A Complete Restaurant Construction Checklist to Streamline Your Next Build

Starting a restaurant from scratch takes substantial planning at every stage and some professional assistance

Key takeaways

• Building a restaurant is a significant undertaking
• You’ll begin by creating a timeline and choosing a location
• You can then get into the design and legal aspects of the project
• Professional assistance is necessary to do the job right

Owning a restaurant can be a gratifying experience, especially if you develop a unique concept that will change your city’s culinary landscape. However, getting to opening day will take significant time and effort because there are so many steps you’ll need to follow. 

Before all else, you’ll need a budget. You can then develop a timeline and a design as you speak with restaurant construction firms in your area. Each stage you complete gets you closer to the big day when you can finally fulfill your dream of becoming a restaurant owner, making this an exciting time. 

Understanding all the phases you must complete before finalizing this project can help you plan and prepare for the workload. Here’s a restaurant construction checklist to guide you through the entire process.

Ballpark a budget

Start by creating a budget. You won’t know the exact amount the restaurant will cost until you develop a plan and complete construction, but you can set a target price and a maximum amount you don’t want the project to exceed. 

According to FreshBooks, a restaurant’s total startup costs can range between $95,000 and over $2 million, depending on the building’s size and location and your design choices. However, the lower end of that scale is typically for facilities with an existing restaurant that only requires some modest renovations before opening. There are outliers, too, which cost well beyond the $2 million mark.

You’ll need a considerable budget if you’re constructing from the ground up or using an establishment requiring significant renovations. Fortunately, many General Contractors will provide a free estimate, giving you an idea of the project’s final cost before you begin.

Create a realistic timeline

Timelines can be unpredictable in the construction industry, making it challenging to set a completion date. You’ll begin by speaking with some restaurant construction companies in your area to see what they think about your project.

Hangups can occur at any stage of the restaurant construction process, so you must be ready for everything that comes your way. The sooner you begin, the faster you’ll have your dream restaurant in the perfect location.

Select a location

Your restaurant’s location can make or break your business. You’ll want to choose a spot that’s highly visible, easily accessible, and surrounded by the ideal demographics from nearby neighborhoods. 

Researching nearby competition is advisable because having an established eatery next door could make it challenging to attract customers. It could also be good for your business if you draw some of its overflow traffic. 

Local zoning laws and nearby food suppliers should also be part of your research. The goal is to gather as much information as possible as you learn about the neighborhood so you aren’t leaving anything to chance. 

Choosing a location isn’t something you’ll want to take lightly. Many restaurant owners choose the least expensive option, only to wonder why the building is empty most nights of the week, which is a scenario you want to avoid. 

Design the building

You have the perfect location and an innovative restaurant concept, so now you can begin putting it together. Hiring an architect will be necessary during the design phase because you must address many different topics. 

In this stage, you’ll consider all the measurements and look at floor plans, layouts, and dimensions throughout the building. Your architect will follow your vision while ensuring things like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing are considered. 

Your building’s final design will depend on budget, lot size, accessibility, and zoning laws. The architect will ensure everything fits together, minimizing the problems you’ll experience when your building is ready.

Get the right permits

If anything can throw your timeline off considerably, it’s obtaining building permits. Getting these permits sorted out can slow you down significantly, but they’re essential before starting construction. 

You could need permits for your construction of electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, and building. Additional licenses for external design fixtures and parking areas are also necessary. 

Obtaining these permits could take a month or two of your time. During construction, an inspector might also visit your restaurant to ensure contractors follow the necessary codes according to your construction plan.

Develop a construction plan

It’s time to create a construction plan with everything else in order. This step is exciting because it means you’re finally ready to see your concept come to life. 

Developing a construction plan will require a team of engineers, designers, architects, and supervisors who work together to keep the job on track. Hiring a reputable General Contractor to oversee the project can put your mind at ease as the construction plan comes to life.

Aspects to remember as your construction plan finalizes include seating arrangements and access to the kitchen area. You’ll also need to focus on lighting, bathroom access, designs, patterns, and colors. Your floors and walls should be easy to maintain and clean but durable enough to withstand the traffic you hope to generate. 

Your building needs storage, and you’ll need a significant amount of refrigeration. Trash removal is another vital concept because you want to avoid garbage in your kitchen. 

Fortunately, working with the right contractors ensures you don’t miss these vital design elements. The result is a better outcome as you kick off your involvement in the restaurant industry. 

Get the expert help you need

With so many aspects going into the restaurant construction process, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Fortunately, you can hire a General Contractor to handle most of the day-to-day work and fulfill your vision. 

RPC General Contractors is a full-service construction company that can make your concept a reality. We’ll guide you through the design, project planning, and construction phases, handling every aspect your task requires. Contact RPC General Contractors to learn more or receive a free estimate on your restaurant construction.