Mm… You can smell the fresh baked goods now. You dream of opening a business, but there’s a slim picking of retail spaces, and loans are too high and risky. You’ve gone through the real estate listings, and you see mostly houses. Houses—that reminds you of something.
You once saw a home converted into a store, and you remember how insanely awesome the concept was. You can make that happen by reading how to transform a residential space into a café.
Stay Up-to-Date on Zoning Laws
Residential spaces are beautiful, and so many have gone through magnificent changes to become restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops. However, the changes weren’t there before, mainly due to the zoning laws.
Many business owners with transformed residential space businesses can tell you that they need to research the laws and regulations before touching any part of the property. The first thing you can do now is head to your town hall and ask about the zoning laws in your state and town.
Since you’re converting into commercial property, you need to know that the zoning is different. You may be limited to certain things, such as space, depending on the property. For some coffee shops, they’re so small they end up only being a grab-and-go.
Overall, learn your local zoning laws and speak with an attorney about your options before agreeing to anything.
Do a Thorough Inspection
After acquiring the space, now it’s time for an inspection. This inspection has to do with the health and safety of the public. A professional from your city can note what areas need fixing before you start renovations.
The following needs to be looked at before you can start construction:
- The HVAC system
- Insulation issues
- Mold problems
- Bug infestations
Map Out Your Layout
During your inspection, you want to look at the space. If there’s not a ton of space, you’ll need to make the most of it. The first step is to look at ventilation. If you plan for a sit-down area inside, look for bay windows that open easily and give the most light.
Secondly, if you have additional room in the backyard, convert it into a more intimate area where you can hold special events, such as weddings, concerts, or open mic nights. Ensure that the layout allows for enough room to accommodate every customer.
Start Your Conversion
Now that you planned it out, it’s time to convert. It’s an exhilarating process that will set you up for success. As you make changes, ensure you have dumpsters to haul out your construction debris. Think about the design, lights, and what background music you want.
This is the start of learning how to convert a residential space into a coffee shop. Your transitioned space will be the talk of the town and one that many will love visiting.
