Shop Refurb

[bianchije]

Hey guys,
Looking for some advice. I'm wondering how big of a project converting a small retail space in Hackney, London- in terms of plumbing is (assuming there's a pre existing toilet and water supply) into a cafe/bar.
So essentially plumbing a coffee machine, glass/dish washer and a sink (or two).

*Is this a major project in the scheme of things?

*Any rough suggestions on how much I'd be spending on job like that? (I understand it's never going to be too accurate)

*Would concrete or tiled flooring make it more difficult than if the existing floors were timber?

If it's something you specialise in feel free you give me your details so we could discuss it further.
Cheers,
Julien

 

[Barry98]

Get some professionals in I've done my share and there not as easy you think it may be

 

[SimonG]

Location might help

 

[erpkid]

As I have mentioned before.......no foreplay....not even a peck on the cheek.

 

[bianchije]

Sorry if i haven't given enough love! Can I backtrack and say hi to everybody as this is my second post.

I've overlooked that bit of information. Hackney, London

 

[SimonG]

As I have mentioned before.......no foreplay....not even a peck on the cheek.

Its like a Saturday night in the wine bar

 

[bianchije]

Thanks BOD,
What sort of plumber do I look for? Where is a good place to start?
Sorry if I've got no idea, I'm new to this and doing my best and
I'm sorry if I was rude not introducing myself before posting asking for help

 

[Ermintrude]

Firstly will you have any gas cooking appliances?

I personally would go for some one with catering experience. Your £12k barista and £5k dishwashers will appreciate softened water and right drainage for a start.

 

[TBServices]

Those coffee machines are a bloody nightmare when they're not draining right

 

[bianchije]

It's a coffee only venture, so theres no worry about kitchen/gas. I'm aware of the water filter for the espresso machine, it doesn't seem difficult or expensive to install.
My real query is about the drainage and water source and how hard it is to deploy. The only water and drainage is in the bathroom, can it simply be extended to the front of the shop or is it much more complicated than that?
Thanks for all the responses guys

 

[MOSSEP]

Its will be just as big a job getting an adequate electric supply on top of the plumbing work. If you have plans or photo's of the building it would help. Don't put coffee grounds down the sink either, they area pig for blocking them!

 

[Ermintrude]

We recommend a grease trap type arrangement with all "seed / bean grinding" sinks and sumps at front and back of house should go via a tank. Even the best outlets out 30% of waste down drains. Hackney is a very old sewerage network. They will trace your bean induced blockage from the northern outfall back to your door and then you get a £125k bill !

 

[bianchije]

Hmm thanks guys,
The cafe is prospective at the moment as I'm tossing up between taking an existing cafe/bar or renting a small retail space and converting it (will save a lot of rent in the long run).
I realise it's pretty difficult to answer without plans so I guess I've just tried to make the question as general as possible (an empty square space with hot/cold water and toilet at the rear).
I've seen these conversions, they seem to be quite common- but whether they are complicated and expensive is another kettle of fish!

 

[MOSSEP]

Unless you have a friend who is a plumber, you are unlikely to get anyone to knowingly give you price for a job that you may not intend to have done.

With more details from you, you may have a bit of luck getting a ballpark figure - plans, pictures, photo's, equipment spec would all help.

Regards

Martin

 

[bianchije]

Thanks, I guess I should have been more clear. An estimated price is definitely secondary to actually just understanding whether it could feasibly be a practical situation. I must admit I do see these conversions quite frequently so maybe I've under estimated the cost and difficulty that they really require. Do shop fitters deal directly with plumbers in a scenario like this, or would you have a plumber inspect the plans/site first?

 

[MOSSEP]

In most shop fitting projects you would have one main contractor who would take on the whole job and would then deal with and arrange all other specialist trades. You may take on this role yourself and deal with the relevant trades - plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters etc... but it would not be advised if you do not have a good understanding of what they are required to do.

ultimately, anything is feasible, its all depends on whether the cost of it is within your budget.

 

[Ray Stafford]

I agree with Mossep and other posters. There will almost certainly be plumbing, electrical, carpentry, plastering and painting and decorating - plus the signwriters, the alarm company, the fire extinguisher people - plus regulatory authorities like Building control and environmental health.

Being a small space can make it worse, as the trades are all in each others way.

It can be done, but without some background its both stressy managing it yourself, and prone to hidden costs due to inexperience in managing multiple trades.