Element’s Branch Design and Cost Catalog

What is the average cost to build a branch?

The current budgeting season has encouraged many banks and credit unions to assess their potential for possible renovations and ground-up solutions. To assist financial institutions with these considerations, Element has created a guide that includes updated cost and timing estimates to reflect expected market conditions. We have provided information regarding:

1. New freestanding branches
2. Headquarters
3. New in-line branches
4. New in-store branches
5. Branch renovations

The report also gives a brief overview of what it is like to work with Element and lists the steps that we take to ensure that our client’s goals are understood and realized to the highest degree.

Why do bank branch costs vary so much?

On average, building a new bank branch can cost between $750,000 and $5 million, depending on size, location, design complexity, and technology integration. Common cost factors can include:

• Land Acquisition – Urban vs. suburban vs. rural cost differences.
• Construction Costs – Shell build, materials, labor rates, regional variance.
• Design & Architecture – Standard vs. flagship or tech-forward design.
• Technology & Security – ATMs/ITMs, digital signage, surveillance, and networking infrastructure.
• Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) – Tellers, pods, office furniture.
• Regulatory/Compliance Costs – Accessibility, FDIC/ADA, security requirements.
• Soft Costs – Legal, permitting, project management.

Element’s design process ensures that each branch aligns with the client’s goals, remains cost-efficient, and enhances the customer/member experience.