Category: Commercial renovations

Restaurant Renovation Tips

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uncle tetsu restaurant reno

Restauranteurs know that their business is highly competitive and you need to combine great food, great service, and a great atmosphere in order to be on top of the game.  Add to that the reality of constantly evolving dining trends, industry professionals can tell you that appealing to new customers and maintaining your current customer base requires a keen ability to adapt.  Restaurant renovations are a great way to reinvent your space so you stay competitive.  But…before you start ripping apart 80s-style booths, read these restaurant renovation tips so you can be sure your remodel is a success!

Budget

The good news is that the most effective restaurant renovations can boost your sales by up to 40 per cent.   On the other hand, these projects can be expensive – not only when you consider the cost of the remodel, but also the impact on revenue during the project.  Depending on the size of your restaurant and the scope of your renovation, the cost of restaurant remodeling can vary widely.  Before you begin a renovation, you’ll want to do some careful calculations to develop a budget and then start planning your renovation based on that number.

 Consider your sales and expenses so you’ll have a sense of what it may cost you to close your restaurant for a period of time.  The average restaurant renovation takes around 2 months and you’ll probably need to close your doors for at least part of that time.  These figures must be included in your budget, but they should also help you determine the scope of your project.  A fast casual style restaurant renovation should not be as extensive or expensive as a fine dining renovation, for example.

Design

Now that you have a sense of your budget for your restaurant renovation, you want to think about your design goals.  Keep in mind, you not only want to attract new customers, but you want to be sure your regulars are considered too.  You can even ask regular customers what they would change and what they would keep.  Not only should your design reflect your type of restaurant, it should also reflect your neighbourhood.  Particularly if you have been in business for many years or even decades, the demographic of your neighbourhood may have changed.  One major influence on the demographics of a neighbourhood is gentrification – if you’ve noticed a lot more young families in your area or a shift to young urban professionals, you’ll want your renovation to address their preferences and spending habits.

Improve

Finally, your restaurant renovation offers the perfect opportunity to identify and rectify inefficiencies in your operation.  Is your seating adequate?  Is your restaurant accessible for people with disabilities?  Does your waiting area accommodate your patrons effectively?  Can staff move easily throughout the dining area?  Does your kitchen design promote efficiency?  If you identify areas for improvement, use your restaurant renovation to improve!

Tips for Keeping your Gym Looking Like New

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Gym Renovations Vancouver

You can’t stop time or its effects.  Even the best maintained gym is going to show signs of aging over time, particularly when you consider the amount of traffic and the kinds of activities that take place in gyms.  Equipment, structures, and furniture are bound to get chipped, scratched, cracked, and damaged.  Dust builds up, moving parts dry out, and equipment breaks down.  These are facts of life in the gym game.  So then, how do you keep your gym in optimal condition?  Follow these tips for keeping your gym looking like new.

Planning makes Perfect

Listen, all things that are new become old eventually, but your gym’s clients want to enter a space that looks clean and offers equipment that operates properly.  So, when you are building your gym, you need to take some time to consider how the space will be used and what you can do to keep the facility looking new for longer.  For example, in the planning and construction phases, you want to consider the types of materials used for flooring, walls, the front desk, and furniture.  Ultimately, you need to choose materials that can survive a lot of traffic and high impact.  In other words, durability is critical.  Work closely with your contractor to choose flooring and wall coverings that will withstand the impact from weights and other equipment.

You can protect walls and other structures with corner guards, but also consider the materials used to construct the walls.  If you have the budget, consider concrete for walls or at the very least choose materials that are designed for high-impact.  Fixtures such as sprinklers, lighting, and speakers should also be durable, particularly if gym equipment may come in contact with them.

Every inch of your gym can be protected if you plan carefully.  Entry points, countertops, toilets, and showers are all areas that will see a lot of traffic are likely to show signs of wear and tear quickly.  You can prevent damage by planning ahead by installing commercial-grade materials and fixtures that are built to last.

Ease of Cleaning

Another factor to consider is how easy materials and finishes will be to clean.  Ultimately, you want to install materials that are durable and easy to clean, but also materials that hide dirt and damage well.  For example, matte-finish tiles will hide damage better than a gloss finish.

