Is your restaurant feeling a little dated? If so, you might be considering a commercial renovation. But let’s be honest: these projects can be demanding, even if they offer a high return on investment.
Don’t navigate your restaurant reno alone—the Interior Elite Contracting team is here to help. In this guide, we’ll share three practical tips for a successful restaurant renovation, including how to ensure that everything is completed on time and on budget. Keep reading!
Tip 1: Start with Clear Goals
The most successful restaurant renovations start with a solid foundation. Before you break ground, establish a clear vision and take an honest look at what your space can support.
First: Have a clear understanding of your business. Your concept drives almost every design and construction decision. Before you ask for quotes, answer questions like:
- What type of restaurant are you building? (quick?service, casual dining, bar?forward, cafe, fine dining)
- How many seats do you need to be profitable?
- Do you want a bar, patio, take?out window, or delivery?focused pick?up area?
- Will your kitchen be open?concept or tucked away?
- Are you renovating an existing restaurant or converting another type of space?
A clear understanding of your business helps your contractor and designer plan a layout that fits your menu, service style, and staffing model.
Once your concept is defined, take a close look at the space itself. For a restaurant renovation in Kamloops, it pays to understand existing conditions early, including:
- Location and capacity of power, gas, and water
- Whether there is an existing commercial kitchen, hood, or grease management system
- Current washroom count and locations
- Ceiling height and structural elements that affect ductwork and hoods
- Existing accessibility features and entrances/exits
Here’s our expert tip: Book a walk-through with a commercial renovations contractor early. This professional will help you identify what can be reused, what must be upgraded, and what will add the most cost.
Tip 2: Plan for Codes, Permits, and Systems from Day One
Most commercial renovations come with strict code requirements, and permit applications and restaurant upgrades are no exception. Here’s the key: Plan for compliance early.
Start by understanding local guidelines for food safety, fire protection, and public use. Next, highlight essential permit approvals, including building permits, mechanical and electrical permits, and health and safety review. Finally, plan your mechanical, electrical, and ventilation systems, which are often the biggest cost drivers in a restaurant renovation. These systems could include:
- Commercial kitchen hoods and make?up air units
- Fire suppression systems over cooking equipment
- Adequate electrical service for equipment and lighting
- Heating and cooling that can handle kitchen loads and full dining rooms
Tip 3: Choose a Contractor with Restaurant Experience
The contractor you choose will have a major impact on how smoothly your restaurant renovation goes. Experience with restaurants specifically—not just general commercial work—is a big advantage. When you are comparing commercial contractors in Kamloops, ask:
- Have you completed restaurant or food?service projects before?
- Can you show photos or brief case studies of similar work?
- Do you understand the requirements for health and fire inspections?
- How do you coordinate with landlords, property managers, and neighbouring tenants?
A contractor who has already navigated restaurant permitting, inspections, and opening deadlines will be better prepared to guide you through the process and flag issues before they become problems.
Looking for Commercial Renovation Services in Kamloops?
Whether you are building something brand-new or giving your restaurant some strategic upgrades, you’ll need an experienced hospitality renovation contractor on your side. Interior Elite Contracting is an experienced and award-winning renovation company based in Kamloops. In addition to restaurant upgrades, we also specialize in other commercial renovations, including office upgrades, retail builds, and more! Interested in learning more about our services? Call our office or request a quote through our website now!
