How to grow your salon clientele: Strategies for success

Long-term relationships with clients are desirable for any salon business. They are the recipe for steady sales, business expansion, and publicity. However, attracting clients is a challenging task without an existing client base. Therefore, it is necessary to make every effort to promote your salon’s services.

The purpose of this blog is to provide tips on how to grow your salon clientele. These ideas will help new salon owners and those looking to expand their existing client base. Choosing the right strategy for attracting clients will make this process pay off in spades.

Basics of building a salon clientele

When starting your hunt for clients, it’s important to focus on three key areas: emphasizing effective customer service, building trust, and bringing it all together for the satisfaction of every client. Here’s how each of these areas contributes to sustainable growth:

• Quality service. This is the fundamental principle of customer retention. If clients are happy with the hair, nail, or other beauty services they have received, they will always come back. To achieve this, stylists must be professional and use high-quality products to ensure clients are delighted with the results.
• Trust-based relationships. Clients return to stylists they trust. You need to establish rapport with them and listen to their wants and needs before you get down to business. Many clients like to talk about their personal lives, problems, and successes, so active listening is the pillar of a trust-based atmosphere. This kind of connection guarantees that new clients will become regulars, and as a result, they will recommend you to others.
• High satisfaction rates. Customers tend to remember when they have been treated as special. It is your attitude and small extras that can make them feel this way, such as tea, coffee, or a gift.

More actionable strategies

Building a salon clientele from scratch is a tall order. The challenge is how to properly establish a client base when people haven’t had the opportunity to see your work yet. Below, you will find strategies with benefits and practical tips to apply after opening a salon suite without clientele.

Bringing it out in the open with digital marketing

Here are the key digital marketing tactics that will help you effectively attract new clientele for your salon business:

1. Social media marketing. Instagram and Facebook are perfect for salons to target because they allow you to visually demonstrate your work. Post before and after photos to captivate potential clients. Hashtags should be geolocalized, and advertising should attract subscribers from your region.
2. Google My Business (GMB). Having a GMB profile helps your salon show up in local searches and on Maps. This means that any potential client can find your salon, contact information, and opening times and even read what others are saying about your studio. Edit your profile from time to time.
3. Search engine optimization. Let’s make it clear: this strategy will only work if you are looking to run your salon in the long term. SEO takes time to pay off and is great for expanding your clientele as you get going.

How to increase salon clientele through referrals and reviews

You can start by gathering recommendations and positive reviews. Word of mouth, for example, is one of the most effective forms of business promotion, and implementing a referral program is one of the best ways to make it work. Your clients should be interested, so offer them a reward for their recommendations. This could be a free procedure, participation in a master class, or a discount on their next appointment.

As for positive reviews, you can ask satisfied clients to rate their experience by describing their impressions of the procedure they have received or simply rating your salon online. The most effective way to encourage them to do this is to write a personalized text message or email thanking them for visiting and including a link to your reviews page. 

Experience shows that potential clients trust reviews they can read on Google, Instagram, and Facebook.

How to increase clientele in a salon through education and engagement

Clients, especially women, are eager to try new styles and learn new techniques and treatments, so offering them will make your salon popular. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the game:

1. Zero in on trends. New beauty trends, products, and techniques are emerging all the time. To keep your customers interested, you should know what’s generating buzz right now. Simply checking out the most popular blogs and following leading beauty professionals’ social media accounts can help you stay on top of trends.
2. Seminars and training. These could be events where clients learn to achieve a certain look at home or harness some beauty techniques. Such events can position you as an expert and make customers feel connected to your brand.
3. Continuing education for stylists. To become a successful business in the beauty industry, you should focus on learning new techniques. Explain to your stylists that they should continue their education by attending seminars or courses.

Maintaining and expanding your clientele

Online ads and word of mouth are the answers to how to build a salon clientele fast. That said, attracting clients is one thing, and customer loyalty through repeat visits is another.

The first impression should be as positive as possible. Create an atmosphere of trust and care, and make sure that the results match the visitor’s expectations. Then, allow clients to earn points or interest them in the 5th or 10th free treatment. 

