So, you’ve made the decision to breathe new life into your restaurant with a renovation. Very exciting! Envisioning a modern bar area, an updated kitchen, or a refreshed ambiance can be helpful to attract new customers and delight your current ones.
But before diving headfirst into restaurant design details, it’s crucial to understand the financial side of things so you don’t get in over your head. Renovation costs can make or break your project, and navigating the two main categories – hard costs and soft costs – is essential for creating a realistic budget.
In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between these two costs, how they affect your restaurant renovation, what a construction budget looks like, as well as some examples of what the cost of construction in BC might look like.
The Building Blocks: Hard Costs
Hard costs represent the tangible elements you can see and touch when you ask yourself, “How much does it cost to renovate a restaurant?” These expenses directly involve the physical construction of your renovation and typically make up the bulk of your budget. Just remember that each project is unique and ranges will vary based on the project.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key hard cost categories in the context of your BC restaurant construction:
Demolition & Abatement
Clearing out the old to make way for the new. Removing walls, flooring, fixtures, and hazardous materials like asbestos can range in cost depending on the size and complexity of your space.
Note: Permitting and disposal fees for hazardous materials can vary by location within BC. Be sure to research and factor in potential variations when budgeting.
Construction Labour
Skilled hands bring your vision to life. Labour costs vary depending on your location (BC may have slightly higher labour rates compared to some other provinces), project scale, and the expertise required.
Building Materials
From flooring and plumbing to electrical work and drywall, the materials that form the foundation of your renovation. Costs can vary greatly depending on the materials and finishes you’ve chosen for your project. It’s important to consult with local contractors and suppliers to get a more accurate estimate.
HVAC & Plumbing
HVAC and plumbing are crucial to ensure proper ventilation, heating, cooling, and water flow for both the back and front of house to keep your restaurant running smoothly.
Electrical Work
Upgrading or rewiring electrical systems to accommodate new appliances and lighting can range depending on how complicated your setup is.
Permits & Inspections
If you’re remodelling or renovating your restaurant, you have to make sure you obtain the necessary permits to make sure your work meets safety regulations. If you don’t you can run into issues such as stop work orders, costing you more money and time.
Note: Permitting fees can vary by municipality within BC, so factor in potential location-specific differences.
Beyond the Build: Soft Costs
Soft costs encompass the less tangible expenses that contribute to a successful renovation. While they represent a smaller portion of the budget, they are essential for a smooth and well-executed project:
Architectural & Design Fees: Turning your vision into a detailed plan requires professional expertise. Architect and design fees can range depending on who you work with and the size of their team.
Engineering Fees: Structural engineers ensure your renovation plans are sound and meet building codes. Fees can range depending on the project’s complexity.
Interior Design: Elevating your restaurant into a more stylish and functional space often involves the expertise of an interior designer.
Permits & Inspections Fees: These are sometimes listed as separate soft costs, and may include additional fees for inspections beyond the standard building permits.
Contingency Fund: Unexpected situations arise. Setting aside a contingency fund in your budget helps you navigate unforeseen costs and avoid project delays.
A Word on Location
Keep in mind that construction costs can vary depending on your location within BC. Generally, urban areas like Vancouver will have higher costs compared to more rural areas. It’s always best to get quotes from local contractors for the most accurate picture so you don’t have any surprises before you start building.
Chriscan’s Restaurant Renovation Projects
We’ve been involved in transforming restaurant visions into reality, and crafting renovations that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Explore how we’ve helped other restaurants achieve their unique culinary visions.
Milestones Restaurant Patio
Words from the Client
“Chriscan worked in a professional manner to see that a superior product was delivered in a timely and efficient manner, and on budget. More specifically, Jim Kitchin (General Manager and Co-owner) worked closely with us to develop a design to meet our vision and use of the building. Chriscan’s construction of the work was marked by their attention to detail, and a shared interest in the final outcome. Jim was always available and provided great knowledge and expertise when we needed to make any changes.”
Eldorado Lounge
Words from the Client
“When we set out to find a partner to manage the renovation of our lounge at the Hotel Eldorado, we chose Paul and the team at Chriscan because of their excellent reputation. We had a limited time frame and also realized that there were many unknowns. With numerous obstacles, I can say Paul and his team consistently showed flexibility, creativity, and a realistic, straight -forward approach. We could not have been happier with the end result and look forward to working with the Chriscan team again.”
Explore more of our projects in our portfolio.
The Takeaway: Budgeting for Success
By understanding the distinction between hard costs and soft costs, you can create a more comprehensive renovation budget and have more realistic expectations of what you’re getting yourself into. Remember, getting quotes from contractors and design professionals is crucial. Don’t underestimate the power of a detailed plan and a buffer for unexpected expenses. With careful planning and financial foresight, your restaurant renovation can be a recipe for success, both aesthetically and financially.
When you’re ready, get in touch with us and we can help guide you through your next renovation.
