About BuildoutIQ
We help entrepreneurs plan commercial buildouts before they hire professionals — with cost estimates grounded in real industry data.
Our Mission
Opening a restaurant, coffee shop, or retail store involves one of the most expensive decisions a first-time entrepreneur makes — the commercial buildout. The typical path requires hiring an architect for $5,000–$20,000 in design fees before anyone can estimate how much the project will actually cost.
BuildoutIQ flips that sequence. We give entrepreneurs a preliminary floorplan, equipment list, MEP cost breakdown, and feasibility report before they hire anyone — so they can sign the right lease, negotiate a fair tenant improvement allowance, and approach lenders with real numbers.
Who BuildoutIQ Is For
First-time restaurateurs
Planning a restaurant, café, or ghost kitchen and need to know what the buildout will cost before signing a lease.
Retail entrepreneurs
Opening a boutique, salon, or specialty retail store and need to negotiate TI allowance with a real cost basis.
Real estate brokers & agents
Running preliminary feasibility numbers for commercial tenant clients before engaging an architect.
SBA loan applicants
Preparing a business plan that requires a realistic buildout budget and equipment list for lender review.
How We Calculate Costs
BuildoutIQ generates preliminary estimates — not contractor bids. All figures are designed to give entrepreneurs a reasonable planning range before engaging professionals.
Industry cost databases
MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) estimates draw on RSMeans commercial construction cost data and PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association) labor benchmarks, adjusted for regional market conditions using ENR Construction Cost Index multipliers.
Code & compliance references
Equipment placement, ventilation requirements, and egress calculations reference the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 96 (commercial kitchen ventilation), NSF International standards for food-service equipment, and ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Live equipment pricing
Our equipment database is sourced from major commercial equipment distributors. Where available, pricing reflects current market rates from supplier listings. All prices are estimates and should be verified with vendor quotes before finalizing a budget.
Space-type templates
Floorplan templates and room configurations are based on established commercial build standards for each space type — restaurant, café, retail, medical, and others — reviewed against common permit submission drawings and industry layout guidelines.
Important Disclaimer
BuildoutIQ provides preliminary planning estimates, not professional engineering, architectural, or contractor bids. All cost figures, floorplan dimensions, MEP calculations, and compliance notes are illustrative and subject to significant variation based on local codes, site conditions, contractor labor markets, and project scope. Always consult a licensed architect, engineer, and general contractor before signing a lease, committing to a budget, or beginning construction.