A remodel or renovation can improve a location’s aesthetics, strengthen its brand and enhance its merchandising, but getting through the construction can be a challenge. Dave Shoemaker, owner of Shoemaker’s Travel Plaza, experienced a rebuild several years ago and shared his insights on surviving a renovation with NATSO.
Be willing to pitch in. Either the owner or someone on staff may have to jump in from time to time. “There are a lot of times that something needed to be done so the next construction sub could come in and do their job, and the last thing that you want is them to come in and you are not ready,” Shoemaker said.
Do business with someone that does business with you. “It becomes a pride of ownership, and it is always good to give money back to the people that are supporting you,” Shoemaker said. “I have been very fortunate in that way.”
Have meetings with the construction subcontractors. Shoemaker recommends talking with subcontractors daily. “The first thing that I told all of them is that if the design looks stupid and wastes money and you have a better way, let’s do it,” he said, adding that things that look good on paper don’t always look good to those doing the work. “Sometimes it makes the architect unhappy, and we would change things on the fly.”
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