Top 10 Mistakes Business Owners Make During A Commercial Renovation
Commercial renovations look simple from the outside.
A few walls come down, new furniture arrives, the lighting is upgraded and suddenly the space looks transformed.
In reality, every delayed opening or blown budget usually traces back to a handful of predictable mistakes that could have been avoided with the right design and planning.
As a London based design build studio, Accanto Interiors is often invited into rescue projects where a commercial renovation has started without a clear interior design strategy. We see the same problems appear again and again, across restaurants, hotels, clinics and other commercial spaces.
This guide shares the most common mistakes business owners make during a commercial renovation and how to avoid them so your project opens on time, on budget and on brand.
The Most Common Commercial Renovation Mistakes
Starting Without A Proper Design Plan
This is the number one cause of chaos. Many business owners hire a builder before they bring in a commercial interior designer.
Without a complete design plan, the project turns into a moving target. Drawings change, materials change, trades return to redo work and costs quietly creep up. Design defines scope, materials, services and permissions. If it is not finalised before the build starts, you end up paying for indecision later.
How to avoid it:
Complete your interior design drawings, specifications and layouts before you sign any construction contract or approve a final quote.
Ignoring Brand Identity
A commercial space is your physical brand, not just your decor.
We often see restaurants, clinics or retail spaces that look stylish but could belong to almost anyone. The result is a nice interior with no story, no recognisable identity and no reason for customers to stay loyal.
How to avoid it:
Treat interior design as a strategic extension of your brand. Every surface, light and material should express your positioning, values and customer experience, especially when you hire a commercial interior designer in London’s competitive market.
Underestimating The Cost Of Compliance
Fire systems, extraction, accessibility and health regulations are not optional extras. They are part of the core build.
Ignoring them does not save money. It simply shifts the cost into delays, failed inspections and rework. Council rejections or missing documentation can push an opening back by months.
How to avoid it:
Involve an experienced design build studio from day one. Make sure your team understands planning policy, CQC requirements for clinics, building control and landlord approvals so compliance is integrated into the design.
Choosing The Cheapest Quote
Low quotes often hide missing scopes such as electrics, plumbing, professional fees or project management. These items then appear as extras once the project is already underway, making it hard to walk away.
How to avoid it:
Compare scope, not just price. A transparent quote should include drawings, finishes, MEP works, compliance and a realistic contingency. Ask how changes are handled and what is included in project management.
There is always someone cheaper. If a commercial fit out quote looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Forgetting That Timeline Equals Cash Flow
Every week your site sits closed affects your revenue, your team and your brand.
Delays in commercial renovation projects often come from poor coordination. Electricians wait on joinery, joinery waits on flooring, flooring waits on lighting and so on. One delay can knock the entire programme out of sync.
How to avoid it:
Ask for a detailed programme or Gantt chart before the build begins. It should show tasks, lead times, dependencies and delivery dates so you can see how decisions and changes affect your opening date.
Not Accounting For Services And Extraction
Behind every beautiful restaurant fit out or clinic interior design lies a complex layer of services.
In restaurants, extraction can easily reach £30,000 or more. In clinics, medical grade plumbing and specification can double the cost of typical systems. These essential elements are often underestimated or left out of early budgets.
How to avoid it:
Design around MEP first, not after finishes are chosen. Plan ventilation, power, drainage and air conditioning with the same care you give to colour and furniture. A space that looks good but is uncomfortable or non compliant will not perform.
Buying Furniture Too Early
It is tempting to order furniture as soon as you fall in love with a piece or see a sale.
However, when clients purchase furniture before layouts are final, they often discover it does not fit, blocks key circulation routes or fails fire regulations. Returning large items can be time consuming and expensive.
How to avoid it:
Approve the final layout, fire rating and delivery access before placing orders. Procurement should follow design, not lead it. Your commercial interior designer can help you build a phased procurement plan that matches the programme.
Micromanaging During Construction
Once construction starts, constant design tweaks slow everything down.
Every small change requires contractors to stop, recost and rework. While it feels like you are protecting quality, you may be undermining both the timeline and the budget.
How to avoid it:
Make key decisions early and trust your project manager or design build studio to deliver. A good team will give you structured updates, site photos and regular meetings so you stay informed without needing to direct every detail.
Neglecting Lighting And Acoustics
Many commercial spaces fail not because they look bad, but because they feel uncomfortable.
Poor lighting can make food look unappetising or task areas impractical. Harsh acoustics can make it hard for guests to hear each other or for staff to communicate. Both issues reduce dwell time and average spend.
How to avoid it:
Treat lighting and acoustic design as early essentials, not last minute add ons. Your designer should consider colour temperature, beam angles, sound absorption and zoning from concept stage, especially in restaurant fit outs and hospitality spaces.
Forgetting The End Goal: Profit
Every design decision should support your business model.
Better seating flow means more tables per hour. Clear zoning makes staff workflows faster. Calm acoustics and comfortable lighting increase dwell time and average spend. Design is not decoration. It is a commercial strategy.
How to avoid it:
Work with a studio that understands both interior design and business performance. Ask how each design choice supports revenue, efficiency or brand strength so your investment in commercial fit out costs translates into measurable returns.
Case Study: Soho Café Rescue
A client approached us after spending £180,000 on what was sold as a fast build. The space looked finished on the surface, but the ventilation failed inspection, finishes peeled within weeks and lighting left large parts of the cafe in shadow.