Small gestures go a long way. Simply remembering the client’s name and the product or music they like can have a positive effect on their experience in your studio. Such little things are phenomenally effective for building long-term relationships and expanding your client base.

Now you know how to increase clientele in your salon. When new clients show up, use the most appropriate strategies to engage them so that people always want to come back. Happy clients mean the prosperity of your salon.

What are salon suite franchise opportunities?

Opening a salon suite is a great way to establish your name in the beauty industry, but the typical entrepreneurial path can be complicated and cost-intensive. Fortunately, it isn’t your only way to go. Beauty salon franchises mark a shift in how beauty professionals can launch their businesses without spending months on preparation and hundreds of thousands of dollars on setting things up.

If you’re considering this concept, here’s everything you need to know about franchising, costs, and how to choose the best salon suite franchise to enter the industry in style.

The definition of salon suite franchising

Franchising, also known as commercial partnership, is an entrepreneurial system that allows you to reduce business risks and land on the profit-generating path right off the bat. The franchisor is the owner of a brand that authorizes the franchisee (you) to open a suite under their name. You are authorized to use the distinctive signs, know-how, and training provided by the brand owner while running your business according to their standards and management criteria.

Salon suite franchising is an innovative concept that offers private, fully equipped spaces for beauty professionals, such as beauticians, hair stylists, and makeup artists. Instead of injecting money into opening a traditional salon, professionals can rent or purchase a custom salon suite franchise to run their business.

This partnership formula is a winning option for those who want to start a beauty business without facing the logistical and organizational problems typical of a full-fledged salon.

Pros and cons of salon suite franchising

Salon franchising is a more structured and less risky business model than launching a studio from the ground up. That said, it is vital to the success of your business to evaluate the costs and any restrictions imposed by the franchisor. These differ among salon suite franchise opportunities and may sometimes outweigh all the great things you could get with a franchise.

Here’s why beauty professionals can have a good thing going with franchises:

• Full support with interior design, setup, training, and marketing strategies
• The initial investment is way lower than launching operations on your own
• The reliability of the franchise can make it easier to obtain bank loans or financing
• Facilities can be tailored to personal needs and those of your customers
• The proven model reduces uncertainty compared to stand-alone operations
• Affiliation with a well-known brand is great for building customer loyalty
• Access to centralized resources (ongoing education, updates on beauty trends, etc.)
• The franchisor often takes care of supplies and national or regional advertising
• Many franchises offer incentives for opening multiple salons to allow for scalability
• Some franchisors run programs to enhance your business management skills

Yet, this business model isn’t without its cons:

• The franchisor may impose restrictions on design and operational decisions
• Royalties and recurring fees can reduce profit margins in the early stages
• Your business may not be fully independent (check out the franchisor’s terms)
• The success of your studio may be tied to the overall reputation of the brand
• Getting out of a franchise agreement can be difficult without penalties

Salon suite franchise cost

The cost you will need to pay varies depending on the brand, location, and size of the premises. On average, the initial investment ranges from $15,000 to $90,000. As you might have already guessed, for the lowest investment, you will get small premises and fewer promotional resources. It is also necessary to take into account the state in which you want to open your studio under the franchisor’s name.

You will find out the exact cost only when communicating with the franchisor. In the meantime, let’s look at what is usually included in the franchise cost of salon suites:

1. Rental. The rental period depends on both your plans and the franchisor’s minimum requirements.
2. Professional furniture and equipment. Franchising implies high-quality equipment and branded interior design elements, which you get “on the house.”
3. Marketing and operational support. You won’t have to hire third-party marketing teams or business management advisors.
4. Initial training. You will undergo training sessions to learn to provide the franchisor’s beauty services and unique treatments at no extra cost.

Some salon franchise programs offer discounts for those looking to expand their network to multiple locations within the state or nationwide. This can be useful for you if you are planning to scale up your business.

How to choose the best salon suites franchise

First, you need to consider the brand’s reputation and positive reviews from clients and affiliated professionals. Second, your homework should include evaluating the level of assistance provided. Ideally, you want your franchisor to be there for you for service-related and business management-related processes.