Budget for Upgrades

Finally, to keep your gym looking like new, you’ll need to invest in new equipment and structural upgrades from time-to-time.  When you are building or purchasing a gym, it’s important to factor ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs into your budget.  You’ll likely need to replace many different elements of the gym – not just equipment, but flooring, wall coverings, and fixtures as well.

When it’s all said and done, the key to keeping your gym looking like new is in the planning.  Regular maintenance and cleaning as well as equipment replacement and building restoration are all critical to keeping your gym looking great.

Planning a Healthcare Office Renovation

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Planning a Healthcare Office Renovation

Whether you run a medical or dental practice, renovating your healthcare office can revitalize your space in such a way that staff and clients feel better.  Not only do healthcare office renovations help you to update décor, but they also offer the opportunity to improve on workflow and hygiene and generally make your health practice more efficient.  Nevertheless, a healthcare office renovation can be a time consuming and costly project so careful planning is paramount.  Here are some tips for planning a healthcare office renovation.

Consult Experts

If you’re a doctor or a dentist, you probably can relate to the frustration when a client comes into your office with “expertise” they gained through Google.  While it’s important to do your own research so that you know what you want, working with design and renovation experts can guide you through your renovation so that you ultimately realize your renovation vision.  Most renovation projects will involve designers (both architectural and interior), a general contractor, various tradespeople, and other professionals.  When you are trying to decide which experts to hire for your project, always work with people that have experience with healthcare office renovations or remodels.  Their expertise will help you create a calm and soothing space that is also functional.

Do your Research

As mentioned, you want to consult with experts but it’s important to have your own vision that you can bring to your meetings with designers and builders.  Social media is often a good source for design inspiration, but you can also look into medical research to learn how to create the ideal healthcare environment.  For example, some colours will promote a sense of ease in clients through their soothing hues.  Additionally, you’ll want to have some information about the kinds of wall coverings and furniture styles and fabrics that are durable but comfortable.  While your designer can guide you through these decisions, it will save time and money if you already  have a sense of your own preferences.

Prepare a Budget

Depending on the scope of your project, a healthcare office renovation can costs hundreds of thousands of dollars – particularly if you are investing in new medical equipment or making structural changes to the office layout.  Carefully budgeting each stage of your renovation is necessary if you want to have a project that progresses seamlessly.  In addition, you must always prepare for financial contingencies when working on any kind of renovation.  Experts generally recommend a 10-15% cushion to your healthcare office renovation so that you’ll always be sure to have funding to manage the unexpected.

Through careful planning and consultation with experts, a healthcare office renovation can be an effective way to create a healthier work environment that makes both clients and your staff more comfortable in your medical or dental practice.

Retail Store Renovation Cost

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Commercial renovations can be costly, but in many cases the end result more than justifies the expense.  After all, your retail store is the ultimate reflection of your business and your brand, so it’s important to take retail store renovations seriously.  Careful planning can help you map out your renovation while also determining overall costs of the project.  Still, the cost of renovations can vary widely depending on many factors such as the scope of your renovation, the materials involved, and the professionals involved in the remodel.  For example, retail store renovation costs usually average around $50 per square foot, but regardless of your budget you can likely successfully organize a retail store renovation if you prioritize your needs.  Let’s look at some of the specific costs broken down.

Design

Ideally, you will hire a professional designer for your renovation.  Unless you have design experience, a professional can help you create the perfect space for your store.  Generally, a designer will average around 20 per cent of your total budget.  That being said, small renovations such as custom shelving or applying a new coat of paint will not likely require design input.  On the other hand, a designer can help you make your space more functional while also bringing in brand elements that allow you to maintain a consistent image.

Trades

Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC professionals are often involved in retail store renovations, and that’s just to name a few renovation tradespeople.  Electrical upgrades usually run around $3-4 per square foot, but can cost considerably more depending on the type of upgrades and lighting installed.  Sometimes, your business has unique power needs and you may need to upgrade systems to accommodate appliances or equipment which will also impact electrical costs.

