When planning to open a new restaurant, you get flooded with numerous ideas; how to design the space, what kind of layout will serve your restaurant the best, what will be a good location to choose, and so on. However, all this requires very detailed and careful planning, which a trusted general contractor can help you with.
A planned timeline to open up your new restaurant will give you an idea of the starting date and can build confidence in all your stakeholders. In this blog, we are here to answer all your queries and worries about a new restaurant build. Below we have aligned the ideal checklist plan for your new restaurant construction project.
Budgeting
Before you execute your construction process, make sure you know the cost which will be incurred. Create a realistic budget for your restaurant. Your set target might increase, but it is your job to see that everything aligns with your budget and you do not have any pitfalls midway.
Restaurant Construction Timeline
When we talk about a brand-new restaurant construction from the ground up, the timeline is usually customized to each project. It may be hard to define a specific finish date. So many unpredictable factors contribute to this, for example, obtaining permits for your new restaurant, which can take up to one or two months, maybe more.
Once you have your building permits, construction can start. The timeline for a typical restaurant remodeling is around four to five months. Some restaurant constructions can take even up to a year, depending on the site, size, and style of the restaurant. The weather and other natural causes may also sometimes play a part in extending the timeline. It helps to keep revisiting and revising your timeline with your general contractor so you both are in the loop for when the restaurant construction is expected to finish. You can then start ordering the fixtures and furniture for your restaurant accordingly. It always helps if you streamline your timeline to keep the operations running smoothly.
Decide on Your Restaurant’s Location
Once you plan out your pre-construction phase, you can decide where you would ideally want your restaurant to be located. Your best bet would be somewhere where the restaurant can be seen and is more approachable. Research the area you are interested in to understand what kind of people live around. Having a lively neighborhood nearby would also attract more customers. Ensure that your location keeps your restaurant visible. A road-facing plot can be advantageous since your restaurant will be seen more by the passing car traffic. Lastly, consider if there’s enough parking space to accommodate the maximum number of customers.
Go Through the Design and Engineering Drawing Process
This process is also known as DD. It needs to be overseen by an architect who would help you design the plan. In this step, the measurements of the restaurant are taken into account, such as the layout, floor plan and the dimensions of specific areas according to the style of the restaurant. The architect will design a basic structure based on your business idea, which will then be added to engineering drawings. These are known as MEP drawings (Mechanical, Engineering, and Plumbing). Your initial sketches are for idea creation, but the engineering drawings are for permits covering all technical areas.
Mechanical details include heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC). Air-conditioning includes exhausts and in-bound and out-bound air. Depending on the compliance needs, there will be separate exhausts for kitchens, including filters and grease traps.
Next is electrical, which includes all electrical panels, plugs, and low and high-voltage management. Depending on the appliance, the voltage is set. From walk-in coolers to lightweight appliances and alarm services, all come under this section.
Last, we have the plumbing, which includes the installation of pipelines, valves, etc. so that the water system works perfectly. Grease trap installation is also part of this process so that they do not clog the wastewater disposal system. For a smooth kitchen running, this is an essential item.
Check Building Permits
Out of all the major restaurant construction processes, building permits take up the maximum time and obtaining them is also the most critical step. The construction process starts once you get the building permits. This process can take up to one or two months in some cases. Some cities take more time according to their state laws, but you must have all your permits sorted before moving to the next step of beginning the construction process. Some restaurant construction processes need several electrical, plumbing, and construction permits. If and when your permits get approved, you will receive a certificate from a licensing office, which is beneficial because it is a stamp of meeting all safety regulations. Obtaining your permits keeps your contractor on track and your insurance valid and gives your restaurant value.
An inspector is likely to come and check the ongoing restaurant construction process. Ensure you abide by all the codes to avoid trouble or any losses in the future.
The Construction Plan
Once your pre-construction phase is all mapped out on an MEP drawing, you can move forward with the construction plan, which is the execution of the designs you have finalized. This part of the process takes the most time and effort. A team of highly efficient designers, supervisors, architects, and engineers led by an experienced general contractor can definitely help bring your restaurant vision to life.
Your floor plan needs good planning; where the seating arrangement will be, the bathroom access, and the kitchen area all need to be planned out in the most functional and efficient way. Lighting, flooring, paint, and storage areas are all important parts of a restaurant build.
Lighting makes a huge difference to your restaurant; it sets the mood and the vibe for your restaurant. A good general contractor will know exactly how to achieve the look and style you are wanting for your restaurant.
Your floors and your walls are the foundations of your restaurant. Ensure that the walls are sturdy and your floors functional and easy to clean, along with being aesthetic! With numerous designs, patterns, and colors, your options are limitless.
Storage is another very essential part of your restaurant. Everything from cleaning supplies, cooking supplies, and culinary supplies should have its own space so that your restaurant operations can run smoothly.
Final Thoughts
A lot goes on when you start with your restaurant construction process. There is a considerable cost to incur whether you choose to remodel parts of your restaurant or you wish to build a new one. Ensure you carefully calculate a budget before planning and executing your restaurant construction, so you have an idea of how much investment and budget planning are needed.
If you are searching for a trusted and well-known general contractor, we have you covered. Call Arrant Construction now. With years of experience in restaurant construction and remodeling, Arrant Construction provides you with one-stop turnkey solutions for all your restaurant needs. With an in-house design team, you won’t have to go searching for a separate design team for your restaurant. Give Arrant Construction a chance to turn your restaurant vision into reality!
For more details, book a detailed consultation and get started with the restaurant of your dreams!