Then, turn your attention to flexibility and customization. Choosing a custom salon suite franchise will allow you to unleash all your design and service presentation ideas.

Another important consideration is the size of the initial investment and income potential. A well-structured beauty franchise will enable you to recoup your investment in a reasonable time frame.

Is a beauty salon franchise a smart choice?

This is certainly a worthwhile idea. Over the last few years, the beauty sector has proven itself as one of the most recession-proof and sustainable. It includes various service categories and has wiggle room for realizing your specializations and skills.

Opening a salon suite franchise is a safer way to proceed than becoming a DIY business owner. It provides you with adequate technical support, guidance that will tell you what steps to take and which to avoid, and, above all, an opportunity to present yourself to your clients with a brand that is already established in the market. 

Our final advice would be to go through the cost of salon franchises with a fine-tooth comb, especially through the extras that may not be directly described in the franchising program. Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Aim for a studio franchise that can be customized to your business vision and where you can innovate and personalize your offerings.

Salon design ideas to reflect your brand’s unique style

Coming up with a salon design is a matter of positioning your business as luxurious and giving that extra to clients. However, selecting furniture and the items to put around involves more than making the surroundings attractive. This means creating an atmosphere that represents you and your business approach. Even the finer aspects, such as carpets, tiles, and furnishing, can demonstrate your professionalism and care for your clients.

With proper planning and some good ideas for inspiration, your salon suite can become an environment that breeds loyalty. What helps distinguish your presence in the aggressive market is decor that reflects your values and designs that your clients will not forget and correlate with opulence.

Why should you take salon suite decor seriously?

Salon suite decor shouldn’t be viewed as a simple purchase – it’s an important step to give your brand a look that will differentiate it and carve out a path for your clients to soak up luxurious experiences. Remember, they look at every single thing in your space. If you take the time to create an eye-catching environment with your decor, you can make sure your guests are in the epicenter of beauty.

Beyond aesthetics, custom decor is a differentiator for your brand. It establishes a certain atmosphere that clients can automatically relate to regarding your suite. Outstanding decorative elements make your salon a place where all people can feel relaxed. When you design your space accordingly, you are providing the type of experience that clients are willing to pay for again.

Essential elements for salon suite design

To create a stunning salon, you need to start with a few basics that will make your space stylish and efficient. Salon suite design ideas may be bouncing around in abundance, but you should zero in on the client’s care and the comfort of the stylist. Here’s how you can do that.

Lighting

It affects the atmosphere and ambiance of any beauty studio, as well as the quality of work performed in it. The integration of accent and general lighting ensures that your space is visually attractive and optimally utilitarian.

Furniture and layout

Get comfortable and luxurious furniture to make your salon look elegant and professional. Careful selection of furniture allows for compact arrangements while targeting the important functional characteristics of your space. It enhances clients’ comfort and determines the organization of the stylist’s work process.

Color scheme and wall decor

Color and decor set the tone of any salon. Whether you are comfortable with soft gold or beige or want to be loud and proud with red or blue, a consistent color choice speaks volumes about your brand personality. Explore various wall decor ideas and inspiration sources beyond painting and hanging to ensure your space is complete and unique.

7 Unique salon suite decor ideas

Here are salon suite ideas to make it unforgettable on the visible front. Implement them all or stick to a few – the ball is now in your court:

1. Live wall. Plants bring calm and fresh energy. A green wall or plants also look pleasing to those sensitive to the environment. Besides, they bring freshness and the smell of nature to the room, which adds to a relaxing atmosphere.
2. Statement ceiling. Think beyond the walls! A painted or even wallpapered ceiling gives the room that magical feel without occupying any floor space. A mirror on the ceiling or its effect will make your place even more interesting. In addition, clients will be able to see themselves from another angle.
3. Mirrors that include LED lights. LED-lighted mirrors have a modern and professional look when mounted within the wall. They provide adequate lighting and illuminate the stage for more enjoyable appointments.
4. Decorative storage solutions. Get square built-in open shelves with baskets to store items in a more fashionable way. They are available with mirror features to get dual functionality.
5. A mix of classic and modern. Blend classic furniture with contemporary decor accents to achieve the boutique style. This will add uniqueness to your salon and make it luxurious.
6. Branded accents. A set of towels or chairs with your company’s logo works like a charm for branding and maintains uniformity. Such details catch the eye of clients, making a good impression.
7. Signature scent diffusers. While not exactly a decor item, diffusers take their rightful place here. They are the sensory foundation of a pleasing and easily recognizable atmosphere for your guests.

