Deciding to open a restaurant is an exciting experience, but designing one can seem overwhelming. It's a complex task with plenty of opportunities to make errors that interfere with your success. Fortunately, you avoid the typical mistakes outlined below by working with a commercial contractor. 

What Are Common Restaurant Design Errors?

1. Insufficient Parking Lots

When there aren't enough parking spaces, patrons will decide to go elsewhere. For this reason, the restaurant's lot should provide easy and safe access for customers while minimizing street traffic flow interruptions. 

You typically need one parking space for every 75 to 100 square feet of building for a dine-in service, but a commercial contractor will help you narrow down the appropriate amount. They'll also ensure the plans meet local building and traffic codes, as well as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). 

2. Insufficient Seating Capacity

Poor arrangement of tables, chairs, benches, and booths interferes with the dining experience. This is a common design problem, with inexperienced business owners placing furnishings in high-traffic areas, leaving guests to deal with too much noise. 

Overcrowding, which arises due to a lack of seating capacity, also negatively affects a restaurant. Fortunately, working with an architect and commercial contractor will ensure you incorporate the best seating options. 

3. Poor Restroom Door Placement

Diners pay attention to bathroom doors. They prefer fixtures they can push when exiting to avoid touching any handles after washing their hands. When possible, place the bathroom in a location where the door can open both out and in with equal ease. If that is not an option, have a waste bin right by the door. With this measure, customers can use a paper towel to open the door and throw the trash away immediately.

For help designing a restaurant, turn to BHI General Contracting in Fairfield, OH. Building developers and restaurant owners throughout the Tri-State area seek the services this skilled commercial contractor offers. With nearly 20 years of experience, they have built a reputation for finishing their projects on time and within budget. To see examples of their commercial projects, visit their website. Call (513) 330-5686 to ask questions or schedule an appointment.