Estimates
IPF has revised our cost estimating procedures to better align with budgetary goals and support of the University’s long-term financial sustainability.
We now offer a helpful reference to assist customers in developing general estimates for commonly requested minor alterations and improvements. This resource provides a convenient starting point for understanding potential costs for small-scale changes.
There are multiple options for cost estimates
- General Costs for Minor Alterations and Improvements
View available information to get an idea of the potential cost of your minor project.
- Order of Magnitude Estimate (OME)
Submit a service request for an OME to receive a high-level, potential cost estimate based on limited information, broad assumptions, and experience from similar projects. OME’s help determine whether a project may be financially feasible.
- Preliminary Cost Estimate (PCE)
Submit a service request for a PCE to receive a detailed estimate based on a defined scope of work. PCE’s are typically used to develop a project budget to secure funding.
We ask that you submit a service request with a debit billing allocation to receive an OME or PCE. Estimates that require more than one (1) hour to develop will be billed on a time and material basis. OME’s typically cost $250 - $2,500 while more detailed PCE’s typically cost 1-3% of the projected total project cost.
Requesting an estimate is the first step
You’ll be able to approve or decline the project based on the estimate provided. For general fund projects estimated to cost $75,000 or more, your approval of the estimate will transfer your request to Institutional Space Planning and Management (ISPM) to review. Once their approval is received, the request will be forwarded (from ISPM) to IPF to establish a timeframe for implementation.
Options available
- General Costs for Minor Alterations and Improvements
To assist units in planning for commonly requested services, we now provide a general cost reference guide. Use the list below to gain a broad understanding of potential costs associated with minor alterations and improvements.
If your specific request or scope is not listed, please submit a service request for an Order of Magnitude Estimate (OME).Please note that actual project costs may vary significantly depending on the final scope of work.
Factors that can influence pricing include:
- Preparation and demolition work
- Asbestos abatement
- Relocation of electrical or plumbing
- Updates required to meet current codes and standards
- Labor and material costs
- Site-specific conditions
This guide is intended to help units gain a better understanding of the potential financial implications of typical service requests. Refer to the glossary below for definitions and measurement assistance.
Painting
- Wall Preparation and Painting $3-$4 per SF
- Ceilings (less than 12 feet high) $4-$8 per SF
Flooring
- Carpet/Tile/Luxury Vinyl Tile $10-$12 per SF
- Epoxy Flooring $12-$30 per SF
- Removal of Existing Flooring $ 4-$6 per SF
Cabinets
- Base Lab Cabinets $200-$300 per LF
- Upper Cabinets $200-$300 per LF
- Laminate Counter $80–$150 per LF
- Solid Surface Countertop $100-$150 per LF
Ceiling/Window/White Board
- Ceiling Replacement with New Lighting $30-$34 per SF
- Window Blinds $650-$750 per EA
- Whiteboard Board (4' to 12') $650-$1,800 EA
Lighting and Electrical
- Single Fixture (LED, fluorescent, bulbs) $400-$600 EA
- Multiple Fixtures with Motion Detection and Dimming $800-$900 EA
- Adding a Light Switch $800-$1,000 EA
- Exit Sign or Emergency Light Replacement $300–$500 EA
- Adding an Electrical Outlet $1,000-$1,500 EA
Plumbing
- Drinking Fountain (Chilled/Filtered) $3,000-$7,500 EA
- Bathroom Sink / Lavatory $600-$1,200 EA
- Toilet (Commercial) $800-$1,800 EA
- Restroom Partition $2,000-$3,000 EA
Abatement
- Whiteboard/Bulletin Board Removal $75–$150 EA
- Asbestos Containing Floor Tile/Mastic Abatement $5-$7 per SF
Fire Detection
- Smoke Detector Install/Replacement $120–$250 EA
- Strobe/Horn Install or Relocation $250–$600 EA
Security Access and Cameras
- Card Reader when System has Capacity $6,000-$7,500 EA
- Installing a New Security Access Panel (when needed) $10,000-$12,000 EA
- Security Camera Installation $4000-$5000 EA
- Alarm Point $6,000-$9,000 EA
Window Air Conditioning
- Under 100 SF $4,000 EA
- 100 - 350 SF $5,000 EA
- 350 - 400 SF $5,200 EA
- 450 - 550 SF $5,300 EA
- 550 - 700 SF $5,800 EA
- 700 - 1000 SF $8,200 EA
Office and Laboratory Alterations & Improvements
- Wet Lab with Gas/Air Systems $600–$800 per SF
- Teaching Lab (General Science) $250–$400 per SF
- Office Space $250-$300 SF
- Computational Lab (IT-intensive) $250–$350 per SF
- Specialized Lab (Cleanroom/BSL-2/3) $750–$950 per SF
If your specific request or scope is not listed, please submit a service request for an Order of Magnitude Estimate (OME).