More luxury salon suite decor tips

Apart from the basic decor elements, there is also a luxury aspect that you can add to your salon by using premium materials and textures. Here are luxury salon suite decor tips to bring in that high-end elegance.

High-quality materials

Materials such as marble, glass, and brushed metal can be used to exude an elegant look. Counters made of marble, metallic features, and glass racks add fanciness that makes your product or service stand out as superior. These materials are aesthetically pleasing and resistant, providing more attractiveness to your salon and saving costs in the long run.

Mixing textures

Bring comfort and coziness with luxurious accents like velvet sofas, soft rugs, and layered curtains. The combination of patina leather and silk – as well as the use of woven fabrics – gives your salon a rich and warm ambiance that complements your overall decor.

Conclusion

You may be a distinguished beauty professional, but it is the look of your suite that gets noticed first. Without appealing decor features, it is at risk of fading into the background and leaving your appointment book empty.  

Every decision you make when designing your salon suite will determine the aesthetic of the setting and everything your clients undergo when they choose you for their beauty needs. By arranging elements that will decorate your space in a lovely, luxurious manner, you can make the experience of guests more memorable.

Transform your space with creative salon suite ideas that blend style, comfort, and functionality, or rent a ready-to-move-in studio with Optima!

Salon suite business model: The new normal in the industry

Before the trend for dedicated salon spaces gained momentum, beauty professionals had little opportunity to thrive independently. The traditional salon environment was restrictive to employees and booth renters. On top of that, operating on individual premises required jaw-dropping upfront costs and effort.

In a saturated market, running your own salon used to be a high-risk undertaking that often resulted in struggling to establish yourself and reach the break-even point. When seeking a solution to bridge the gap and initially place the beauty entrepreneur at that point, whoever thought of a salon suite model has redefined the path to success in the beauty industry.

There’s never been a better time to set your foot on it than now, upon its revolutionary transformation into an efficient shortcut. No, it’s not the kind of shortcut that gets you lost, and here’s why.

Key benefits of the salon suites business model

While technically operating as independent contractors, conventional booth renters had little to no control over their workspace and schedules. They had limited flexibility in terms of:

• Work hours
• Client management
• Price setting 
• Scope of services 
• Products they used or sold
• Customization and branding opportunities

The innovative model for salon suite rentals has emerged in the quest for genuine independence and addressing these limitations. Rather than providing only the square footage or a workstation in a crowded environment, it puts the beauty professional and their unique identity first.

By taking the concept of rental space up a few notches, the salon suite model is based on providing a move-in-ready, smoothly functioning studio facility. It is the best of both worlds: 

• The freedom and flexibility of owning a salon business
• The peace of mind of a well-equipped rental with amenities and maintenance services

The salon suite business model lets beauty professionals step into their autonomy and creative power by providing a perfect setup and the technical means for that. As a studio renter, you’ll have the foundation and support to kickstart your business, fine-tune your offers, and create a personalized setting for outstanding client experiences.

Reimagining the concept of running your own salon in suite model terms

By renting out fully furnished individual studios, salon suite companies provide opportunities to enter the beauty industry at an affordable price point. Without facing a range of setup and upkeep issues and expenses, you can focus on:

• Achieving business milestones oriented at growth
• Diversifying your services
• Curating upscale experiences for your clients
• Creating the space your guests love to hang out in

Compared to the booth rental model encroaching on a significant portion of your revenue, salon suite providers do not claim a share of your profit. So, you can think of the salon suite model as a low-cost flight to your dream destination with minimal airfare. At the same time, it offers the smoothest ride for you and your existing or potential clientele.

