Furniture Budgeting Guidee
We know the range of workplace solutions is nearly endless, which makes landing on an educated furniture budget difficult this early in the selection process. Whether you’re a start-up, a professional services firm, or a global organization, your furniture budget should align with your vision from the start. Custer created this guide to connect your design intent and organizational needs with cost, giving you a clear starting point for furniture discussions. This tool was created to be a simplified source of interior inspiration from similar projects we’ve completed with corporate partners in the past. The budget ranges are intended to help estimate furniture investment during early-stage real estate decisions, including relocations, lease renewals, expansions, consolidations, and new office development. When you’re ready to move from estimate to plan, our team is here to help you build a space tailored to your goals and budget.
Table of Contents Custer | About Us........................................4 The Value We Bring to You.......................5 Tier 1 | $22 - $30 per RSF..........................8 Tier 2 | $31 - $43 per RSF.........................18 Tier 3 | $44 - $60+ per RSF....................30 Budget Assumptions................................44
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Custer — About Us We create personalized spaces that elevate well-being, promote innovation, and transform communities.
OU R C OR E VA LU E S
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Winning Together
Better Every Day
Great outcomes happen when we work as one unified team. We believe in collective success, where everyone’s contribution matters.
We’re perpetual learners who embrace feedback and innovation. It’s not about perfection — it’s about progression.
Build Trust
Own Our Outcome
Trust is the foundation of everything we do. We’re reliable, transparent, and honest — even when it’s difficult.
We take the initiative to deliver solutions and results — a commitment to excellence that ensures the right outcome, every time.
45+ Years of Expertise. One Trusted Partner. For over 45 years, Custer has combined deep expertise with personalized service to shape environments that attract talent and elevate what’s possible. We create workspaces that strengthen your company culture, support your people, and deliver measurable returns on your investment.
THE VA LU E WE B R IN G TO YO U
What We Offer
What That Means For You
In-House Installation Team
Peace of mind — your project completed correctly and on time by people who know the product.
45+ Years of Industry Expertise
Confidence in your investment, backed by proven experience with organizations like yours.
Comprehensive Services
One partner. Fewer vendors. More time for your team to focus on your business.
Research & Resources
Design decisions backed by data to solve real challenges in hybrid work and employee retention.
Dedicated Project Management
Clear communication and accountability from start to finish. No surprises, no gaps.
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Our Process — Built for Success We partner with you to deliver results and a positive experience, from design through installation and beyond. 01
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Discover
Align
Mobilize
Deliver
We listen — turning your goals, challenges, and vision into a design strategy shaped around your space, culture, and the way you work.
We partner with you to finalize selections, manage ordering, and coordinate logistics that fits your timeline and budget.
Your dedicated project manager ensures every detail is in place for smooth, stress-free execution, adjusting as needed.
From installation day forward, we stay by your side to provide support and a lasting partnership that keeps delivering as you grow.
SERV ICE S & CA PA B IL IT IE S
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Design
Furniture
Flooring
From concept to completion: programming, space planning, floor plan reconfigurations, live design, and accessory selection.
Access to hundreds of vendors to meet your unique needs, whatever the project scope, timeline, or budget.
Flooring solutions that elevate your space, with expert installation that works as a seamless extension of your construction partner.
Fabric Protection
Project Management
Installation
PFAS-free protection for furniture and flooring in hightraffic environments to keep your investment free of surface stains and UV damage.
A single point of contact for deliveries, installation, and punch completion with project updates at every stage.
The region’s largest in-house installation team led by our skilled foreman: all trained, professional, and accountable in the field.
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TI ER 1 | F O U N DAT IO NAL
$22-30 RSF Workspace Characteristics: • • • • • • • •
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Reuse of select existing furniture Minimum density, open space throughout Fixed-height desks or basic benching Higher ratio of open space Limited conference and collaboration areas Standard seating and finishes Minimal storage and accessories Product portfolio limited by lead time
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TI ER 2 | EN H A N C E D
$31-43 RSF Workspace Characteristics: • • • • • • • • •
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Primarily new furniture Medium density, minimal open space Mix of lower-cost products with high-end solutions Height-adjustable workstations Enhanced task seating Dedicated conference and collaboration spaces Integrated accessories and technology support Mid-grade finishes Utilizes products with standard lead time
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TI ER 3 | PR EM I ER
$44-60+ RSF Workspace Characteristics: • • • • • • • • •
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All new furniture Height-adjustable benching and panel systems High-performance seating throughout Significant collaboration, lounge, and community spaces Training rooms and focus rooms Elevated finishes Increased technology integration Potential demountable wall systems Blends standards with custom or extended lead time products
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Budget Assumptions Pricing estimates based on new, not refurbished, commercial furniture.
*These figures are intended for preliminary budgeting and planning purposes only, and assume the following: •
New, not refurbished, commercial furnishings
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Small to mid-sized offices (25–250 employees)
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Typical mix of workstations, private offices, conference rooms, breakrooms, lounge, storage, and limited focus/phone rooms
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Manufacturer mix may include Steelcase, HON, Enwork, OFS, Global, SitOnIt, and similar commercial-grade brands
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Pricing tiers include an allowance for market-rate professional services, including Custer design and specification, project management, delivery, and installation, based on typical project conditions across Southwest Michigan, Grand Rapids, Northern Michigan, and Northeast Indiana
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Projects requiring complex phasing, storage, restricted site access, after-hours or specialty labor, multi-phase installation, or other atypical conditions may require additional service costs
BU D GETS E XCLU D E
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Architectural construction
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Electrical and low-voltage work
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Data cabling
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AV equipment and systems
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Moving services
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Specialty millwork
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Significant custom products
*Actual project costs vary based on density, private office count, workstation size, collaboration needs, finish selections, technology integration, and overall workplace strategy. 44
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