A General Contractor Checklist for Successful Restaurant Construction or Renovation

Planning a restaurant construction or renovation project requires following the necessary rules and regulations and understanding the importance and details of each step. Here’s a General Contractor Checklist to help you navigate your project successfully.

Key Takeaways:

• General contractors must follow a set of rules and regulations to ensure successful restaurant construction or renovation
• Color, seating, and lighting may all be dictated by construction codes
• Site accessibility must be made a top priority from the design phase onward
• Research on customer wants and needs for your site can provide valuable insight toward a more popular and profitable site
• Obtain necessary inspections and approvals from local authorities and governing bodies

A General Contractor carries a lot of responsibility when planning, designing, constructing, or renovating a restaurant. Several rules and regulations – some universal and others sector-specific – must be adhered to for a successful project. 

From the exterior access and exits for delivery trucks, garbage removal, and emergency services to interior elements such as kitchen layouts, seating arrangements, and design touches like lighting and decorations – a General Contractor must account for every factor before they can approve a restaurant construction or renovation plan.

Given the highly regulated nature of the food service industry, General Contractors must have an in-depth knowledge of relevant rules and regulations to ensure compliance. To help you navigate this complex world and stay on track, we’ve compiled a General Contractor’s checklist to help ensure your projects stay on track for success.

Important considerations when planning a restaurant build or renovation

The success of any restaurant construction or renovation project lies in the details. Be sure to account for all necessary considerations before signing off on a plan, including:

Exterior access and exits

Ensure adequate access and egress for delivery trucks, garbage removal, and emergency services, and provide ample space for parking. Follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines to provide accessibility for persons with disabilities and build ramps or other features if needed.

Interior design

The interior design of a restaurant must be sympathetic to the type of cuisine and ambiance you’re looking to create. Ensure kitchen layouts are efficient, seating arrangements are comfortable, and decor elements are tasteful. The lighting, material selection, and color palette must match the restaurant’s theme and atmosphere. You must also take into account the National Fire Protection Association’s restaurant fire protection basics when designing the kitchen.

Health and safety

General Contractors must meet local health and safety regulations, including fire codes and sanitation requirements. Equip the kitchen with all necessary firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and smoke detectors. Adequate lighting must be provided in the kitchen and dining areas.

With these considerations in mind, you are better equipped to ensure a successful restaurant construction or renovation project. You also need a checklist to track your progress and manage the project effectively.

A checklist to help keep your project on track

Creating a checklist for your restaurant project helps ensure that no important details are overlooked. You can prioritize critical tasks, track progress, and complete the project on time and within budget. Some key components to include in your General Contractor’s Checklist are:

1. Research building codes and regulations

Restaurants must follow and comply with all local building codes and regulations. Unlike most commercial construction, restaurant construction has stricter fire safety, ventilation, and sanitation requirements. As a General Contractor, you must research all relevant building codes and regulations before beginning the project. You want to avoid getting stuck with unexpected expenses down the line.

2. Site inspection

A pre-construction site inspection is essential to identify potential problems or issues that may impact the project timeline or cost. Inspect the site for structural integrity, soil compaction tests, slopes, and drainage issues. It is also important to check the local utility hook-ups, such as water, electricity, and sewage lines.

3. Create a comprehensive plan

Proper planning is critical for a successful General Contractor project. Take time to develop a detailed plan for the project that covers all aspects from design and layout to materials selection and budgeting, accounting for all possible scenarios. With a comprehensive plan, you can prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and manage different project phases effectively.

4. Develop a project budget and timeline

A restaurant construction or renovation is a huge undertaking. General Contractors must be mindful of their budget and timeline while executing the project. Cost overruns, delays, and extra expenses can quickly derail your project. Develop a budget that covers all materials, labor, and equipment costs. Create a timeline with realistic milestones and checkpoints to help you stay on track. 

5. Design and layout

Be mindful of the aesthetic elements from the exterior facade to the interior layout. Select furniture, appliances, and materials that are both visually appealing and functional. Incorporate creative features like decorative tiles, wood flooring, or lighting to bring ambiance and style to the space. Consider the entryway, exit location, and traffic flow within the dining area to maximize efficiency.

6. Hire the right team

The success of a General Contractor project depends greatly on the skill and experience of the team. Carefully vet potential contractors and select a team of specialized experts. Look for people knowledgeable in plumbing, HVAC, electrical installations, and construction. 

Check references and verify licenses and certifications before making a final decision. Create a communication plan to keep everyone in the loop and schedule regular meetings with the team. Early onboarding ensures that everyone is briefed on the project’s scope, budget, expectations, and timeline.

7. Source materials and supplies

Restaurants require high-quality materials and supplies that can withstand daily use and wear and tear. Source materials from reliable suppliers and vendors and check for warranties and guarantees. 

When selecting materials, consider energy efficiency, sustainability, health standards, and durability. Use a mix of local suppliers and online stores to get the best deals on materials and supplies. Factor in delivery times and sequence of operations to ensure there are no delays in the project.

8. Execute the project

Once you’ve planned and organized the project, it’s time to get to work. Execute the renovation or construction process according to the plan. Monitor progress to ensure alignment with the timeline and budget and make adjustments as needed. 

Stay in constant contact with contractors and inspect work periodically to ensure quality. Use cloud-based apps, remote collaboration tools, and virtual reality software to effortlessly manage the project.

9. Inspections and approvals

Obtain necessary inspections and approvals from local authorities and governing bodies. The project must meet all applicable building codes, safety standards, health regulations, and zoning laws before receiving the certificates of occupancy and other necessary permits. Follow up with code enforcement officers to ensure all inspections are done and sign-offs are obtained.

10. Final cleanup and handover

Once the project is done, perform a thorough cleaning of the space. Properly dispose of waste materials, leftover supplies, and debris and check for defects, flaws, and safety hazards. 

Install the furniture, appliances, fixtures, and equipment to bring the restaurant to life, then conduct a final walk-through with the clients to ensure they are satisfied with the work. If all conditions have been met, you can officially hand the restaurant over to the client.

Following this General Contractor checklist will help ensure your project’s successful and timely completion. With proper planning, expert management, and effective execution, you can guarantee the best possible outcome for your clients.  

Hire the right restaurant General Contractor for your project

At RPC General Contractors, we are a team of highly qualified, experienced General Contractors here to help you with your restaurant construction or renovation. We specialize in commercial and high-end residential projects and handle everything from conceptualization and project planning to design assistance and execution. Get in touch with RPC General Contractors today for a free estimate.