Business autonomy and premium experiences without the premium price

While we tend to think of budget-friendly options as those lacking convenience, efficiency, or features, this is not the case with suites. Unlike the stifling coworking environment of a traditional salon, private studios give you room to breathe and space to grow. You can manage your bookings, services, and daily schedule the way you see fit and make decisions that shouldn’t be agreed upon by other renters or professionals.

Individual suites are all about maximizing profitability and comfort while creating relaxed, one-on-one experiences that are essential for:

• Delivering top-quality services 
• Fostering a sense of trust and ease
• Building lasting relationships with whoever you serve

That said, there’s much more to this level of privacy and personalization than each client getting your full attention. It allows to:

• Give your business a recognizable name and identity
• Differentiate yourself from the competition
• Tailor your services and offers to specific locations and audiences
• Curate your distinct brand image and experience with a focus on quality time and meaningful communication

But before all that can happen, there is an important starting element to running your own business: getting it seen. The salon suites business model can also catalyze that one by instantly unlocking the necessary level of exposure.

Visibility and marketing support

Renting a studio space can put you in the prime spot in terms of location and visibility without the high costs usually associated with these. Instead of starting from scratch, you are stepping under the reputation umbrella and into the online presence of a recognized and trusted salon company.

This offers the benefits of exposure, outreach, and targeting guaranteed by well-established promotion channels and time-tested strategies honed by a team of marketing professionals. 

Other perks of operating under a salon company name may include a dedicated app, website, software, or other online tools for scheduling appointments, payment processing, and client communication. (All this comes as part of the rental deal with Optima.)

Becoming a successful beautypreneur

Today, suite rental isn’t just a trend with no signs of slowing down. It’s a game-changing model for salon businesses that delivers an innovative and rewarding perspective. Compared to traditional salon ownership, the suite alternative is a low-risk way with a level of commitment that provides unmatched flexibility. This is especially convenient for testing the waters, changing locations, and adapting to shifting customer demands.

The salon model is a fascinating example of the whole thing being definitely greater than the sum of what’s included in the lease contract. Some of its advantages are less obvious but quite lucrative, especially for entry-level entrepreneurial explorers looking to stay thrifty with the essentials. But the best part is creating more meaningful, personalized, and satisfying experiences and happier beauty spaces for stylists and their clients.

That said, the inclusivity of studio space rental packages is a variable to be considered, with a range of “must-have” and “nice-to-have” features to compare. So, feel free to shop around for your go-to provider, the best location, and the widest scope of features to find the best match for your business priorities. 

Optimizing a salon suite room size for your business

Does your space seem too cluttered and inefficient? Can’t remember the last time you gave your salon a structural upgrade? Whatever the case, you’re approaching one of the milestones in your salon business where you can make your establishment more convenient, economically viable, and client-centric with smart layout changes.

The beauty of this stage is that you’re in control. This guide will help you figure out what salon room sizes are optimal for an efficient business. We’ll also answer what layouts are best and how to maximize your space, whether it’s a compact studio, a loft, or a luxurious boutique-style suite.

Typical salon suite room size

Standard salon suite sizes can be a bit misleading. As you start your research, you can notice that what qualifies as a typical salon (loft) room size varies widely. You’ll find spaces as compact as 100-200 sq. feet and those that stretch to 1,300-1,500 sq. feet.

The spectrum is surprisingly broad. So, what’s behind this variation? What factors determine the size you need? 

First, you should decide on the type of your space, whether it is a specialized facility (like a nail studio or a barbershop) or a full-service salon. From there, plenty of variables unravel.

How big should your salon room be?

To understand how big or minuscule your space should be, consider your business goals and prospects. Are you planning to add another service to your salon menu? Are you going to remain specialized but increase your customer flow?

The future needs of your business will dictate the size of the required space or the optimization direction for the existing one.

Assess your service offerings

Begin by evaluating the range of services you plan to provide. Create a list and extrapolate it to form spatial requirements. For instance, if you focus solely on hair styling, a compact salon suite will likely do. If you’re going to organize multiple treatment areas, explore larger private salon room sizes.

