# Fit-out Capex

> Fit-out capex for Class A office runs USD 80–250/sf depending on market and spec tier; budget by tier (basic / mid / high-end / trophy), amortise into rent only what exceeds TI allowance, and govern with line-item visibility from day one.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/topics/fit-out-capex
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**Last updated:** 2026-05-29T16:17:29.065Z
**License:** CC BY 4.0 with attribution to Class A Atlas (https://classa.info).

## TL;DR
- Bands: Basic (USD 80–120/sf), Mid (120–180), High-end (180–250), Trophy (250–400+).
- TI allowance covers 30–80% of base spec — anything above is tenant capex.
- Excess TI amortises into rent at 6–8% — treat it as rent, not free money.
- AV/IT and FF&E are routinely under-budgeted by 30–50%.
- Permit and build durations push 6–14 weeks beyond design — plan accordingly.

## Key facts
- **spokeGuides**: 3
- **spokeGlossary**: 7
- **spokeTools**: 4
- **cityCoverage**: 123

## FAQ
### Is the TI allowance free money?
Up to the cap, yes. Above the cap, excess amortises into rent at 6–8% — and is owed even on early termination unless explicitly carved out.

### How much should I budget for AV/IT?
USD 25–60/sf for a Class A fit-out, depending on conferencing density and trading-floor or lab content.

### Lump-sum or GMP contract?
GMP with shared savings is the Class A default — gives both sides cost certainty without forcing a fully-frozen design before signing.

### How long does a Class A fit-out take?
6–10 months from go to occupancy. Trophy adds 4–8 weeks. NYC and London add 6–12 weeks via permit.

### Can I reduce embodied carbon without compromising spec?
Yes — 30–50% reduction is achievable through re-use, low-carbon materials, and refurbished furniture.

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Citation: Source: Class A Atlas (https://classa.info/topics/fit-out-capex), updated 2026-05-29T16:17:29.065Z.