步骤二：在签署租赁合同之前找到可靠的承包商 Step 2: Secure Reliable Contractors Before Signing the Lease

 

为什么提前寻找承包商如此重要？在签署任何租赁合同之前，必须明确谁将帮助您完成餐厅的建设。因为一旦签署租赁合同，时间就开始倒计时，每一天都会带来额外的费用。如果在这个阶段还需要寻找承包商，不仅会造成不必要的开支，还会浪费宝贵的时间。提前做好准备，确保项目能够按计划顺利进行。

如何寻找承包商

  1. 利用您的人脉：
    • 向朋友、家人或同事寻求推荐，特别是那些有类似项目经验的人。
  2. 访问本地市场：
    • 前往唐人街或其他商业区，与熟悉餐厅项目的承包商或供应商建立联系。
  3. 参观施工现场或家装商店：
    • 到像Home Depot这样的家装商店或活跃的施工现场，与承包商建立联系或寻求推荐。
  4. 广泛筛选：
    • 确定多个潜在的承包商，而不仅仅是一个。这样可以比较价格、时间表和可靠性，确保选择最优选项。

选择承包商时需要注意什么

  1. 经验和业绩：
    • 优先选择您了解其工作质量或被高度推荐的承包商，他们的工艺、效率和可靠性值得信赖。
  2. 时间效率优先于价格：
    • 虽然成本是一个考虑因素，但按时完成项目更加重要。项目延误所带来的成本可能远高于略高的前期费用。

起草承包商协议

  1. 详细的工作范围：
    • 列出承包商负责的每一项任务，并确保清楚说明所承诺的内容。包括材料、时间表和质量标准等具体细节。
  2. 基于里程碑的付款：
    • 将付款结构安排在项目完成特定阶段后，而不是预付款。这样可以确保承包商的责任，并避免预付款后未按期交付的情况。
  3. 保护自己的利益：
    • 在项目里程碑完成之前，保留资金控制权。如果承包商不愿接受基于里程碑付款的结构，最好选择其他人——有很多可靠的承包商愿意接受这种方式。

关键要点

  • 在签署租赁合同之前，尽早找到承包商，避免延误和额外费用。
  • 确定多个承包商选项，以便在质量、效率和价格上进行对比。
  • 优先选择您了解或被强烈推荐的承包商。
  • 确保所有协议明确书面化，并采用基于里程碑的付款方式以保护资金。

通过采取这些积极的步骤，您可以确保餐厅建设过程顺利、高效，并按计划进行，为餐厅的成功开业奠定坚实基础。

Why is finding contractors early so crucial? Before signing any lease agreement, it’s essential to know who will help you with the build-out of your restaurant. The moment you sign the lease, the clock starts ticking, and every day becomes an expense. Delays in finding contractors during this period can lead to unnecessary costs and wasted time. Being prepared ensures you can hit the ground running and stay on schedule.

How to Find Contractors

  1. Leverage Your Network:
    • Ask friends, family, or colleagues for contractor recommendations, especially if they have prior experience with similar projects.
  2. Visit Local Markets:
    • Head to areas like your local Chinatown or business districts where other shops may have connections to contractors familiar with restaurant projects.
  3. Check Construction Sites or Home Improvement Stores:
    • Visit places like Home Depot or active construction sites to network with contractors or find recommendations.
  4. Cast a Wide Net:
    • Identify multiple potential contractors, not just one. This allows you to compare pricing, timelines, and reliability, ensuring you have the best options when it’s time to begin.

What to Look For in a Contractor

  1. Experience and Track Record:
    • It’s preferable to work with contractors whose work you’ve seen or who come highly recommended for their craftsmanship, efficiency, and reliability.
  2. Punctuality Over Price:
    • While cost is a factor, completing the project on time is far more critical. Delays can cost more than slightly higher upfront expenses.

Drafting a Contractor Agreement

  1. Detailed Scope of Work:
    • List every task the contractor is responsible for and ensure there’s clarity on what is promised. Include specifics like materials, timelines, and quality standards.
  2. Milestone-Based Payments:
    • Structure payments around project milestones rather than upfront payments. This ensures accountability and prevents situations where contractors fail to deliver after being paid.
  3. Protect Yourself:
    • Retain control of the funds until milestones are completed to your satisfaction. If a contractor is unwilling to work under milestone-based payments, it’s best to move on—there are plenty of reliable contractors who will agree to this structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Start finding contractors early, before signing a lease, to avoid delays and unnecessary expenses.
  • Identify multiple contractors to have options for quality, speed, and pricing.
  • Always prioritize contractors you know or who come with strong recommendations.
  • Ensure all agreements are documented clearly, and use milestone-based payments for financial protection.

By taking these proactive steps, you ensure your build-out process is smooth, efficient, and on schedule, setting the foundation for a successful restaurant launch.