Ideas to Reduce Construction Cost

k005h on 23/10/2014 - 23:09

Hi guys,

I'm in the middle of getting construction quotes for my gelateria/ cafe. So far, I've gotten two quotes, one waaaay off my budget, the other still pretty far off my budget. I need to bring it down by about 40k in order to fit my budget. These quotes do not include equipment or furniture, but i'll be happy to hear any suggestions on how to bring down costs in any areas.

Basically, what has been quoted for is the demolition of the existing ceiling and wall panels, installation of a new kitchen, running of all the services, installation of all joinery work, polished concrete wall, surface finishes etc.

The place used to be an old adventure equipment store, so basically a retail shop.

I know this isn't the typical sort of questions asked here, but I figured since i'm looking for a bargain, and I'm a big cheapo at heart (in a good way), I thought it would be an appropriate place. I apologise in advance if it isn't.

Will be nice to hear your ideas! Thanks!

Home & Garden

Comments

  • zolinger on 23/10/2014 - 23:39
    +1

    Im keen to see how you go but heres not a good place. Apart from the lack of photos, what good are quotes on OzB? Try and find more suppliers :). et us know how you go

  • Cheeper on 24/10/2014 - 03:20
    +3

    The best way to reduce any renovation cost is to DIY as much of it as you can.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/10/2014 - 04:01

    Promise the builders ice cream for life?

    • k005h on 24/10/2014 - 12:27

      I tried the 'ol wink and nudge but failed.. =(

  • mskeggs on 24/10/2014 - 07:53

    It's a fine line between saving money and looking dodgy.
    Do you need the whole ceiling and walls demolished? Can you go for a more "industrial" look perhaps?
    For joinery, can you source 2nd hand free standing cabinets and benches instead of building new?
    What about behind the counter - it doesn't have to be pretty, just meet food handling guidelines. Ebay sells cheap stainless prep benches and shelving as an alternative to cabinetry.
    Can you save by getting very plain surfaces, then get a sign writer to decorate them, for example?
    Hard to advise so generally - perhaps you could update with specific high cost items that we could ponder alternatives for?

    • k005h on 24/10/2014 - 12:30

      Yup, I totally agree..That can really make or break a cafe. Haha, i'm already going for the raw industrial look as much as I possibly can, so yes, good suggestion! These are some good suggestions, I will try and see how I can work them into the project.

      At this point, I don't have the itemised figures of the quotation. I'll try to get that so things will look clearer. Again, great suggestion!

  • GC1 on 24/10/2014 - 07:58

    Sometimes you just know when the right contractor walks in - you just haven't found that person yet. I did some reno's for my work and this was the case eg, suggested the right things, saw my vision, came up with some money saving ideas and was $10K cheaper than a couple of others. This guy was also great DURING the job… and that was almost the most important thing.

    If you really wanted to cheap out, you could find some painters from Gumtree and put them on a day rate and there might be some others such as laborer and tilers you could do the same for. Cooling units, you can find second hand but almost new from failed businesses.

    • k005h on 24/10/2014 - 12:36
      +1

      Yes, I understand what you mean. But it can be so hard waiting for the right guy when you're paying rent and trying to maximise summer trading period.

      Will these guys be cheaper than the builder's own blokes? He's got his own team, so not really contracting out certain things like tiling, painting, and floors. My concern is quality. I don't want to end up paying more to rectify a badly tiled wall. That would suck doubly.

      In terms of equipment, I'm trying to get new but cheaper ones, just for the warranties and peace of mind. After all, I'm going to lose so much more if a second hand fridge decides to break down over a nice hot weekend. However, we're getting some furniture 2nd hand, as well as other stuff which aren't absolutely essential to the running of the business.

      Thanks for the help!

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join