Build Out Horror Stories

[ryanwanner]

Hello all!

So I'm in the middle of a build out for my coffee bar! I (stupidly?) chose a building built in 1924 for the space, and we are in the midst of the "oh wow, look at this" phase of construction. 

Since misery loves company, I come to you to hear your tales of woe! Those of you who have suffered the pains of build outs for your restaurant/coffee shop/bar/whatevs, what was the one thing that made you question reality the most?

For me, it actually was with my former location's build out. County planning wanted final say in the landscaping plan, which on the plans showed four 4'x4' planter boxes with trees in each one. Our contractor ended up putting in 3 5'x5' planter boxes. The planner, after battling us the entire length of construction over the littlest, stupidest things, came out for the final inspection. He unrolled the plans, saw the planters, got an evil smirk on his face, then pointed at the plans. "This says four planters, I only see three" then shoots me the best "gotcha" face I've ever seen.

I'm not sure what the expression on my face was since I was too busy trying to figure out if the planters were big enough to hide his body, but he got the hint that I wasn't playing around anymore. His expression changed quickly and quietly he said "but I think I'll let it go."

How 'bout you?

[SVLFever]

Oh, I can understand your pain @ryanwanner .

About 6 months prior to the pandemic I started on a $4.5 million renovation and expansion of my facility.   As we got about 80% through and already had the hole dug for the three sand volleyball courts drainage system the local electric company decided to halt my project.   It seems that the engineering firm somehow missed submitting the plans to the utility company, and we were building a fence and installing a light pole smack dab in the middle of their easement.   Construction came to a halt.   Fortunately I was able to work with the electric company to come up with a solution that allowed me to move forward, but with some changes.

Speaking of changes, there is a reason why some contractors name their boat "change order".   My best advice to anyone doing a build out is to "do everything in your power to try and get right the first time".   Another surprise during construction was when walls were going up and I somehow wondered..."where do I plug in the vacuum?".   The architect didn't add any "convenience outlets", so BAM...change order for the electrical to add these outlets.   So, go over your plans with a fine tooth comb.

Anyway, FWIW, it WILL work out....just hang in there.  Good luck with the project!!!!

[ryanwanner]

@SVLFever Ugh. At least the utility company was willing to work with you.

I don't think many people realize how many agencies need (want is probably a better word) to have their hands in your project. With that big remodel of mine, I was absolutely blown away how many people needed to sign off on the buildout. I had to change my plans within a week of starting when I realized that the county transportation department wanted me to add turn lanes to the road my building was on because if I were to add a drive through it would have "changed the nature of the business" and there would have been an "abnormal increase in traffic." That conversation was never something I thought was needed for my biz in a rural environment. Live and learn...

[tulanejeff]

For restaurants, HVAC is always the problem. 🛠😠

Architects and constructors never truly understand the heat load and cooling requirements for commercial kitchens.  Especially with hood vents exhausting so much of your conditioned air...and the make-up air bringing in hot, humid air in the summer. 😓

Find a trusted engineer and always scrutinize the architect and contractor's recommendation. We've built two commercial kitchens and in both we'd had to spend extensively to retrofit to add supplemental cooling...or replace the HVAC system entirely.

They say you need 6 tons...you really need 12 tons.

Flour Moon Bagels

New Orleans, LA

[ryanwanner]

@tulanejeff  Yes. Yes. 100% yes. And what's even more entertaining is when the county inspectors argue with the contractors. Uhmmm, no. They did put a 12 ton unit in, it's not overkill, and please go away. 

Can you tell I have a beef with the inspectors in my county? 🙂

[tulanejeff]

I see why! 😆