Retail warehouse fit out

[Hussain Lanewala]

Hi, I am interested in setting up a small shop similar to a small convenience store and I am trying to figure out what kind of costs per sq ft I should expect for the fit out.

It will be a small shop between 1000-1500 sq ft. I am planning on receiving orders online and sending them out from the store, so I will just have a basic fit out, nothing fancy (not expecting customers to walk in). I plan on just setting up some racking and filling it with goods. I've tried searching for retail fit out costs per sq ft and haven't found good comparisons because my set up is much simpler than most. Could someone guide me as to how much cost per sq ft I should expect for such a fit out or recommend any good shop fitting companies?

Thanks

 

[Mr D]

Sounds like you need to look at warehouse fit out.
Perhaps have a look round a cash & carry place or wholesaler, see how they set up their goods.

 

[Awinner2]

All you need is racking but that will vary according to how you need to arrange your stock for speedy order assembly. There are many online shelving/racking companies to work out your costings.

 

[Hussain Lanewala]

All you need is racking but that will vary according to how you need to arrange your stock for speedy order assembly. There are many online shelving/racking companies to work out your costings.

Thanks for the help, well I have looked at some shelving/racking companies and have a decent idea of what that will cost but I am trying to figure out what the rest of the costs be like, for example fixing up the floor, painting walls and any electrical work. Basically the whole construction bit, any suggestions on that end? Should I expect it to be under 20£ per sq ft?

 

[Mr D]

Thanks for the help, well I have looked at some shelving/racking companies and have a decent idea of what that will cost but I am trying to figure out what the rest of the costs be like, for example fixing up the floor, painting walls and any electrical work. Basically the whole construction bit, any suggestions on that end? Should I expect it to be under 20£ per sq ft?

Would not the floor, electrical bit and walls depend exactly on what needs doing?

Back in 2015 our neighboring unit had a new fuse box that was safer fitted for £2k while we had the same electrician run a light for £120. Two different electrical works with two vastly different prices.

 

[Hussain Lanewala]

Would not the floor, electrical bit and walls depend exactly on what needs doing?

Back in 2015 our neighboring unit had a new fuse box that was safer fitted for £2k while we had the same electrician run a light for £120. Two different electrical works with two vastly different prices.

That's definitely true but I am just trying to get a round about figure before I jump deeper into this. I am only looking to lease a unit that is already mostly ready and has very little work left that needs to be done. So basically a 1000 sq ft unit that has very little construction needs. What sort of per sq ft cost should I expect for the construction works.

 

[Mr D]

That's definitely true but I am just trying to get a round about figure before I jump deeper into this. I am only looking to lease a unit that is already mostly ready and has very little work left that needs to be done. So basically a 1000 sq ft unit that has very little construction needs. What sort of per sq ft cost should I expect for the construction works.

Tell us the construction needed and maybe we can figure out.
Best bet is of course get a few quotes.

 

[Bob Morgan]

That's definitely true but I am just trying to get a round about figure before I jump deeper into this. I am only looking to lease a unit that is already mostly ready and has very little work left that needs to be done. So basically a 1000 sq ft unit that has very little construction needs. What sort of per sq ft cost should I expect for the construction works.

It is only 1,000 SQ FT so forget SQ FT Rates - You need a Price for the Job! - Small Jobs cost more Per SQ FT than bigger ones! Racking and Shop Fit items are on Auction Sites, etc., at a fraction of the cost compared to buying new. It might be a case of YOU procuring the Racking, etc., and employing a Contractor to install, together with the Builder's Work.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Your asking the impossible question there is no figure available, Your only option is to get a few quotes from local tradesmen and get accurate figures

You must consider your lease and what it states about dilapidations, as that may effect what you do to the building, if you change anything you may have to put it back to its original state at the end of the lease, but every lease is different depending on the landlord

Not wanting to teach granny to suck eggs, but you do sound inexperienced in leasing, the main points is you will need your own solicitor to check over the lease terms, this is very important as he is responsible for looking after your side of the contract, it would also be wise to hire a building surveyor to give it the once over

For a new lease is seems the normal nowadays, to ask for say three months rent free at the start to get the place reading for trading, and also a lease break point where you can leave early if things don't work out

 

[Mark T Jones]

Good business questions rarely start with price.

In your position I'd do 1 of 2 things.

Either sit down and create the most detailed plan you can of what will be required, taking into account workflow, handling, security, H & S etc.

Or call a couple of suppliers who specialise in warehouse fit-outs and use their feedback to do the above.