First, let’s start with the distinction between renovating a retail store front and remodeling or construction. Renovation retains the essential elements or “look” of your original storefront. It may amount to as little as repainting or repairing existing elements or as much as adding contemporary design elements.
I’m not here to discuss micro-decisions that are a matter of taste. Instead, I want to communicate to business owners that there is a process for renovating a retail store. If you follow it, you will save money and time. Otherwise, expect a bad deal for you and a good deal for everyone else, including contractors.
Let’s start with the first step.
1. Plan far ahead of all stakeholders and partners.
The first time you think, “Okay, customers are not coming into the store because it looks shabby,” you should take action.
Meet with business partners and create a plan. The bell just rang. Do not wait until sales numbers drop off the cliff and a crisis sets in before starting your planning and budgeting. In other words, the longer the action is deferred, the higher the cost.
Proactive planning means you can put together a budget that gets you quality renovation, design, and materials.
2. Good or bad contractor? Here’s what you need before you start renovating a retail store.
So, Trinity Stone’s work largely involves “clean-up” renovations. Our clients have already dealt with a bad contractor, and they need a quality fix for a botched project.
The rules are the same whether you’re low on money and want the lowest possible quote or you have the money and want a reasonable quote for quality work.
Get a detailed quote and breakdown of the project.
- What are the material costs?
- How much will labor cost?
- If you need it done on a schedule, can the contractor meet that timeline while factoring in possible delays?
3. Take your time with permitting, ask questions, and refuse rushed plans.
If a contractor tells you, “You don’t need a permit for this or that. It’s just a wall,” ask for details. Let’s say we’re dealing with external lighting. You call for a quote and timeline and hear, “You’re just moving electrical. It’s not a problem. ” Ask for documentation.
This is not San Francisco—it’s DFW. However, you do need a permit for many things, especially for commercial projects, because you’re inviting members of the public into your store or place of business. Contractors should bring you proof of permits and code compliance for your city or municipality.
4. Take time to get your scope and budget set before construction.
A landlord is pushing for you to start. The contractor is eager, as well. Do not start a renovation until you have the following:
- Ensure the proper permits are in place (Check with the contractor and do your own due diligence).
- Build a competent team (Both an internal team familiar with the timeline and objectives and a contractor who communicates with your team).
An honest contractor will give you an honest quote. Check their reviews. Either way, you must have a budget before construction, period. Start putting the budget together.
Here’s what business owners miss in their budgets:
- A full account of the numbers over time and with delays built in.
- Room for change orders if the renovation is not up-par.
- Costs associated with architects, site evaluations, and code compliance.
5. Get a timeline and date that accounts for your business cycle.
Assume that renovating a retail store will take at least 33% longer than expected, and consider what that means for your business.
If you deal in sporting goods, schedule renovations in the winter. If you deal in gifts, schedule during the summer. How about professional services? Summer is good, too. Take a look at your numbers, e.g., financial statements, for a basic analysis of when you can afford to let customers pass by and when you can’t.
Plan on renovating a retail store front? Give us a call.
The value of a storefront renovation is more than its cost. It involves optimizing all factors, from materials to outcomes, in pursuit of the best possible improvement within the shortest timeframe.
I prefer to do business directly and get into the details before starting renovation projects. If you share my values, schedule a consultation with me.
Keep Building,
Carlo Menchaca, Founder & CEO
Trinity Stone Construction Group