Check the status of your project: Navigate to planon.msu.edu and view My Requests.
We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to improve our services.
For questions, please call ContactIPF at 353-1760.
- Order of Magnitude Estimate (OME)
An OME is a very early, high-level estimate used to assess whether a project may be financially feasible. It is based on limited information, broad assumptions, and experience with similar projects. This estimate is not detailed or precise and should not be used to establish a budget for funding requests. Its primary purpose is to help stakeholders determine whether to proceed with a more comprehensive Preliminary Cost Estimate (PCE) to develop a project budget.
Submit a service request for an OME and we’ll provide a general idea of potential cost for alterations or improvements. An account number is required when submitting the service request.
Once your request is submitted, IPF will contact you by phone to review the scope.
- If the request is simple and requires less than one (1) hour of effort, an estimate will be provided free of charge.
- For estimates that require more than one (1) hour of effort, a written estimate will be prepared on a time and material basis, typically costing $250 - $2,500.
- An account number must be provided before cost estimating work begins.
- Final billing for the cost estimate will reflect actual time and material used.
Once an OME is returned, customer may choose one of the following options:
- Approve to Proceed with the work, funding is in place.
- Request PCE to obtain a feasibility, pre-design, or conceptual design study to establish a project budget breakdown.
- Reject, the project will not proceed.
Note: Institutional Space Planning and Management (ISPM) will review general fund requests of $75,000 or more and, upon approval, route to IPF to establish a timeframe for implementation.
Check the status of your project: Navigate to planon.msu.edu and view My Requests.
We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to improve our services.
For questions, please call ContactIPF at 353-1760.- Requests for Preliminary Cost Estimate (PCE) for Budget Development
A PCE provides a breakdown of expected project costs — including labor, materials, equipment, services, and fees — based on a clearly defined scope. The estimate may involve site visits, feasibility or pre-design study, conceptual design development, and input from subject matter experts depending on the size and complexity of the project.
To develop a project budget to secure funding, please submit a service request for a PCE. An account number is required when submitting the service request.
Once your request is submitted:
- IPF will contact you to schedule a site visit to review scope and requirements.
- The estimate will be prepared on a time and material basis, typically costing 1%-3% of the projected total project cost.
- An account number must be provided before cost estimating work begins.
- Final billing for the cost estimate will reflect actual time and material used.
Once a PCE is returned, choose one of the following options:
- Approve to Proceed with the work, funding is in place.
- On Hold pending funding/MAU approvals. If funding/MAU approvals are not received within 90 days, the service request status will be updated to Rejected.
- Reject, the project will not proceed.
Notes: Institutional Space Planning and Management (ISPM) will review general fund requests of $75,000 or more and, upon approval, route to IPF to establish a timeframe for implementation.
Check the status of your project: Navigate to planon.msu.edu and view My Requests.
We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to improve our services.
For questions, please call ContactIPF at 353-1760.- Glossary
SF – Square Foot
To calculate the square footage of an area, follow these steps:- Measure the length in inches, divide by 12.
- Measure the width in inches, divide by 12.
- Multiply the length by the width to get the area in square feet.
- The formula is:
Area (SF) = Length (ft) x Width (ft)
Or use an online square footage calculator such as this one.
LF – Linear Foot
To determine linear foot measure the length in inches. Convert to feet by dividing by 12.
EA – Each / per item
Check the status of your project: Navigate to planon.msu.edu and view My Requests.
We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to improve our services.