Installing bathrooms, upgrading workplace kitchens, or reorganizing your floor plan may require that you hire professional plumbers.  Bathroom renovations alone may cost several thousands of dollars, and that’s not considering the cost of new water or sewage lines.  A highly trained plumber will help you understand what you need and what it will cost when it comes to plumbing work.

Maintaining or replacing your HVAC system should also be considered when you are conducting a retail store renovation.  For around $2.50 per square foot you can install or repair your HVAC system.  Again, this figure can vary significantly depending on the current state of your system, your goals, and even your budget.

Other Costs

Finishing costs such as paint, millwork, design features and fixtures should also be factored in to your retail store renovation budget.  Additionally, you need to consider the costs for permits, demolition, inspections, and contingencies when determining the cost of a retail store renovation.  Remember, retail store upgrades can range significantly – many of these renovations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but more minor upgrades can cost much less.  Careful planning and collaboration with renovation experts can help you organize your retail store renovation.

Office Renovation Ideas

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Office Renovation Ideas

When you want to inspire your employees and impress clients, an office renovation may be just what the doctor ordered.  Depending on your schedule and budget, there are many office renovation ideas that can transform your space into a workplace that is not only aesthetically pleasing for staff and visitors, but also into a more functional organized space.  Let’s look at just a few office renovation ideas that can motivate your team to work and feel better when they’re on the job.

Take a Break or Breakout

The traditional idea of a break room is one area that can completely transform your office.  In the contemporary office, a break space is a necessity but it doesn’t necessarily need to fit into the conceptual box of “a space to take a break.”  In fact, in many of the most successful offices, the idea of a breakout space is emerging.  These areas are defined as any space that provides a fresh place to re-focus on the demands of the day.  The creative design of breakout spaces allow for an informal work area that inject some liveliness through non-traditional uses of colour, seating, and arrangement to allow staff to breakout of daily routines and feel inspired.

Together is Better

Since the concept of the open office design took hold, developing collaborative work spaces has dominated trends in office renovation.  During your remodel, consider how you can optimize collaboration while also integrating ergonomic design.  Sit-to-stand desks are an increasingly popular design choice, especially as we’re more aware of the impact of sitting for prolonged periods.  “Sitting is the new smoking,” is a relatively new concept, and business owners are learning that taking care of staff means more productivity.  Adjustable workspaces with ergonomic equipment can be shared between employees in a space that allows them to work together effectively.

But Privacy Pays Too

Even though the open concept is great for collaboration, employees are certain to have different capacities and working styles.  What promotes productivity for one employee may stifle another.  Incorporating a variety of office designs into your renovation will allow you to create a workspace that addresses a variety of working styles.  Developing some shared, private work spaces will provide for those employees who require peace and quiet to succeed, as well as giving teams a quiet place to meet away from the sometimes loud and bustling environment of the open concept office.

Be Creative

Finally, get creative with design elements in your office.  Move away from traditional fluorescent lighting by maximizing natural light to create a bright and inspiring office space.  Consider how you can also incorporate colour into your office redesign – white walls and grey carpets are less than inspiring design choices.  Collaborate with your designer to decorate your office in such a way that your décor amplifies your brand while brightening the mood of your space.

Tips for Restaurant Renovations

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There may be no other industry where first impressions matter more than the restaurant industry.  Restaurant goers are not only looking for great food when they visit your establishment, they also want to find a comfortable atmosphere and a clean space.  Indeed, the recipe for a successful restaurant is much bigger than the food you serve; so, if you’re struggling to attract customers, a restaurant renovation may be your missing ingredient.  But, as a restaurant owner, renovations are hardly your specialty – these tips for restaurant renovations will help you revitalize your space and your business.

Plan for Success

Any successful renovation is built on a foundation of a solid plan.  Start with market research – consider visiting competitor restaurants to see what works for them…and what doesn’t work!  Talk to your loyal customers and even first-time visitors to ask them about their impressions of your restaurant and where you have room for improvement.  Most importantly, develop your plan based on your target market – a renovation for a fast-casual restaurant will look very different from a renovation for a fine dining restaurant.  As such, your vision for your restaurant should direct your renovation plan so that you have a functional space that meets the needs of your customers and your staff.