Plan for equipment arrangements and storage

Next comes the equipment for your services, like whether you need space for multiple styling stations or specialized treatment areas. Don’t overlook storage for products and tools. The room size in the loft salon (or non-loft) you choose should accommodate all your essentials, and you don’t have to feel cramped.

Think workflows and efficiency

This point follows from the previous one. A good suite layout streamlines your workflow and makes moving between clients and equipment easier. So, pay attention to how you move through the space and how easily you can access tools, products, and stations without unnecessary steps or delays. Keep this observation in mind when laying out each room.

Put growth on the map

While it’s tempting to opt for a smaller space initially, we advise that you consider your long-term goals, too. A more spacious salon suite than a typical room size (i.e., larger than the lower end of the 100-200 sq. feet range) will allow for the future expansion of services or the addition of an assistant. By thinking ahead, you can sidestep the need to move and stress out when your business grows.

Create an atmosphere

In the salon industry, certain details matter more than they would in other industries. Beyond the quality of your services, the experience your clients are in for is of paramount importance. Therefore, ensure your room size allows for a reception area (at least a tiny one), comfortable seating, and perhaps a coffee or beverage corner.

The ideal suite layout for your business

More square footage doesn’t necessarily mean more wiggle room for success. At first glance, larger private salon room sizes may seem better for your comfort and prestige. But in reality, it’s essential to evaluate how much space you actually need. If the suite is too large, you’ll pay for unused square footage, which increases overhead and doesn’t contribute to a better client experience.

Consider your client pool and how many services you provide at one time. Are you a solo stylist? In this case, a roomier space may appear unnecessarily empty, while a smaller one may feel more intimate and personal. Do you plan to share it with other professionals? A bigger room will help you avoid feeling crowded.

Once you’ve settled on your room size, the next step is making sure the space works for you. The proper layout transforms the most ordinary suite into a more lovely environment.

This is how you can maximize every inch, even if your salon loft room size doesn’t change:

• Zoning. Separate service and relaxation areas. If you are a hair salon, section it off for styling, washing, and waiting. Each zone should have enough room to function without feeling messy.
• Minimalist additions. Get furniture that balances style with practicality. Sleek pieces with clean lines prevent the room from feeling chaotic and optimize storage space for everything you use as part of your daily routine.

A good layout creates a space that is organized, professional, and comfortable. Zoning and special furniture additions do not require hefty investments and are suitable for most salon business types.

Is your space petite? It’s not a dead end

If the room size of the salon suite you run is compact and you don’t plan to move out, there are several strategies for optimizing your space:

• Adaptable furniture. Choose pieces that serve many purposes, like styling chairs with hidden storage or collapsible stations.
• Vertical storage. Make use of your walls with shelving units, hooks, and hanging organizers. This way, you’ll open up more floor space.
• Lighting. If windows aren’t available, use evenly distributed artificial lighting to enhance the ambiance. If available, swap out room-darkening window treatments for more natural light.
• Mirrors. The reflective properties of mirrors work like a charm for miniature salon suites. Plus, they always add some sophistication.

Smaller salon room sizes may limit your layout options to a certain extent. Nevertheless, a well-thought-out design and furniture can ensure that every inch is put to good use without sacrificing your and your client’s comfort.

Salon suite commercial build-out: A guide for salon owners

Let’s say you’ve just invested in a prime commercial space, ideally located in a high-traffic area. Everything it comes with points to a solid business venture. There’s just one catch: the space is unfinished and needs to be shaped or reworked before you can call it a salon. That’s when you need commercial build-out services.

Sounds familiar? Check out our guide on adapting your premises for a salon business and learn how much of your resources it can take and what basic steps you should plan for.

We’ll skip over the negotiations with a tenant about who covers which costs – those terms vary from case to case. Instead, let’s focus on what’s important now. Your space needs a build-out, so here’s how to move forward.

What are commercial build-outs for salon suites?

Basically, they are customization projects to rework your commercial space so it suits the goals, objectives, and needs of a salon business to serve customers better. It is the transformation of an “empty shell” into a fully functional, aesthetically pleasing salon environment.

