Your Guide to Opening a New Salon, Café, or Retail Shop: Costs, Permits & Design Tips
Whether you're launching a new business or expanding an existing one, there’s a lot to think about—believe me, I get it. As a business owner myself and someone who has guided dozens of entrepreneurs through the space planning process, I’ve noticed a few common (and costly) things that often get overlooked. In the excitement of opening a new location, it’s easy to underestimate timelines, renovation costs, and the permitting process. After countless conversations around these very challenges, I decided to put together this blog to share some insights. While every project and location is unique, my goal is to give you a helpful starting point—especially when it comes to budgeting, permits, and designing a space that truly reflects your brand and keeps customers coming back.
How much will a commercial renovation actually cost me?
One of the first questions I’m asked is, “How much is this going to cost?”—and the honest answer is: it depends. I’ve seen commercial renovations come in under $100 per square foot, and others exceed $300 per square foot. Budgets can vary dramatically based on the size and condition of the space, as well as the level of customization needed to bring your vision to life. For customer-facing businesses like salons, cafés, restaurants, or boutiques, there’s often a strong desire to create a space that feels unique and memorable—which can quickly increase costs. Beyond the obvious elements like finishes and furnishings, many business owners are surprised by less-visible (but essential) expenses such as HVAC upgrades, electrical or plumbing improvements, and accessibility requirements. The best way to stay on track is to plan well in advance and set aside a 10–20% contingency fund to cover the unexpected. When you work with an experienced interior designer, you also gain access to detailed drawings and specifications, which make it easier to obtain clear, itemized quotes—helping ensure fair pricing and fewer surprises as the project moves forward.
How long will it take to get my new business open?
Another common question I hear is, “How long will it take to get everything ready?” And while every project is different, most people are surprised by how much time is involved—especially when it comes to planning and approvals. On average, you should expect at least 4+ weeks for the design phase alone, which includes space planning, concept development, and preparing the drawings needed for permits and construction quotes. Commercial building permits, in Ontario can take another 4–6+ weeks depending on your municipality and whether there are any zoning considerations, and construction timelines often run anywhere from 6–12 weeks or more. Sometimes, parts of these phases can overlap, but one of the best ways to speed things up is to start working with a designer before you sign the lease or take possession of the space. Early space planning can help uncover potential limitations or costly surprises and ensure your layout works for your operations—saving you both time and money down the line. Many delays happen simply because people wait too long to engage professionals, only to realize they're stuck waiting on permits or redesigns later.
Do I need a Building Permit?
A big area of confusion for many small business owners is permits—specifically, which ones are required and when. The reality is, if you're making any changes to plumbing, electrical, walls, signage, accessibility features, or the use (ie. turning an office into retail, or a restaurant into an office) you’ll likely need a permit before construction can begin. Also, don't assume that the last actual use reflects what the city has on file. It is always a good idea to talk to your municipal zoning department before you sign a lease. Not having the proper permits can lead to costly delays, fines, or even having to undo completed work. Permits can take anywhere from a few of weeks to a few months depending on your municipality, so don’t leave this step to the last minute—it's one of the most common reasons opening dates get pushed.
How to create a space that reflects your brand and keeps customers coming back!
Designing your space is about so much more than picking finishes or furniture—it’s your chance to tell a story and create an experience that resonates with your customers. A well-designed space that aligns with your brand values can make people feel something the moment they walk through the door—whether that’s calm, energized, inspired, or welcomed. For salons, cafés, and boutiques in particular, creating a space that’s not only functional but memorable can be a game-changer. Think about the sensory details: lighting, layout, music, scent, textures, even how people move through the space. What do you want them to feel? What do you want them to share? The goal isn’t just to attract customers, but to make them want to come back—and bring a friend. When the design supports your brand and operations, everything from service flow to customer engagement becomes easier and more impactful.
Most common mistakes when renovating a commercial space
After years of working with small business owners across industries, I’ve seen a few patterns when it comes to renovation and fit-out mistakes—and many of them are totally avoidable with the right guidance. One of the biggest missteps is rushing through the design phase or skipping it altogether, assuming that a contractor alone can bring the vision to life. Without a solid plan and drawings, it’s easy for costs to spiral and for the final outcome to fall short of your goals. Another common issue is underestimating timelines—especially when it comes to permits and lead times for materials. I also see people investing in trendy finishes that don’t hold up in high-traffic environments, leading to expensive replacements sooner than expected. Finally, many new business owners design for where they are now rather than where they want to grow. A little foresight can go a long way in ensuring your space evolves with your business.
Opening a new salon, café, or retail space is an exciting milestone—but it comes with a learning curve. From understanding real renovation costs to navigating permit requirements and designing a space that truly reflects your brand, there are a lot of moving parts to manage. The good news? With proper planning and the right team by your side, you can avoid costly surprises and create a space that not only looks great but also supports your business goals. My hope is that this guide gives you a solid starting point as you prepare to open your doors. If you're looking for more support or want to talk through your ideas, hit the "contact us button". Creating beautiful, functional spaces that help small businesses thrive is what we do best.
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