A. Site & Landlord
B. Electrical
C. Plumbing & Drainage
D. HVAC, Exhaust & Fresh Air
E. Fire & Life Safety
F. Kitchen & BOH
For layout and equipment planning, see our commercial kitchen guide.
G. FOH Layout
H. Interior Finishes
Our flooring and wall panelling guides cover material choices.
I. Furniture, Counters & Joinery
See the restaurant furniture guide for sizing and materials.
J. Lighting & Signage
Read more in our lighting and signage guides.
K. Procurement
L. Site Execution
M. Testing & Handover
N. Opening Readiness
Common Fit-Out Mistakes
- Starting site work before coordinated drawings are ready
- Freezing finishes before checking availability
- Changing kitchen equipment after services are installed
- Comparing quotes with different scopes
- Closing ceilings before service checks
- Installing furniture too early
- Treating handover as identical to operational opening
Comparing quotes with different scopes is the most common budgeting trap. Our restaurant design and build cost guide lists what each quote should state.
How This Checklist Connects to Design & Build
The fit-out checklist focuses on site delivery. For the broader decisions covering business brief, responsibilities, design approvals, procurement and manufacturing governance, see how the restaurant design and build process works.
Our Restaurant Fit-Out Guide explains fit-out as the physical stage that brings an approved restaurant design to life through construction, custom manufacturing and installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a restaurant fit-out checklist?
A restaurant fit-out checklist tracks the site, kitchen, building services, interiors, installation and testing needed to prepare a commercial space for restaurant operations.
When should you use a restaurant fit-out checklist?
Start during site feasibility to flag constraints. Update it before construction to confirm the scope and responsibilities, then use it during inspections, snagging and handover to track outstanding items.
What is the difference between a restaurant fit-out checklist and a design and build checklist?
A fit-out checklist focuses on site readiness, construction, installation and testing. A design and build checklist covers the wider project, including the business brief, design approvals, procurement and responsibility for each work package.
When should kitchen equipment be finalised for a restaurant fit-out?
Confirm equipment models, dimensions and utility requirements before finalising service layouts or releasing counters for fabrication. Late substitutions can affect power, water, drainage, gas, exhaust and equipment clearances.
What should be checked before closing a restaurant ceiling?
Have the relevant trades inspect concealed services against the latest approved drawings. Check ductwork, electrical cabling, cable trays, lighting connections, sprinklers, detectors and maintenance access where applicable. Record any required inspections or tests before closure.
Is restaurant fit-out handover the same as opening day?
No. Depending on the agreed scope, equipment commissioning, operating approvals, POS setup, staff training, stocking and trial operations may still need to be completed before opening.
