When a commercial lease is signed, the space rarely matches the tenant's operational needs out of the box. That's where tenant improvement contractors come in. Nardi Construction has been delivering tenant improvement projects for over 30 years, helping landlords, property managers, and business owners transform raw or outdated commercial spaces into fully functional work environments.
Based in Gurnee, Illinois, we serve clients throughout Chicagoland and the tristate area, with project capabilities extending nationwide. Whether you're building out a single office suite or coordinating a multi-floor renovation for a new corporate tenant, our team manages every phase of the project—from initial space planning through permitting, construction, and final punch list.
Our Tenant Improvement Services
Space Planning & Layout
Every tenant improvement starts with understanding how the space will be used. We work with your architects and designers—or provide our own layout recommendations—to plan efficient floor plates that support your day-to-day operations, traffic flow, and future growth.
Demising Walls & Partitions
We build demising walls to separate tenant suites, install partition walls to create private offices and conference rooms, and construct steel stud or modular wall systems depending on your budget and lease terms. Soundproofing and fire-rated assemblies are available where required.
Electrical & Lighting
Most tenant spaces require electrical modifications to support the incoming tenant's equipment, data infrastructure, and lighting preferences. We coordinate with licensed electricians to handle panel upgrades, outlet placement, dedicated circuits, and energy-efficient LED lighting layouts.
Flooring, Ceilings & Paint
The finishes define the feel of a space. We install commercial-grade carpet, luxury vinyl tile, polished concrete, and specialty flooring. Ceiling work includes suspended ceiling grid systems, acoustical tile, and open-ceiling treatments. All painting uses low-VOC, commercial-grade products.
HVAC & Mechanical
Reconfiguring a floor plan often means rerouting ductwork, adding supplemental HVAC zones, or upgrading thermostats for individual tenant control. We coordinate all mechanical work to ensure the space meets comfort and ventilation code requirements from day one.
ADA & Code Compliance
Tenant improvements frequently trigger ADA and building code upgrades. We handle accessible restroom construction, door hardware changes, ramp installations, and signage requirements so your space passes inspection without delays or costly rework.
How We Work
Tenant improvement projects have unique pressures that general construction does not. Lease clocks are ticking, tenants need to move in by a specific date, and landlords want the work done without disrupting other tenants in the building. Nardi Construction is built for this kind of work.
We start every project with a detailed scope review and walk-through, then provide a transparent estimate broken down by trade. Once approved, we handle all permitting and municipality coordination. During construction, you'll have a dedicated project manager as your single point of contact, providing regular progress updates and managing any change orders that arise.
Our crews are experienced in working within occupied buildings—managing noise, dust, and access so that neighboring tenants and building operations aren't impacted more than necessary.
Who We Work With
We've completed tenant improvement projects across a wide range of commercial property types, including:
- Corporate and professional office suites
- Medical and dental practices
- Retail storefronts and restaurants
- Co-working and shared office spaces
- Industrial and warehouse conversions
- Pharmaceutical and lab environments
Whether the project is driven by a landlord preparing spec suites for the leasing market or a tenant customizing a space to their brand and workflow, we adapt our approach to fit the situation.
Start Your Tenant Improvement Project
If you have a lease signed and a move-in date on the calendar, the sooner construction planning begins, the smoother the process will be. Nardi Construction offers free consultations for tenant improvement projects of all sizes. We'll walk your space, discuss your needs, and provide a clear scope and estimate so you know exactly what to expect.