Renovating a bar or restaurant is a big decision. There can be downtime associated with the average renovation project, and you also have to consider whether you have the budget. There’s certainly more to think about than which paint colors you’ll use and the new bar stools you’ll buy.
However, not every bar owner understands what’s involved in the average bar renovation project and what they should consider before starting. In this article, you can learn about the recommended steps to take before getting stuck in your redesign.
Step 1: Talk to Design and Build Experts
You might be an expert at running a bar, but that doesn’t make you a renovation expert. Talk to design and build experts like I-5 Design Build or any company with years of experience renovating bars, lounges, and restaurants. They can provide helpful insight into the process, the budget you’ll need, and how long it will take. You can then decide whether to proceed and in what capacity.
Step 2: Consider Why You Want to Renovate
Some people purchase a dive bar and transform it into something that better suits the patrons they’re trying to attract. Other bar owners simply notice wear and tear and know it’s time for an update.
Think about why you want to renovate in the first place and let that guide the renovation decisions you make. For example, if wear and tear is a significant factor, you might consider more heavy-duty flooring and seats in your renovation plan. If you want to host more events like live bands, a change in layout might also be a design factor. Thinking long and hard about your reasons for renovating can be helpful when the time comes to start your project in earnest.
Step 3: Set Your Budget
In an ideal world, any bar owner looking to update their bar could make any change they like without thinking about how much it costs. Realistically, most business owners have a spending limit or budget. Set yours early on, as it can ultimately dictate your renovation decisions.
Obviously, the more money you have to work with, the more changes you can make. Structural changes tend to cost the most money, while cosmetic changes, like paint, flooring, and light fixtures, are often more affordable.
Step 4: Gather Feedback
You have the last say when it comes to bar renovations. After all, it’s your space to change. However, that doesn’t mean your patrons, local community, and employees don’t want to be consulted before you transform a space they love.
Ask your employees about changes they would like to make them happier and more productive. Something as simple as a new POS system or a grill can make all the difference. Even bar patrons might offer valuable feedback, such as having an open area for a karaoke machine or a more private bathroom facility.
Step 5: Start Renovating
Now that you know the changes you’d like to make and how much you’d like to spend on them, your bar renovations can begin. Consider alerting potential patrons to your upcoming plans through social media, email marketing, and in-bar notices.
Renovating might be a considerable undertaking, but it can be straightforward when the right steps are taken. Take some of these tips on board, and your bar renovation might go off without a hitch.
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