TI Allowance 101—How to Maximize Your Build-Out Budget

Tenant Improvement (TI) allowances are one of the most negotiated parts of any

lease—and for good reason. They directly affect your upfront costs and how much of

your vision you can bring to life.

But here’s what most tenants miss: It’s not just about the amount. It’s about the terms.

We helped a design firm negotiate $40/sf in TI. But more importantly, we secured:

Flexible disbursement timing

Soft cost inclusions (like architect fees)

Control over contractor selection

Allowance rollover to future expansion

TI Pro Tips:

Get estimates before negotiating TI.

Ask for unused funds to roll forward.

Use your broker to bid against market comps.

At CIG, we partner with tenants to create spaces that work on day one. TI is more than

a number—it’s the tool that turns four walls into a brand experience.