We stripped the scheme back to its essentials and redesigned around services, layout and guest experience. In six weeks the café reopened with a clearer brand story, 40% higher capacity and consistent 5 star reviews.
Fast is not cheap if you have to do it twice. to be viral, but because it felt unique, considered and instantly recognisable in a feed.
Key Takeaways
Renovation mistakes can be expensive, but they are also predictable.
If you plan properly, budget honestly and choose a partner who designs with business in mind, your commercial renovation in London can become a long term asset rather than a stressful interruption. In commercial interiors, strategy is the new luxury.
Accanto Interiors is a London design build studio for restaurants, hotels, clinics and commercial developments. We manage every stage of the process, from interior design and branding to build and compliance, so you can focus on running your business.
Working With Accanto Interiors
Accanto Interiors is a London based design build studio for heritage and luxury homes. We blend architecture, interiors, and construction into one seamless process, so your project feels curated rather than chaotic.
If you are planning a renovation of a Victorian, Georgian, or Edwardian property and want to combine old and new interiors without losing the character you first fell in love with, we would be delighted to help.
Book a consultation via our website and start shaping the next chapter of your home’s story.
Commercial Renovation And Fit Out FAQs
Most Common Questions
When should I start planning a commercial renovation?
Start planning at least 3 to 6 months before construction. This allows time for design development, approvals, pricing and value engineering so there are fewer surprises on site.
Do I need planning permission for interior works?
Usually, simple interior works do not require planning permission. You may need it if you are changing the use class, altering the facade or working in a listed building or conservation area.
What is the biggest mistake business owners make when renovating?
The biggest mistake is starting construction without a complete design. It leads to scope changes, delays and rising costs as trades return to redo work.
Who manages the renovation process?
Your project manager or design build team should coordinate all trades, deliveries, inspections and compliance so you have a single point of contact.
How do I know if my builder can handle a commercial project?
Check past projects, ask for references and make sure they understand commercial compliance, not just residential work. Look for experience in your sector, whether that is restaurants, clinics or offices.
Budget And Cost Control
What is the average cost of a commercial fit out in London?
Commercial fit out costs in London typically range from £1,500 to £4,000 per square metre, depending on quality, complexity and type of business.
Why do commercial renovations often go over budget?
Budgets overrun when design decisions, permissions or materials change mid project. Late changes usually mean extra labour, rework and extended programmes.
What is the best way to control costs during a build?
Work with fixed specifications, sign off materials early and use milestone based payments tied to visible progress. Clear drawings and a detailed scope reduce variation orders.
Should I include a contingency in my budget?
Yes. Always allow 10 to 15% for unexpected site conditions or upgrades so you can respond to issues without compromising the core design.
Is it cheaper to renovate or relocate?
In most cases, renovation is more cost effective than relocation. You retain your location, licence and brand recognition while upgrading the space.
Design And Execution
Why is a design build model better for commercial projects?
A design build studio keeps design and construction under one contract. This alignment reduces errors, handovers and delays because one team is responsible for the full journey.
Do I really need an interior designer for a commercial renovation?
Yes. A commercial interior designer ensures your space looks good, functions efficiently, meets regulations and enhances profit. They also coordinate services, fixtures and finishes with your brand.
Can you renovate without closing my business?
Sometimes. For minor refurbishments, it is possible to work around trading hours. For full fit outs, phased work or a temporary closure is usually safer and faster.
How long does a typical commercial renovation take?
Most projects run for 10 to 20 weeks, depending on site condition, design complexity and the level of service installation required.
What are the biggest causes of delay?
Late decisions, missing materials and unclear drawings are common causes of delay. Professional planning and early sign offs help prevent them.
Compliance And Legal
What approvals do I need for a restaurant or clinic renovation?
You will typically need building control approval, possibly a planning application and health and safety and fire compliance certification. Some clinics also require approvals linked to CQC compliant design.
What is a CQC compliant design?
For healthcare spaces, CQC compliant design refers to layouts and finishes that meet hygiene, privacy and accessibility standards required by the Care Quality Commission.
Do I need a Party Wall Agreement for commercial works?
Yes, if your property shares walls or structure with neighbours. Party Wall Agreements are a legal requirement before noisy or structural work begins.
What insurance do I need?
Ensure both your business and your contractor have appropriate cover, including public liability, employer’s liability and contractor’s all risk insurance.
Can I get help with permits and paperwork?
Yes. A full service design build studio like Accanto Interiors can manage planning, building control and compliance documents as part of a turnkey package.
Business And Return On Investment
How does interior design affect my revenue?
Layout, lighting and acoustics have a direct impact on customer comfort, dwell time and average spend. Well designed commercial interiors support staff efficiency as well as guest experience.
What is the ROI of a good fit out?
A professionally designed commercial space can increase turnover by 15 to 40% through improved experience, better flow and more efficient use of space.
Is it worth investing in high quality finishes?
Yes. Durable, well specified finishes last longer, age better and support a premium perception of your brand. Low cost finishes often fail early and cost more to replace.
How do I choose between renovating and expanding?
Analyse capacity, rent and projected ROI. Expansion only makes sense if your existing site is already operating efficiently and demand justifies additional space.
How does Accanto ensure project success?
Accanto Interiors combines architecture, branding and construction within one team. With one vision and one contract, you benefit from a joined up process with less chaos and more control.