Do I need a permit for a commercial renovation in Thunder Bay?

In most cases, yes. Interior alterations, changes to plumbing, and changes to how a space is used all require a building permit from the City of Thunder Bay. Larger projects may also need stamped drawings from an architect or engineer. We manage the permit and coordinate the design professionals.

How long does a commercial fit-out take?

It depends on the size of the space, the scope and material lead times. A small office refresh might take 4 weeks. A full restaurant or clinic fit-out takes longer. We build a schedule around your opening date and tell you upfront what could affect it.

Can you work after hours so we can stay open?

For businesses that need to keep operating, we can phase the work and schedule noisy or disruptive tasks around your hours.

Do you work with landlords and property managers?

Yes. We regularly coordinate with landlords on approvals, building rules and access, and we can take on tenant improvement work directly for property managers.

What drives the cost of a commercial fit-out?

Size, layout changes, plumbing and electrical work, finishes, specialty equipment and the schedule all play a part. After a site walk, you get a detailed, itemized quote.

Bright empty commercial room with colourful patterned carpet tiles, pale green walls, a suspended ceiling, and glass doors opening into a library

Built Around Your Business

Commercial Fit-Outs & Renovations in Thunder Bay

New space to fit out, or an existing one that no longer works? SRL plans, permits and builds commercial interiors on schedule, and one point of contact from start to finish.

Request a Quote See Commercial Projects

Permits & Drawings
Fully Licensed & Insured
Red Seal Certified Trades
Locally Owned In Thunder Bay

A Space That Works as Hard as You Do

Your space shapes how customers see you and how well your team works. When it's built right, customers notice, staff work better, and the space pays for itself every day you're open.

A commercial fit-out needs more than good carpentry. It needs a contractor who understands the correct process, and who keeps the project moving so your business can operate as it needs.

SRL Contracting builds and renovates commercial interiors across Thunder Bay for business owners, property managers, and landlords. Our crews handle the full project, from demolition and framing to finishes, with one team accountable for the result.

Two SRL workers reviewing a commercial interior fit-out in progress

Commercial Spaces We Build

Retail and storefronts
Fit-outs for new tenants and refreshes for existing stores, including layout, lighting, fixtures and finishes that suit your brand.
Offices
Private offices, meeting rooms, open work areas, reception and break rooms, built for how your team actually works.
Restaurants and food service
Dining rooms, bars and kitchen areas, built to health and building code requirements and coordinated with your equipment suppliers.
Medical and dental clinics
Treatment rooms, reception and waiting areas with the plumbing, electrical and durable finishes clinical spaces need.
Mechanic shops and warehouses
Shop offices, mezzanines, washrooms, partition walls and upgrades to working spaces.
Tenant improvements
Turning an empty unit into a ready-to-lease or ready-to-open space for landlords and property managers.

HOW IT WORKS

One Team, Start to Finish

Consultation and site walk.
We walk the space with you, talk through how your business works, and flag code, accessibility or building issues early.
Design and drawings.
We develop the layout and drawings in-house, and coordinate with architects and engineers when the project requires stamped drawings.
Design-build
Permits and approvals.
Commercial interior alterations require a City of Thunder Bay building permit. We prepare the application and deal with the City, and coordinate landlord approvals where needed.
Detailed quote and schedule.
You get an itemized quote and a schedule built around your opening date or business hours.
Build and finish.
Demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, ceilings, flooring and millwork, coordinated so trades show up in the right order.
Inspections and handover.
We manage inspections, walk the finished space with you and fix anything that isn't right.

Why Thunder Bay Businesses Choose SRL

Experienced commercial crews. Red Seal certified trades who know commercial code, inspections and working around an active business.
Built around your schedule. We plan the work to hit your opening date or keep your business running during the renovation.
All trades handled by SRL. One contract and one point of contact, with no juggling of separate trades.
Code and permits handled. We know commercial code requirements and manage permits and inspections from start to finish.
Local and established. 10+ years building in Thunder Bay. About SRL