Tag: vancouver general contractors

Restaurant Renovation Costs

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Restaurant Renovation Costs

Restaurant Renovation Costs

There are few industries where atmosphere influences the success of a business like the restaurant industry.  Outdated designs, disorganized layouts, uncomfortable lighting and other variables that impact ambiance can mean failure in the restaurant industry.  Customers want to feel good when they’re visiting your restaurant and they want your décor to match the type of food you’re serving – with that in mind, restaurants may need to be updated regularly to maintain relevance.  Obviously the scope of restaurant renovations can vary significantly, and so can the costs.  Nevertheless, let’s take a closer look at some standard restaurant renovation costs and what you may need to budget for your project.

What’s Typical?

Nothing is exactly typical when it comes to restaurant renovations.  Restaurant renovation costs will depend on your specific renovation – equipment, furnishings, heating and ventilation, and local regulations are all factors that will influence costs.  Still, you should expect a “typical” renovation that includes more major upgrades to cost at least $300 per square foot. 

It is possible that restaurant renovation costs could be less than that, but it’s also very possible costs will be more.  Working with a contractor who has experience with restaurant renovations is the best approach to determining a budget for your unique restaurant renovation.  Nothing but careful planning can help you truly understand what your restaurant renovation costs will be.  Discussing your goals with a contractor should allow them to provide you with a quote that reflects your restaurant renovation costs in the context of the type and scope of renovation, the size of your renovation, and materials and equipment involved.

What are the Major Costs?

The most major restaurant renovation costs include equipment, furnishings, and heating and ventilation.  Restaurant appliances are expensive.  Ovens and stoves, refrigeration, and small appliances will come at a cost. If you need to replace critical equipment, your costs will be much higher.  On the other hand, if the bones of your kitchen are solid, you may benefit from significant savings.

Another key expense in restaurant renovations is furniture – indeed, this is one of the most expensive restaurant renovation costs.  Tables, chairs, and decorative features can have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your restaurant and most renovations must incorporate a budget for new furnishings.

Finally, heating and ventilation are critical components of your restaurant renovation.  You’ll need to work with an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) expert to ensure that your restaurant is properly ventilated and so that indoor temperatures are comfortable for customers and staff alike.

As you can see, there are many considerations that impact restaurant renovation costs.  There’s no simple answer to the question – “how much will my restaurant cost to renovate?”  You must determine your renovation goals and work with a qualified contractor to determine your unique restaurant renovation costs.

How Long Does it Take to Remodel a Kitchen?

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If you’re asking the question, “how long does it take to remodel a kitchen?” and you’re looking for a hard and fast answer, you’ve come to the wrong place.  In fact, many factors will influence the duration of a kitchen renovation and any contractor that quotes you a timeline upfront and without assessing your kitchen first is probably setting you up for disappointment.  Even the most carefully planned and organized kitchen remodel can face unpredictable delays.  So, with that in mind, let’s have a closer look at what you need to consider and how you can estimate the timeline for your kitchen remodel.

Design Phase

The design phase of your kitchen remodel is essentially in your hands and you can take as much or as little time as you want.  Still, during this phase you want to plan for the finished renovation which includes considerations of appliances, flooring, countertops, paint, and lighting.  At some point in the design phase, you’ll want to consult your contractor about your design decisions to ensure there aren’t any structural or other pragmatic barriers to the renovation.

The design phase helps you determine the scope of your project and from start to finish usually requires at least a week – regardless on the size of the kitchen or the scope of the renovation.  Keep in mind, a complete remodel where cabinets, appliances, and flooring are all removed will take longer than a smaller project that may only involve upgrading cabinets and paint, for example.

Once the design has been finalized, you’ll collaborate with your contractor to purchase all the products and materials you’ll need for your kitchen remodel.  One thing to keep in mind is that it can take upwards of a month or two for all materials and fixtures to be ordered and delivered.

Demolition

After the design phase, you’ll be ready to start your renovation.  And, what’s the first step in remodeling your kitchen?  Demolition.  Usually, demolition is a relatively quick process that requires only a few days.  However, if major structural changes are needed (like moving a wall), demolition will often take longer.  Ultimately, you want your demolition to be safe and there may be permits required if you are moving load-bearing structures.  As such, demolition could take several days or even a couple months.

Utilities Installation

Again, depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, you may need to reconfigure your plumbing, gas, and electricity.  Major changes to kitchen layout will often require new utilities layout – expect this stage of your renovation to take one or two weeks.

Fixtures and Features

Installation of new lights, floors, fixtures, and other features will again vary depending on the scope of your remodel.  Nevertheless, flooring, cabinets, and countertops can be assessed and installed within a week or two.  Lighting will usually take at least a couple days, as will installation of backsplashes.  During this phase, all the elements that make a kitchen a kitchen need to be managed and this phase can take from several weeks to a month or more.

Finishing

Finally, finishing carpentry involves your contractor attending to all the details and to wrap up any loose ends in your kitchen renovation.  This phase usually lasts a couple days. 

As you can see, the typical kitchen remodel can range from 3 to 6 months in duration; and that’s providing everything goes right!

Why Hire Commercial Renovation Contractors

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Office Renovation Vancouver

When you are embarking on a commercial renovation, there are many factors that come into play to ensure the job is done on time, on budget, and to your specifications.  No matter how large or small the renovation project, a commercial renovation contractor helps you at each step of the way from budgeting and planning through execution to completion.  Overseeing a commercial renovation is often more complicated than things may seem, and a commercial renovation contractor is an expert in managing every phase of your renovation so that you are ultimately satisfied with the finished project.  If you’re wondering why you should hire commercial renovation contractors, you’ve come to the right place.  Read on.

