You Ask | We Answer: What Does the Buildout of my Store Look Like?

Your franchise buildout has many steps involved, but we are here to explain and provide peace of mind through the process.

Construction:

The time has come! It's time to get your project under construction. To start, you'll have an on-site preconstruction meeting. This typically includes the landlord's representative, General Contractor's representative, and the franchisee if you would like. The purpose of the meeting is to start going over the rules per the site, dumpster location, porta-potty location, parking, and more.

First Payment to Your General Contractor is Due

After the on-site pre-construction meeting has been completed, you'll make your first payment to your general contractor. This first general contractor payment is paid out prior to start of construction and it allows them to get materials on order and contract with sub-contractors. The payment schedule will depend on each general contractor, but most are in three to four separate payments throughout the course of construction.

Construction Begins

Your general contractor will then plan which day to start and get on site. We required each general contractor to be on site and working within one week after the permit is in hand. From there, the subcontractors are lined up and scheduled. The general contractor will provide an overall construction schedule in first week. This shows expected dates and timeline for project completion. The schedule allows us to plan for owner deliveries and grand opening. The grand opening, pre-opening tasks, pre-sales, hiring, training, and marketing are also based on the schedule. We'll be communicating with your franchisor on these dates and copy you on all communications throughout this process.

Then, we'll set up cameras by sending them to the site for site supervisor to setup. These are so we can remotely view progress and monitor general contractor work. The site supervisor serves as the main face at the job site. They provide a weekly update of work completed, what’s expected to be completed the upcoming week, and photos.

Demolition, if needed, is first, with any saw-cutting for new plumbing coming second. Your general contractor will then pour back of these cutouts. From there, wall framing will go up.

In-wall rough-ins for plumbing and electrical, then insulation and sheet rock are applied to the walls. Finishes like flooring, tile, and paint follow. Ceiling work is underway as well during this time. MEPs (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) for your HVAC, lighting, sprinklers are also being completed at this point. Once finishes are completed, your equipment and millwork will be installed on site. Lastly, final inspections occur.

Owner Orders and Deliveries

On your project there will be items that need to be ordered by you as the franchisee. The items needed will be ordered according to the construction schedule. The construction schedule will provide dates for each item needed. These items can include kitchen equipment, gym equipment, rubber flooring, kennels, and millwork. For each item order, all material timelines are confirmed by the franchisee and general contractor. We'll also communicate this information to the franchisor providing updates along the way.

Rough-In Inspections

Rough-in is the stage of a construction project when the various mechanical, electrical, and plumbing lines are brought in. This is also the first major inspection by the local jurisdiction. This also serves as a first milestone to pay your general contractor. The inspection will ensure all electrical and plumbing are ran per code, and the proper materials for commercial building are used. A passed inspection means walls can be closed up (sheetrock added and finished) and finishes (flooring, tile, trim, base, paint, etc.) can begin.

Installation of Finishes & Equipment

Drywall, paint, flooring, base, ceiling, lighting, and fixtures will be installed (not necessarily in that order). Once finishes are installed, equipment and millwork items will follow. Your general contractor will use the schedule from the start of the project to schedule these and we will schedule your owner deliveries using it as well. The general contractor will inspect and install all deliveries, unless a third party is specified to handle it.

Final Inspections

As the project nears its end and all MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) work is completed, the site supervisor will schedule the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing final inspections. At this point, depending on your contract, it may be time for a third general contractor payment. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspectors could all be the same person, or could be three separate people. This all depends on the size of the local jurisdiction. The inspector will come through and check to make sure HVAC system is up and running, water runs, water turns hot/cold, restroom is up to code, outlets are up to code, GFCIs installed where they need to be, and much more. After these inspections are passed, the final fire and building inspections are scheduled. These include the building inspector and fire marshal. They inspect all life safety items, ADA clearance (unless in Texas where it is handled by TDLR/TAS), and overall building code for the space.

Punch Walk & Lien Waivers

You're near the end! The punch walk is a detailed walk-through of your space with the general contractor, Rollout Connection project manager, and you. Your assigned Rollout Connection project manager will fly out to your location for the punch walk. The purpose of the punch walk is to ensure the franchise buildout is up to brand standards and overall work standards. The final general contractor payment not to be released until all punch walk items are completed and signed off by franchisee and the Certificate of Occupancy is in hand. The general contractor will then release all lien waivers to client after they receive final payment and you'll be able to receive your Tenant Improvement Allowance (TI or TIA). We'll also have our construction team provide the necessary documentation to close your project out.

Certificate of Occupancy

Congratulations, you made it! All these months of working, waiting, worrying, and being full of excitement are complete with this piece of paper. Sometimes it will be electronic delivery only, and other times you may receive a hard copy in the mail. We'll help you through this process and be available for any other questions you may have.