A Restaurant build-out is serious business with extra rules and numerous regulations. Both the restaurant designer and commercial construction partner must have an up-to-date knowledge of code and health department requirements. When compiling a checklist for your restaurant construction project, it is crucial to include these necessary regulations along with design aesthetics and general function.

Below are some examples of items to include on a restaurant build-out checklist. Of course, always ensure that you and your restaurant construction professionals have expert understanding of health department requirements for your specific project.

Lighting – All lighting used in restaurant construction must be covered where opened food, linens, utensils, and food prep surfaces are present to avoid possible glass shatter in cooking and serving areas.

Ventilation – Ventilation must be in place in the restaurant to prevent excess condensation, steam, and heat in the building. When ventilation is needed, it must be vented to the outside.

Walls – Any walls in food preparation, storage, and dish washing areas must be easy to clean, smooth, and of a non-porous material. Walls must also be free from cracks or holes. Sealants are required to protect against rodents and insects.

Floors – Flooring in food prep, storage, and dish washing areas is required to be easy to clean, smooth, and of a non-porous material. Carpeting may be approved in certain areas, but it must be easy to clean and maintain. Carpeting is never allowed in restroom facilities.

Storage – Storage is an important consideration in restaurant construction. Chemicals and other hazardous materials require separate storage areas to avoid potential contamination near food, equipment, or utensils. Garbage must have a contained and separate storage area. Food must also be stored in appropriate conditions with proper refrigeration as necessary and elevation of at least six inches from the floor.

The above examples are intended as basic guidance and do not replace applicable laws and regulations. Numerous standards apply to restaurant construction, and partnering with a knowledgeable and experienced restaurant designer and expert restaurant construction team is critical.

90 Degree Construction has completed a Café Sunflower location move and the restaurant build-out project in Buckhead of Atlanta, Georgia, among several others. We understand what it takes to build or renovate a restaurant.

At 90 Degree Construction, we bring professionalism, integrity, and quality workmanship to commercial construction projects in Georgia and beyond.