In Plano, construction cost ranges align closely with broader Texas trends, with commercial and residential projects reflecting steady increases. Typical cost per square foot for commercial builds—such as retail, office, industrial, medical, multifamily, and hospitality—has risen by approximately 3–6% year-over-year, driven by subcontractor wage pressure and evolving code requirements. Residential construction similarly spans from basic to luxury builds, with mid-grade and custom homes commanding higher per-square-foot costs. These ranges serve as a baseline for budgeting and planning, with detailed cost tables available in linked project-specific spokes.
Labor costs in Plano are influenced by regional demand for skilled trades, journeyman rates, and subcontractor availability. As the city continues to redevelop aging infrastructure and support large-scale projects, trade labor rates have trended upward. Skilled labor remains in high demand, particularly for complex systems in medical, life sciences, and mixed-use developments. Contractors should anticipate moderate to strong upward pressure on labor rates, especially for specialized trades.
Equipment rental in Plano typically follows standard industry models—daily, weekly, and monthly rates—depending on equipment type and project duration. Heavy machinery, such as excavators, cranes, and concrete pumps, may be rented on a short-term basis for specific phases, while longer-term site equipment (e.g., scaffolding, generators) is often contracted on weekly or monthly terms. Project managers should plan equipment hire in alignment with construction phases to optimize cost efficiency.
Plano’s construction economy is currently buoyed by major corporate and institutional investments. The approved $4 billion Texas Research Quarter life sciences campus is expected to begin construction in late 2025, generating significant demand for construction labor, materials, and equipment. Simultaneously, healthcare expansions—including major additions at Medical City Plano and Children’s Medical Center—are driving demand for specialized construction services. These developments, combined with limited undeveloped land and a shift toward infill and mixed-use projects, are intensifying competition for resources and pushing cost trends upward.
Plano is a mature, built-out city with only a small percentage of undeveloped land remaining. As a result, most new construction occurs through redevelopment, vertical infill, or adaptive reuse. The city’s strategic focus on mixed-use, life sciences, and healthcare projects creates opportunities for high-value construction but also requires careful planning around zoning, infrastructure coordination, and cost control. Contractors and construction managers should align with city planning timelines and anticipate higher soft costs associated with permitting, utility coordination, and phased infrastructure work.
