How to use it: work top to bottom. Do not start construction until the “Approvals” block is complete — that single discipline prevents most stop-work orders and insurance voidance.
Before you sign the lease
- Confirm the permitted use in the lease and the planning approval
- Get the landlord’s or centre’s fit-out guide in writing
- Check available power, water, gas and grease riser capacity
- Check floor loading and ceiling height
- Confirm make-good obligations and after-hours access rules
- Check trading hours and any exclusivity/competition clauses
- Confirm whether the shopfront and signage are yours to change
Design and documentation
- Measured survey of the tenancy
- Layout with egress widths and accessible path of travel
- Joinery drawings and finishes schedule
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire drawings
- Acoustic and odour assessment if food or late trading
- Signage design within the planning exemption limits
Approvals
- Engage a building surveyor / certifier
- Lodge development consent if the use changes
- Lodge building approval with documentation
- Lodge plumbing permit and trade waste / grease trap consent
- Apply for food business registration
- Apply for liquor licence if applicable
- Apply for footpath trading permit if seating outside
- Check heritage or design overlay requirements
Procurement
- Three itemised quotes compared line by line
- Licence number verified with the regulator
- Contract with scope, programme, variations and defects liability
- Joinery and imported item lead times confirmed
- Insurance certificates: public liability, workers comp, contract works
Construction
- Site establishment, hoarding and skip permits
- Demolition and make-safe; asbestos check if pre-2004
- Services rough-in: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire
- Framing, partitions and ceilings
- Joinery install and shopfront
- Finishes: floors, walls, tiling, painting
- Signage install after approval
Inspections and handover
- Rough-in inspections at the required stages
- Final building inspection
- Fire services certification and fire safety schedule
- Food premises inspection
- Liquor premises inspection
- Occupation certificate issued
- As-built drawings, warranties and O&M manuals handed over
- Defects list agreed with a rectification period
Guidance only. Requirements vary by state, council and building classification. Confirm with your building surveyor or certifier.