Having a physical shop is crucial for small businesses to establish your brand presence and connect with local customers.
How to start building your dream shop? In this article, we will walk you through the entire process with tips from professional construction consultants! Let’s dive in.
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Plan Your Shop
Firstly, choose a location for your business. Consider factors such as foot traffic, accessibility, rent, and local market conditions to ensure long term operability. Remember to also ask yourself, is the area resonating with the brand image you want to deliver to customers?
After pinning down the location, you can turn to a construction business consultant to help you develop a comprehensive budget that accounts for all aspects of construction. They often include the cost of design, material, labour, and potential contingencies that arise during the project.
Your shop’s environment speaks a lot about your brand, so it is essential to plan the structures and interior design beforehand. Work closely with architects and construction business consultants to ensure your shop’s layout maximises functionality while elaborating your brand image.
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Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Depending on where your shop is, building regulations can vary greatly. Here are some key regulations for shop owners in New South Wales.
First, all building work must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which set minimum standards for design and safety.
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) also outlines specific regulations regarding fire safety, hygiene, energy conservation, and accessibility of your shop.
Additionally, shop owners must also obtain the appropriate permits for construction, especially when changing the use of a property (e.g. from residence to commercial).
The paperwork is essential, but it can be very confusing for first-time shop owners. If this is you, consider seeking help from a construction business consultant. They often have extensive experience in helping business owners apply for construction permits.
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Choose the Right Contractors
There are many places where you can hire contractors in Sydney. Two most frequently used are Houzz and Expert360.
Houzz is a popular platform for finding design and build companies. You can search for local contractors, read reviews, and view their past projects to help you make an informed decision.
Expert360 connects businesses with a network of skilled freelancers and contractors across various sectors, including construction. They provide a streamlined hiring process that allows you to find the right expert for your project quickly.
When hiring, conduct thorough background checks to ensure your contractors have the right qualifications, such as a Certificate IV or a Diploma in Building and Construction. Better if they have experience in building a shop similar to yours.
Ask for multiple contractor quotes and compare them carefully. You can also ask construction consultants to help you put together a team to suit your needs, for they are usually well connected in the industry.
Checking references is another critical step in contractor selection. Ask their previous clients to provide feedback, and go visit their shops to see the work first hand.
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Oversee the Construction Process
If you work with a construction business consultant, you can delegate this step to them.
If you would like to get involved personally, make sure to start from the basics: ensure proper site clearing during the preparation phase, then move on to the building of walls, roof, electricity, and gas layouts.
When it comes to interior finishing, choose your floors, lights, and other decorations that match your brand’s message. To ensure efficiency and accuracy of communication, it is best for you to be onsite at least three days a week.
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Manage Costs and Timelines
Keeping your project on budget is crucial not only for your construction but also for your business’ financial health. Make sure to track expenses meticulously throughout the project by working with your consultants or contractors. Seek their guidance on how to source materials and labour at the best market rate.
You can manage your construction using project management tools, or hire someone with construction expertise to help streamline the process for you. Although this will involve some cost upfront, a good project manager will ensure your business opens on time and free from costly overruns.
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Conduct Inspections
Working with a third-party consultant to check your contractor’s building quality is crucial for long-term safety in your shop.
Pay attention to these aspects:
- Are the floors swept and vacuumed/mopped?
- Is the electricity and gas working?
- Has all trash been removed?
- Is there proper airflow in HVAC systems and vents?
- Do the finishings (such as glazing and waterproofing) meet your standard?
If any unsatisfactions arise, you can ask your consultant to produce a detailed report and flag them to your contractors immediately.
Get Started Now!
Building a dream shop is not easy, but Sydney has many experts for you to lean on. If you are looking for a construction business consultant or contractors, we offer you a free consultancy service here at Construction Concierge.
At no extra cost, we connect you with our curated network of vetted industry experts, including skilled architects, designers, and experienced project managers, all ready to bring your vision to life.
With three decades of combined industry expertise and a robust network of highly qualified professionals, we’ve successfully transformed what often feels like an overwhelming process into a smooth and enjoyable experience for countless small business owners.
Imagine your construction project unfolding seamlessly, with expert guidance at every step and no additional cost – it’s not far from reality!
Contact us today to save your valuable time and energy, let’s bring your dream shop to life together!
