If you've received approval for the legal paperwork for opening a retail store at a house you've recently purchased, you'll likely be raring to get started on the renovation project in order to open up for business as soon as feasibly possible. In order to do this, however, you need to know the order, as well as the specifics, on how to bring your project to fruition. Below is a condensed version of what you'll have to do once you've signed off on the house in order to turn it into a retail store.

Start by Gutting the House

If your store is only going to be based on the ground floor (this is a good idea in the case of most small retail stores, especially if you plan on living upstairs), you're going to need to gut the entire first level, opening up as much space as possible at the front for the shop itself, and a smaller staff area at the back.

Only load-bearing walls and pillars can stay – the rest must be gutted.

Be Mindful of Health and Safety Regulations

These will vary hugely between country, city, and even the road in which your house-cum-store is located on. Unfortunately, work health and safety regulations in your country are simply something you cannot ignore, therefore it's better for you to work with them from the very beginning, inviting inspectors over on a regular basis to ensure everything is how it should be.

Create a Disabled Access Point

Required by law in most countries, if a step-up is required for potential customers to walk into your new store you'll need to provide a ramp for disabled customers so they're able to access your store just as easily as everybody else.

Keep in mind that a building that was previously a house will most likely have this step-up to the entrance way, as houses, for obvious reasons, don't need to stick to these requirements. Just check with your local government for the building codes regarding access for people with a disability for additional information.

Paint the Store in Neutral Colours

Once the house has been gutted it's time for you to start the fun part – decorating!

When going through this process, it's good to keep in mind that your personal preferences when it comes to colour and décor are completely irrelevant. What's important is to create a calming, non-offensive space for your customers to feel comfortable in, and this can be best achieved with neutral colours.

Purchase and Fit Store Equipment

Once the paint has dried it's time to indulge your new store in its fixtures and fittings. Ideally, you should look online for Shop Supplies shop equipment for the fixtures and fittings you'll need, or try to find a similar supplier in your country. If you find a practical style of fixtures you like, stick with them throughout your store, as more often than not you'll find yourself eligible for a bulk discount.

In conclusion, for you to open a retail store in the location of a house you've recently bought, you'll need to do the following things to ensure you'll be open for business as soon as possible; gut the ground floor, stick to health and safety regulations, create a disabled access point, decorate in neutral colours, and fit your store equipment.