Ask before you sign

Once the lease is signed, options shrink — clarify these to avoid redesign and overruns.

Confirm shopfront specs early so you don't change halfway through renovation.

1. 1

   How must the shopfront open?

   Does the mall/building require an open front, or must a door be installed? Sizes and materials follow management rules.

2. 2

   Crystal shutter required?

   Transparent shutter specs, height and materials — branded or not? Affects quote and programme.

3. 3

   Are water/electric meters enough?

   Cookers, cold rooms and extract draw heavy load. Undersized meters mean upgrades and licence delays.

4. 4

   Ventilation and drainage?

   Existing extract points, fall of drains and grease trap locations shape kitchen layout and fire/vent drawings.

5. 5

   Any UBW (unauthorised building works)?

   Roof, lane or glasshouse UBW can stall licensing. Check ownership/status before signing.

6. 6

   Layout vs budget and fire design

   Shopfront choices drive renovation budget and fire design. Rough-check kitchen, seating and escape before lease.