The Devil is in the Details

Even the smallest renovation projects can have a lot of moving parts.  Blueprints, permits, and inspections must be organized, subcontractors must be hired and organized, and contingencies must be managed.  Commercial renovation contractors keep a close eye on all the details to ensure y our commercial renovation contract progresses smoothly and to the standards of quality you would expect.  Their expertise allows them to oversee all aspects of your renovation so that nothing gets overlooked.

Keeping on Track

Coordinating all aspects of a commercial renovation is often a full-time job.  When you’re trying to keep your business on track during a renovation, you want to make sure that you maintain focus.  Working with a skilled contractor ensures you have the experts keeping your project on track so that you can keep your business on track.  Contractors schedule every aspect of the renovation and can adapt scheduling whenever there are unexpected delays or distractions so that your renovation is completed on time even in the face of unpredictable challenges throughout the project.

Team Work makes Dreams Work

Your ultimate renovation vision is going to rely on a great team.  A commercial renovation contractor is a critical member of that team because they act as your team captain.  By offering expertise in construction projects combined with exceptional communication skills, you can work closely with your contractor to realize your renovation dream.  At the end of the day, somebody will need to communicate across all the team members involved in your renovation project from tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters to suppliers and laborers.  Your commercial renovation contractor is your point person – they know what to expect from subcontractors, how much you should pay for particular jobs, and how to interact with the many professionals involved in your renovation.

When it’s all said and done, working with a commercial renovation contractor makes for a highly efficient and effective renovation project that aligns with your budget and your vision. 

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!

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.

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.

Home Addition Ideas to Increase the Value of your Home

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Home additions can not only make a significant impact on the comfort and quality of your life, they can also have a significant impact on the value of your home.  Adding living space such as kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms or even making space for more storage are all investments that can increase the selling price of your home.  While you may already have some ideas of additions for your home, here are some home addition ideas to increase the value of your home.

A Home with a Story

Building a second story on your home is a big project, but one that brings a big payoff.  Story additions can almost double the living space in your home while also increasing your home’s value.  These additions are certainly costly – you should expect to spend somewhere upwards of $100,000 depending on many factors including the current size of your home, its structural integrity, and even your geographic location. 

Make sure you work with a qualified builder and architect so that the addition is done safely and to building code.  Not all home foundations can support an additional story, and some cities or neighbourhoods may have bylaws that prohibit these additions.

Make it Roomy

If adding a second story is a project that seems like you’d be biting off more than you can chew, consider adding a room or suite over your garage.  You can increase your square footage while potentially creating a revenue stream by building a suite you can rent out.  Homes with rental suites are highly attractive to buyers because they can help mitigate the cost of a mortgage. 
Or, if you are not interested in renting out to strangers, it makes a great space for guests.

Nowadays, modular additions are an attractive option for homeowners to add rooms, suites, and even stories.  These pre-fabricated living spaces are great for smaller homes or single-story homes because they are cheaper than custom additions and most of the construction occurs off-site thereby limiting the inconvenience associated with large and lengthy home addition projects.

Basement Bang for your Buck

Perhaps the most common and affordable of all home additions is a finished basement.  If you currently have a blank canvas of a basement, finishing that space can considerably expand your living space while also leaving a significant mark on the value of your home. 
Add a suite, a living room, or an entertainment space and you’re sure to see an excellent return on your investment.  In fact, many basements can be finished for under $20,000 (sometimes just a fraction of that cost) which will easily pay for itself when you consider the impact on the selling price of your home.

These are just 3 home addition ideas to increase the value of your home, but there are many other additions to consider – kitchen or bathroom additions and expansions, converting a porch to a sunroom, or adding outdoor living spaces…the options are only limited by your imagination.

Home Renovation Planning

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Home Renovation Planning

When it comes to keeping a home renovation on time and on budget, planning is the single most important factor home owners need to consider.  Your dream renovation should always be your goal, but cost and affordability are very realistic concerns that may impact the scope of your project.  Big ticket items tend to make a big impact in a renovation, and home owners can make the mistake of jumping the gun by purchasing cabinets, appliances, fixtures, or furniture before they know what the project will cost.  Planning your finances before you begin your project is the cornerstone of successful renovations.  So, what do you need to know about home renovation planning?

Prioritize

First and foremost, prioritize your home renovation budget.  Working with a contractor or a home renovation expert can help you plan for the cost of different elements of your budget.  Then you can prioritize the items that are “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves.”  You should also consider more than the cost of the item, but also the impact and necessity.  For example, if you have an older home and you want to upgrade appliances or lighting, you may need to consider whether your home’s current electrical system is up to code.

Padding your Budget

Also, remember that you might not be able to calculate all your costs up front – with any successful renovation, you should plan for at least 10-15% of your budget to go toward unexpected costs.  In fact, home renovations regularly cost more than anticipated, and some experts suggest padding your budget by up to 25%.  In general, smaller budget projects can get away with a little less padding, whereas with larger projects you need to save more for contingencies.  It also helps to have prioritized your project before you begin because that can help you decide where to compromise if you are getting close to your budget.

Paying for your Renovation

Once you’ve planned and budgeted your renovation, you’ll need to start paying for it.  Ideally, you have the funds available to cover all the costs of the project, but some homeowners prefer to seek out alternative financing.  Credit cards are one of the most costly approaches to paying for major home renovations because the interest rates are high.  Your financial institution may provide a low interest loan, particularly if you have equity in your home.  Ensure that repayment of any loans is within your monthly budget before you break ground.  Some homeowners make the mistake of overextending themselves which can create significant stress related to financial hardship. 

Your dream renovation can certainly become a reality and all it takes is careful planning.  Imagine your future home, prioritize your project, set a budget, and organize your financing and you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful and successful 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.