Best Practices and up to the minute news on Customer Experience Management and Service Excellence
Best Practices and up to the minute news on Customer Experience Management and Service Excellence
Staying open and maintaining top-notch service during renovations is a challenge every business owner dreads. By focusing on some key areas, guests can still have a great experience while anticipating a fresh new look.
Whether you run a salon, restaurant, or any service-oriented spot, renovations can range from quick cosmetic fixes like a new coat of paint to serious structural updates like roof repairs or meeting building code requirements.
The trick? Careful planning, clear communication, and smart workarounds so you can keep your doors open while getting the job done.
Not all renovations are created equal.
Sometimes you’re just giving your space a fresh look, like updated appliances and artwork or installing snazzy lighting, which can instantly boost your vibe. Other times, you’re tackling big issues – structural repairs, plumbing problems, or meeting strict building codes – that are not only necessary for safety but can also disrupt daily operations.
Different upgrades require different accommodations. Map out what will be affected, then determine if what you’re working on will significantly reduce kitchen efficiency, bathroom functionality, and other essential services you can’t run your businesses without.
From there, it will be easier to determine how to operate with less resources and space.
Knowing whether your project is all about the looks or if it’s critical repairs helps you plan the next steps.
Even when you’re deep into a reno project, there are three main areas you can zero in on to keep your guests comfortable and happy: exterior signage, interior aesthetics, and accessibility.
Your business’s first impression starts with its exterior. Even if the inside is a bit of a construction zone, your doors should still look inviting. A clear, attractive sign or banner that says “We’re renovating to serve you better!” can help set expectations right away. If your entrance or parking area is affected, add extra directional signs so that customers know where to go.
Pro tip: Schedule wisely! Try to plan the noisiest or messiest work during off-hours or slower business days. This minimizes the chance of annoying your guests during peak times.
Even if parts of your interior are under construction, make sure the areas you’re open for business always look clean and finished. Use temporary décor, stylish partitions, or curtains to hide construction mess. In spaces where remodeling is happening, create a “guest zone” that feels separate from the work area.
Pro tip: Communicate early! Let customers know about any temporary changes in hours or layout through your website, newsletters, social media, or even in-store flyers. Transparency helps manage expectations.
No matter how much work is going on, ensuring that your space remains accessible is a must. Keep walkways clear and functional, and temporarily install ramps and accessible routes as needed. If construction forces changes to the layout, use clear signage and extra staff to help guide guests through temporary routes.
Pro tip: Offer a little extra! Consider offering small perks like a complimentary drink or future discount coupon to ease any inconvenience the renovations might cause. These small gestures go a long way in showing you value guests’ business.
Budget-Savvy Renovation PlanningIt’s not just global tariffs that will likely drive up renovation costs. Interest rates and supply chain delays are already making it more pricey to build restaurants. To help offset construction expenses, try this: ● Look for local suppliers. If possible, source materials that aren’t hit by tariffs. Using reclaimed materials or repurposing existing décor can add character without the high cost of new imports. ● Lock in fixed rates. Negotiate bulk pricing and flexible payment plans with contractors and suppliers. Securing a deal now can protect you against future price hikes. ● Reassess your budget. Cut back on non-essential spending like energy or discretionary marketing. Investing in energy-efficient equipment now can lower bills in the long run. ● Stagger updates. Prioritize essential structural or safety updates first and save cosmetic changes for later. This spreads costs over time and minimizes the financial burden. ● Seek Incentives. Research government rebates, tax credits, or low-interest loans for renovations that boost energy efficiency or accessibility. |
At the end of the day, while guest experience matters a lot, safety is absolutely non-negotiable. Any structural issues, roof fixes, or code compliance projects are there to protect everyone.
Temporary fixes or cosmetic upgrades are great, but they should never replace the need for thorough, safe renovations. If this means springing for extra to schedule construction after closing time, make it happen. Always keep the most hazardous work off-limits during business hours.
If closing down is the safest option, then it might be the only option.
Keep a strict schedule for safety inspections and don’t cut corners – even if it means a slightly longer renovation period.
A challenging renovation period can turn into an opportunity to refresh your business and even boost customer loyalty. Whether you’re tackling a quick facelift or major structural updates, remember: honest communication and a genuine commitment to quality will keep your guests smiling through any renovation chaos.
By focusing on maintaining clear exterior signs, keeping interior spaces looking polished, and ensuring everyone can get around easily, you can emerge from the renovation process stronger and more trusted than ever before.
Copyright © 2025 The Gem - All Rights Reserved.