Depending on your starting point, salon suite build-outs vary in scope. If your space is already semi-finished with essential utilities like HVAC, lighting, and plumbing, you focus on adding cosmetic features like flooring, paint, and fixtures. Alternatively, you may have a raw space and start from scratch (this includes installing plumbing, electrical systems, air conditioning, walls or partitions, and more).

Understanding your initial position is helpful for evaluating the required investment and collaborating more efficiently with your commercial build-out service provider(s).

Key elements of a salon suite build-out

Whatever condition your space is in, you need to assess everything thoroughly to get a clear sense of the work ahead and determine the budget, the timeline, and the overall scope. Grab this checklist and walk around your soon-to-be salon while ticking off what’s already in place.

Water piping

A beauty studio will need special-purpose plumbing for shampoo bowls, sinks, and sanitation areas. Plus, there must be proper drainage and a reliable hot water supply line. Do you have all of these in your commercial space?

Electrical systems

A salon demands a solid electrical setup for hair dryers, styling tools, lighting, and other systems. Well-placed outlets at each workstation are a must, too. How are things with the electricity in your real estate?

Air conditioning

To maintain a safe environment and keep your place comfortable, efficient climatization and ventilation systems must be installed and work properly. Can you use these systems in the space you’ve invested in?

Partitions and layout

A smart layout with thoughtfully placed partitions helps you or your tenants make the most of your space. Do you need to redesign the existing layout to make it more beauty studio-like or install more partitions?

Finishing touches

Flooring, paint, cabinetry, furniture, and storage create an atmosphere that’s both stylish and inviting, where clients can feel pampered. Assess each detail and outline a plan of what needs to be done or purchased for your real estate.

Commercial space build-out costs: How to estimate

One of the most significant factors affecting the final cost of your build-out is the size of the space you’ve rented or purchased. The more square footage and workstations you plan to fit in, the more the renovation expenses add up. Naturally, the scope of work and how much you choose to customize the place will further shape the final price tag.

Here are the elements that contribute to the overall build-out cost for a commercial space:

• Plumbing and electrical. These systems can drive up the costs. Depending on your location and existing infrastructure, they can account for a significant portion of the build-out budget.
• Materials and finishes. Granite or marble countertops, hardwood flooring, and other high-end materials add to your total costs. However, these can also set a salon apart and elevate the client’s impression.
• Permits and fees. Build-outs for commercial real estate require permits, which can increase your expenses (and timeline). Consulting with your contractor to understand local regulations is crucial to avoid delays or fines.
• Labor costs. They vary by whether your space is in the downtown or suburbs, in the South or along the coasts. They also greatly depend on the planned structural changes and whether you hire contractors for most of the work or can handle some tasks yourself. Itemized cost breakdowns from multiple service providers will give you a better sense of what to expect.

Roughly, the average cost of a buildout for commercial real estate falls between $100 and $300 per sq. foot. Still, it can go higher or lower depending on the factors we’ve explored above. It’s wise to set aside a certain amount for any surprises that might come up during the process.

Timeline and schedule for completing a commercial build-out

If you know your project timeline, you can better predict when your space can welcome its first visitors. Here’s a typical timeline you should keep in mind:

• Working with a designer – around 2-4 weeks. During this time, a designer will draft a layout and nail down details like color schemes, lighting, and equipment placement.
• Permits and approvals – 3-6 weeks. Consider enlisting the help of build-out service providers that are familiar with local regulations.
• Construction and installation – 6-10 weeks. Maintain open communication with your contractor and visit your real estate regularly to make quick decisions.
• Final touches and inspection – up to 2 weeks. As your buildout for commercial real estate nears completion, allow several weeks for final inspections. Use this time to coordinate the delivery and installation of equipment and prepare for an opening day.

To transform a raw commercial space into a successful salon or beauty business, you will need to plan methodically and choose the right team. However, it is not worth going too thrifty here. It turns out that investing in a professional build-out guided by a contractor can enhance a salon’s functionality and prevent space or layout issues down the road.