Set your Budget

Once you have refined your vision and you have a plan for your restaurant, the next most important tip is to set your budget.  Restaurant renovations can be exceptionally costly, but they don’t have to be.  When you budget for your restaurant renovation, focus on all the details.  You not only have to factor the cost of material and labour, but also the time your restaurant will be closed for renovations.  If you’re new to renovations and budgeting, consider working with a professional contractor to help you develop a suitable budget.

Set Priorities

During the budgeting phase of your renovation, you may discover you can’t afford to do everything you want to do.  As such, you need to prioritize your renovation to address serious problems first.  For example, you want to be sure that your restaurant is accessible to your patrons before you start making grand aesthetic changes.

Build a Team

Restaurant renovations rely on a large team of construction and design specialists.  If you have decided to manage your renovation with the assistance of a contractor, make sure to carefully research potential contractors to choose one that has a track record of successful renovations that are completed on time and on budget.  Ultimately, you want to work with somebody who is trustworthy and provides quality work.  Speak with friends and colleagues, ask for references, and check out online reviews.  Also, make sure to work with a contractor who has experience with similar projects and who can demonstrate the quality of their work.

Re-Launch your Restaurant

Use the restaurant renovation as an opportunity to re-launch your space.  You can generate a lot of interest through modest advertising efforts letting your restaurant’s neighbours know that you are re-launching with an updated space and/or menu.  If your food lives up to expectations, your updated space will reinforce that your restaurant is a must-visit.

What is a Laneway House?

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What is a Laneway House?

Have you ever noticed the tiny homes located along ally-ways and back entrances to homes throughout Vancouver?  Rather than basic garages, homeowners are frequently building laneway homes behind their main residence.  Laneway homes are essentially a living space located over or beside a parking unit, and they provide added living space or a rental property to offset mortgage costs in Vancouver.  Laneway homes are increasingly popular not only as housing prices continue to rise in Vancouver, but also as the City seeks creative solutions to affordable housing.  Nevertheless, there are specific guidelines around building laneway homes and eligibility factors that must be met.  Let’s take a closer look.

Laneway House Specifications

As the name suggests, laneway homes are located next to the lane entrance for housing lots in Vancouver.  These small homes are always located at the back of the lot and should feature a liveable space as well as a parking accessory.  The size of laneway homes will vary depending on the size of the lot on which they are located – from 550 square feet up to a maximum of 940 square feet.  In generally, the sizing of laneway homes is calculated as 16% of the size of your lot, not including up to 40 square feet of storage.

Eligibility

Not all homes in Vancouver are eligible for a laneway house, but many single-family dwellings with rear lane access are eligible.  There are three main eligibility criteria that must be met – distance from the house to the laneway home, lot size, and lane access.  More specifically, you must allow for at least 16’ between the main house and the laneway house – a requirement that can usually be met with creative design.  Additionally, your lot must be at least 9.8m wide, though some laneway house builds have been approved on lots somewhat smaller (7.3m wide).  Finally, your lot must have access to an open lane – and this requirement can be interpreted in one of three ways:

  1. There is an open lane behind your home.
  2. Your lot is located on a corner that can access an open or dedicated lane.
  3. Your lot is located on a “double-fronted” site with street access in front of and behind your home.

Ultimately, laneway homes are a great addition, particularly if you are looking to collect rental income or to provide accommodate aging family members (parents and children alike).  These homes are popular for renters because they are detached buildings – renters don’t need to worry about noise from neighbours.  Even if you are looking to build a laneway home to provide more space for your family, it is a great investment that can have a significant impact on the resale value of your home.

Office Upgrades: To Renovate or Rebuild?

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Office Renovation Vancouver

At some point in the history of an office space, upgrades are inevitable.  Design features lose their functionality, styles become passé, or business grows beyond the capacity of the space.  Regardless of the motivation for the upgrades, ensuring an efficient, functional, and safe office space will warrant either renovation or rebuilds – so how do you know the best approach for your business?  To renovate or rebuild is the age-old question, and we’ve got the answers.

