shopfitters vs tradesment etc

[poochieparlour]

Hi all

Quick question

for those of you that have had a business built, what would you suggest the best way going about this:

We are looking at taking over an empty shop to turn into a sandwhich bar/cake shop with baking etc on site, its a shell at the moment, so the work would need to be done from scracth, we'd need ovens with gas connected, plumbing for sinks etc, counters etc

what would you consider the cheapest option, using shopfitters was our initial idea, but told its often most expensive option. I am just a little daunted by it, so not entirely sure what people I'd need to get in, if getting them all seperately

i.e Plumbers, electricians, etc

Hope that made sense?

Thanks
Mark

 

[Spearmint]

I'm sure that there are probably companies out there that offer a complete shopfitting service but its probably as broad as its long, if you want to organise it yourself using different tradesmen.

However, whichever route you go, a specification is needed of what work you want doing, and that may be a good starting point. Drawings or sketches may also need to be done.

You could obtain quotations for both the all inclusive option from a shopfitting company and from individual contractors but for the latter you've got to have a good understanding of the sequence of events, the timing, conflicting activitities, etc, etc. To use a all encompassing shopfitting service, they're likely to tell you a start and completion date, but to do it with different tradesmen, you will need to organise it yourself, and deal with the setbacks yourself. This route is likely to take longer, unless its planned with precision, but even then you're relying on others being on site when they should be, and completing on time etc.

The all inclusive shopfitting service should be covered by the main contractor, so you liaise with them and they answer to you should there be any problems. They will deal with any site issues with their sub contractors. On the DIY route, you deal with all those problems.

So, if you fancy the DIY route, armed with your specification and drawings you have to try and mentally construct it, to understand the sequence of when you will need each of your tradesmen, understand what they will be doing and when, and how other trades will follow them. You've got to try and get the timing right, decide whether you supply materials or they do. If you're intending to supply the materials that in itself is fraught with problems, as you need to know what materials, obtain competitive quotations for the same, have them available when ready, etc, etc

So whilst it may be cheaper employing your own team of tradesmen, there is more hassle, and you need to weigh up whether you've got the expertise and time to deal with it from start to finish.

 

[poochieparlour]

Thanks for the reply

It's pretty much what I had expected to be honest. We are still awaiting permisson through council, but just wanted to get the ball rolling, my mum (poochie parlour shop) had bad experiance with shopfitters, which sort of put us off them, but then, can't label all shopfitters bad because of one incident

As we've got no knowledge in this trade, shopfitters are probably most likely our easiest option

Thanks again

 

[Spearmint]

You're probably right, if you haven't done this sort of thing before, but it really depends on the complexity of the job and the time that you've got available. If you can take your time with it, and do it bite sized chunks it may not be so bad to employ your own tradesmen but whichever route you go, you have to find the right shopfitter/tradesmen.
Try and get some personal recommendations from other businesses if you want to use a shopfitting company. Google possible companies that you've discovered to see if there is any feedback on the service that they've provided. Ask potential companies for references, and go and see their customers and talk to them directly to find out how they performed.

 

[poochieparlour]

Thanks, great advice...

Appreciate it

 

[Spearmint]

As a matter of interest, why do you need gas ovens for your business?

Does the property have gas already?

 

[poochieparlour]

As a matter of interest, why do you need gas ovens for your business?

Does the property have gas already?

Actually, I want Dual fuel ovens, Electric ovens,gas tops... I believe there is gas already, though this is something I am checking when we view the shop again soon

 

[Spearmint]

Whoops! That was a silly question that I just asked! I read your initial thread again, and can see that you're opening a sandwich bar/cake shop! I'd previously noticed your name, and looked at your website, so I assumed that it was to do with pets!

sorry

 

[poochieparlour]

Yeah I should have set up a new account, I guess Im asking these questions as the Opening of Poochie Parlour went well, but with shopfitters even was a painfull process, we just want the opening of this sandwhich/cake business to run smoothly

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Spearmint]

You may need to make enquiries with a commercial 'Gas Safe' Engineer on what you're proposing. If you're also installing a ventilation system such as a canopy over the gas appliances to take away the fumes/heat from the gas appliances, you may need to have a gas interlock system which seems to be a requirement in commercial premises, so you should find out about that.

 

[poochieparlour]

Thanks,

Yeah that sounds about right to me! I shall speak to them regarding that for sure, im a chef so I know commercial kitchens well, the kitchen Im proposing is abit more advanced than a domestic, but not quite commercial.. hoping to keep costs down ofcourse

Thanks for that

 

[Moneyman]

There are hundreds of shops and take aways going bust every day. There are plenty of places selling good quality second hand stuff that is almost new. definitely check them out before you spend a bean.

 

[DuncanH]

Well I'm very sorry if my help is seen as advertising unlike the scores of member names that are indeed business names.