How soon can I get construction started on my new restaurant? What are 'Base Building' requirements?
It is important to plan your construction start date accurately, because this largely determines when other important events will need to happen. Some include; the target opening date, initial food orders & deliveries, hiring staff, and financing. The construction start date is the day you set sail as a business, and the journey begins.
Let’s look at what you can do to move your business start-up into turbo mode. You have a concept, you have the business plan, and you have the will…so here is what you can do next. Look at lease factors that can influence schedules, and negotiate timelines with your landlord on their obligations. Understanding some common basic landlord lease deliverables can help you launch your building phase, and avoid potential delays. The question is, “how do I know when a lease space is ready for my construction to begin?”
Some common factors that fall under base building readiness (i.e. lease space readiness) include:
1.Demising wall(s) that separate other adjacent lease spaces from the new restaurant space. These most often fall under landlord responsibility in new buildings where the general space divisions have not been determined, and are completed by the landlord’s contractor when the lease is signed. Alternatively, if the space is already fit with a demising wall, then the tenant (you) are likely responsible for fire rating the existing wall.
2.Meter base(s) needed to deliver power to the lease space. No meter bases = no meters = no power. If there are existing meters, then skilled builders like Black Ink Co. will help you determine the BTU / Amp loads for your new business and order the proper meter sizes. Meter changes in BC are typically no charge and provided by the power companies in your area, but can take months…so get these ordered right away.
3.Electrical panel(s) and primary circuits for accessible power inside the lease space. These are necessary to connect power for tools and temporary work light; both necessary for construction crews to make progress. Temporary gas and electric are often included by landlords, so don’t forget to check your lease.
4.HVAC units operating and delivering heat and A/C to the lease space. Distribution (i.e. ducting and diffusers, and air balancing) fall under tenant improvements. However, the base building component is provided by the Landlord, and must be complete for distribution supply and installation to begin. General heat and A/C make for a good work environment, and can improve productivity. Operating systems are most often provided as base building components, along with working thermostats…once again, you need to check your lease and confirm.
These are some of the critically important landlord deliverables that directly impact your new restaurant construction start-up schedule. Once the base building is ready, then start up can be scheduled. Make sure these elements are in place before you look to schedule a restaurant construction start date, and you can avoid unforeseen delays due to base building deficiencies. A strong start will get you on the path to success!