Cafés
Order Counter Renovation Planning for Cafés
Survey existing services and finishes before committing to a demolition or reuse plan. Identify what can stay and where hidden work may surface.
Explore the ideas
Walkthrough checklist
- Record existing walls, openings, services and damage, then verify uncertain items with the appropriate trade.
- Separate required repairs from optional replacements so quotes show where the budget goes.
- Agree which access, isolation, removal and protection steps are needed before work starts.
Worked example
An older entry has an uneven floor and a door that appears to scrape only during humid weather.
Record the floor levels and door movement before specifying new flooring or trimming the door. Ask the appropriate trade to inspect the cause and identify what work could affect the scope.
How to test it
Walk through the marked-up plan with the installer and record conditions that would change scope or cost.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Place ordering first and pickup farther along the counter, with a queue lane that does not cross the entrance.
- Detail
- Make the menu legible from the queue and use a durable counter edge that tolerates bags and trays.
- Trade-off
- A longer counter clarifies stages but reduces room for seating.
- Simulate ordering and pickup at a busy moment
- Check menu readability from the back of the queue
The Elixir portfolio
Details worth a closer look