Renovation

Renovations and remodel projects involve restoring your office in a way that makes it more relevant for the times.  Basic renovations involve assessing office spaces for effectiveness and style so that current trends in office organization and design can be implemented to improve aesthetics, workflow, and client and staff satisfaction.  Renovations tend to be smaller projects that include various repairs such as drywall and flooring repairs and mould abatement.  Additionally, office renovations may involve updating office furniture and equipment for a more efficient office.

On the more involved end of the renovation spectrum, business owners consider a more complete remodel of the space.  This may involve an overhaul of the office layout, review of building codes to bring the office and office structures up-to-date, or expanding into existing spaces to allow for company growth.  So, as you can see renovations and remodels tend to be smaller scale projects aimed at improving style, efficiency, and functionality.

Rebuild

As the title suggests, an office rebuild involves a complete renewal of your office – usually in a different location.  If you have renovated multiple times in the past few years or the functionality of your office cannot meet your company’s demands, you may be looking at a more major rebuild to ensure your office serves your clients and your company.  Rebuilding allows for uniform upgrades and incorporates all the benefits of renovations or remodels while also giving you complete control over the style, design, and layout of your space.  A rebuild allows you to integrate the most advanced building and office technologies seamlessly into your day-to-day operations.

Obviously, there are significant costs differences between renovations and rebuilds, so it is important to work with a qualified commercial contractor to determine the best fit for your organization.  If you find that your current office space serves the needs of your staff and company well, but you’re wary that the aesthetics of your space are reminiscent of the 20th century, a renovation may be all you need.  On the other hand, if you notice that workflow is interrupted by poor organizational features of your office, equipment is outdated, and you are running out of physical space, a rebuild may be in order.  Ultimately, you need to consider your current and future needs, as well as budget to decide whether it’s time for a rebuild or renovation.

Commercial Renovation Budgets

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Commercial Renovation Budgets

Commercial renovations can take your business to another level.  Regardless of your budget, a commercial renovation can transform your workspace to improve efficiency, impress clients, and satisfy staff.  Still, careful budgeting of your commercial project helps to keep your renovation focused and on time.  Every renovation starts with a vision, but it is thorough planning that makes that vision a reality.  So, how can you budget your commercial renovation?

The Vision

First, you should identify tangible goals for your renovation project.  Perhaps you have outgrown  your current office space and you know  you need upgraded equipment and improved storage in order for operations to run smoothly.  On the other hand, you may simply need to make some minor updates to keep the image of your business aligned with current trends and styles.  Obviously a new paint job and some updated cabinets represent a smaller commercial renovation budget than a total overhaul. 

Major commercial renovations usually involve a team of professionals that ensure your vision is realized.  An architect, tradespeople (including electricians, plumbers, painters, and builders), and design experts may all be involved in your renovation.  As such, it is always advisable to work with an experienced contractor that can help you plan your renovation and the associated costs.

The Renovation

Your commercial renovation goals will define the scope of your project.  That being said, you should consider factors such as lighting, floorplans, flooring, finishing construction, and bathroom and kitchen upgrades when planning your renovation.  When you know the scope of your project, you can start budgeting for various criteria.  And, keep in mind that each aspect of your renovation will offer you a range of choices at different budgets.  For example, basic lighting features cost around $400-500 for a two point light switch, whereas lighting for emergency exists runs closer to $300 per sign.

Moreover, you need to carefully consider how your space is used when budgeting your renovation.  For example, commercial-grade flooring can be expensive but you would choose different flooring for a small office than an industrial space.  You should also take some time to plan for communal spaces for your staff and clients.  Bathroom and kitchen renovations can be costly, but they are important for the health and well-being of your staff and even your customers.

Updating your HVAC system can also have a significant impact on employee efficiency.  Comfortable temperatures, adequate ventilation, and overall air quality are important benefits of an effective HVAC system.

Ultimately, a commercial renovation offers an exciting opportunity to create a workspace for your building that is modern and comfortable while improving working conditions, productivity, and overall efficiency for your business.  Coordinate your commercial renovation plan with your budget so that you get the upgrades you need at a cost your business can bear.