Restaurant Projects

The information provided here is about restaurants in general.

The designs will always vary. It all depends on the space, location, type, theme, etc.

The intent is to point out the specific building procedures required in Canada.

Public eating-places come in many forms. Take-out fast food, fine dining, family orientated, and casual dining, just to name a few types.

Every eating establishment is a commercial business.
It must meet the health, safety and fire prevention standards for public places as per the building codes.

Commercial kitchen equipment must be used. Public washrooms may also be necessary depending on the size of the space and location.

Important Procedures

1.A building permit application must be submitted to the local building department. Construction work cannot start without a building permit. This applies to new construction as well as the renovation of an existing space.

2. Construction drawings must be submitted as part of the permit application. These drawing are also used for many other stages of your project.

In order to have construction drawings, an interior designer must be hired. The interior designer will work with you to develop a design for your specific type of project. Your interior designer must be familiar with the applicable province building codes. The design and planning must comply with building code standards in order to obtain a building permit.

Once the design is established the designer will complete a set of construction drawings. Included are mechanical, plumbing or electrical engineer drawings as required for your project. The completed set of drawings will be used for permit application, for pricing and for final construction.

3. If major structural changes to a building are involved, drawings by an architect or structural engineer are required. You may hire them directly or through your interior designer. Eventually, you will also hire a qualified general contractor to build your restaurant.

4. The type of operation and location within a province will determine if other permits or licenses are required before opening for business. Check with the local building department. If the proper permits or licenses are not obtained, you will not be permitted to open.

If your plan is to open a restaurant such as a franchise of a particular chain most of the above details and design will be taken care of by the head office.

If your plan is to open a unique business, here are some important steps to consider.
Click on the following heading to learn more.

Unique Restaurant Projects