgraded conference center facilities can push A/V costs up to 30% beyond the base hard costs.

On average, construction costs are higher in gateway markets. When factoring in all buildout components—including base hard costs, IT, A/V and furniture—San Francisco is the most expensive market for law firm buildouts, which can range from $382 to $454 per square foot (psf). Seattle ranks second, followed by New York City, Los Angeles and Boston. Among the 15 legal sector markets analyzed in this report, the most cost-effective are Dallas, Phoenix, Houston and Minneapolis.

3 Cost categories included in the 2025 Americas Office Fit Out Cost Guide include miscellaneous architectural trades; architectural millwork; doors, frames, hardware; drywall, acoustic, carpentry; general finishes; mechanical, plumbing, fire protection; electrical; general requirements, general conditions and fee; and contingency costs.

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Cushman & Wakefield