We'll discuss Pre-construction planning, vetting contractors, contracting with a commercial construction company, and getting a building permit.
Restaurant Construction 101: Complete Guide
If you want to open a restaurant and want to know the steps to follow to ensure your restaurant's success, read on! We'll discuss Pre-construction planning, vetting contractors, contracting with a commercial construction company, and getting a building permit. All of these steps are important and should not be missed! You can also check out our tips for opening a restaurant to avoid making costly mistakes. Here are some important steps to follow:
Pre-construction planning
There are various steps in the pre-construction planning of a restaurant. Before the construction process begins, the owner must procure building permits. Likewise, the owner should prepare a checklist of necessary building materials and subcontractors so that everything can be arranged accordingly. A seasoned construction professional can help in this phase. A restaurant construction company has the expertise to help in the construction process. These experts have years of experience in restaurant construction as well as in other commercial structures.
The development plan is one of the most crucial elements of pre-construction planning for the procedures involved in building a restaurant. This plan should outline the work required to open the restaurant, such as securing the license, sourcing construction crews, and designing and building the menu. It is also crucial to have a plan that highlights each phase of the development. Ultimately, it helps to develop a clear blueprint of the restaurant, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent phases.
Then, the owner must apply for the necessary permits, including the health department permit. This will ensure that the restaurant has full certification from the local board of health. Finally, the owner must select the location and designs of the restaurant. Once all the permits are obtained, the owner can proceed to the construction phase. A pre-construction planning for the restaurant construction process steps will help the business owner avoid any unexpected expenses. So, when you are ready to start planning a new restaurant, start thinking about the essentials and make the right decisions.
Before you start the actual construction process, you need to prepare a budget. It is crucial to determine the total budget of the project before deciding on the final bid. The budget will also be useful when planning the construction schedule. It will provide an idea of the estimated time needed for the process. The schedule will also contain milestones and the duration of the process. If all the stages are planned out properly, the construction project can be completed within the desired time frame.
Pre-construction vetting
There are many steps in the restaurant construction process. During the pre-construction phase, you will be able to identify potential hold-ups and strategically avoid them. This includes vetting potential subcontractors and selecting building materials. The next step is to hire a professional construction company to handle the project.
A design-build team will consist of architects and commercial construction professionals. They will work under one contract and collaborate on the project in-house to minimize potential risks and optimize timelines. The design of a fantastic restaurant is a collaborative process that starts early. By taking the time to vet potential subcontractors thoroughly, you'll be able to avoid some of the most common issues and streamline the overall process.
Managing the construction process can be complex. From securing a space to vetting contractors, there are many important tasks to be completed. The process is also challenging, and few restaurant owners are skilled enough to handle the process on their own. Some chains will help you through this process, while others will take over the design process entirely. If you're considering a franchised eatery, it's important to consider all aspects of design.
Contracting with a commercial construction company
Before contracting with a commercial construction company, you should create a timeline to determine how much time it will take for the project. The greatest developers have a lot of experience building restaurants, even if there are many other elements that affect the timeframe. These factors include the timing of deliveries of materials and equipment.
Regardless of which option you choose, it would be best if you were as involved in the process as possible. Listed below are some tips to create a timeline for your restaurant construction.
Establish a schedule. Building a restaurant is a time-consuming process. A full-service restaurant might open in four to six months, but it's crucial to take your timetable into account when estimating when you should start. In addition to considering the schedule, it is important to factor in the budget and the number of people you will need to complete the project. According to Projects A to Z, building a restaurant from scratch takes four to six months, while building a fast-casual restaurant typically takes four to six months.
Once you have your budget and the timeline, it is time to hire a contractor. A good contractor knows what inspections are required and can plan for them. They also anticipate issues before they arise. This way, you won't have to waste time resolving problems that come up. A good restaurant contractor will also have the flexibility to work with your schedule even if things don't go as planned.
The process of selecting a commercial construction company will vary. You will want a company that is highly experienced in restaurant construction. They'll know what codes to follow and who to hire for specific tasks. For instance, a commercial construction company with experience in restaurant construction will hire an HVAC contractor for you if you need it. In addition, they will have extensive knowledge of local regulations and building codes, which are essential for maintaining health and safety standards.
Getting a building permit
Getting a building permit during the restaurant's construction is essential to comply with zoning and fire codes. You can prevent penalties and holdups by taking the time to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations. Working with an experienced restaurant architect and construction team can ensure compliance and minimize delays.
Contacting the city's building department is an excellent way to start the process. Be sure to provide the right information and complete all necessary forms. You'll also want to confirm the location of your restaurant and ensure that you've submitted all the necessary paperwork. Getting a permit during the restaurant construction process can make the difference between opening your restaurant a month or a few months after your first visit.
Before opening, restaurants must undergo a series of inspections to ensure that everything is in order. You can start preparing for these inspections early by enquiring about the average wait time for each inspection. Keeping a binder of previous inspections can make the inspection process easier, as inspectors like to see a track record. One of the most common inspections will be the health inspection.
While submitting plans for restaurant construction, make sure to address all ADA requirements. For instance, restaurants must include a single-occupant restroom for people with disabilities. For example, New York City Local Law 79 requires that restrooms be gender-neutral. Getting a permit during the restaurant construction process is an essential step for any business owner. If you haven't considered the rules and regulations of your city, you should check with the city's health department.
Budgeting for restaurant construction
One of the biggest expenses you'll incur is the cost of securing the property. You'll be required to put down at least 10% of the purchase price, and you'll need to be certain to choose a good location. A bad location will hurt your business, so you may also want to consider leasing a commercial building. If you're not ready to purchase property, you can lease a building and pay just the security deposit and first month's rent.
A restaurant construction budget is an estimate of the expected income and expenses for the business. This document serves as a foundation for developing a concept. Some clients don't see the need for a budget and feel that the information contained in the document is based on guesswork. But the truth is that the more accurate your budget, the better. Whether you choose to spend $300 or $500 per square foot, it is vital to have a detailed estimate of the total cost.
Once you've calculated how much you can afford to spend on design, construction, and staffing, you should add in the cost of food procurement, staffing, marketing, and cleaning. You'll need a good understanding of all of these costs to create a realistic budget. Without proper budgeting, however, you'll end up underestimating the total cost, which will force you to suspend your plans and secure financing. So, the key to successful restaurant construction is to consider the budget and plan ahead carefully.
In addition to the initial costs, the business' utilities can add up quickly. Even if you're building a new restaurant, they can add up to several thousand dollars per month. So if you're going to invest in utilities, spend some money on a more palatable location and avoid paying thousands of dollars in legal fees later on. Then, you can spend your savings on a better location or better furnishings.
