TIPS ABOUT REMODELING

WHY SHOULD YOU REMODEL ?

YOUR SALON IMAGE IS IMPORTANT to your clients because it shows that
you care for them and it gives you credibility when you tell them how important
appearance is to their image. And more importantly, if your salon is outdated, it
will give the impression that your cutting/styling techniques are also outdated.

YOUR BUSINESS IS IMPORTANT to you and everyone in it. Studies show 
that in most cases, business will increase by at least 20% in the first year 
after remodeling. Buying or leasing new equipment will also give you certain 
tax advantages that you would not have otherwise. Remodeling may cost 
less than you think.

YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE IMPORTANT to the growth of you business.
A great looking, functional salon helps retain staff (lower turnover) and it 
makes it easier to recruit top quality stylists. But most of all, it will keep 
up the morale and make your stylist much more productive.

WE ARE IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY, A POSITIVE IMAGE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT !

WHEN DO YOU REMODEL ?

Fashion trends change about every 3 to 5 years. To keep the salon fresh and
updated, you should do the same. From a business point of view, you should
remodel when business is definitely low and/or new clients are not being generated.
Don't think of remodeling as painting or wallpapering only, you need to keep your
equipment up to date too. New technological improvements on stations and equipment 
will not only improve your salon's image, but the productivity of its employees as well.

PRELIMINARY PLANNING.

Before you get started, some questions need to be answered in order to get the
most out of the remodeling.
1) Is the present building adequate for your business now and for the next 3-5 years?
2) Will the remodeling investment be justified by the time left on your lease?
3) Are there remodeling restrictions (such as new walls,  plumbing etc.) in the existing lease?
4) How practical will it be to relocate/add plumbing, electrical outlets and walls?
5) Did you want to stay open for business during the remodel? If not how
long can you stay closed?

HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU HAVE?

You can figure out how much space you have and how much is usable by drawing
a rough sketch, (use grid paper) measuring all walls including partitions, windows,
doors (show swing of door), any columns, pipes that are exposed, and any other
items that may affect the space planning process. Show electrical panel location,
 ceiling heights, type of ceiling, type of walls and gas lines. Show partitions that can
be removed. Even though you may have a pretty good idea of what you want 
and where you want it, it is advisable to consult SALON DESIGNERS, since
there are hundreds of things to consider, such as: building codes, regulations, 
furniture sizes, spaces needed for each application, scaling the floor plan, scaling
the location, plumbing, electrical, construction etc.

HOW DO YOU REMODEL?

RECEPTION AREA-This is where your customers receive their first impression
of your salon. Make sure it is impeccable. Consider carpeting, mirrors, seating, 
retail displays (retail products generate about 25% of a salon's profit, no salon
should be without them). Products should be easy to see, touch and feel by clients.

STYLING AREA- Type of stations you'll use, will depend on how your floor plan
is laid out. There are many kinds of stations: wall mount, double (back to back), 
triples (triangle), quadruples, or a combination of the above for an efficient and dynamic
floor plan. Mirrors will add dimension to spaces, especially in long, narrow shops.
Every station should have its own electrical outlet, (check local codes and regulations).
Consider stations that have tool holders and space for electric cords. SALON 
DESIGNERS offers a complete line of the latest design in styling stations.

MANICURE/PEDICURE- The manicure area should be properly ventilated, shop
for either vented tables or a good filtering system. If possible provide a sink close 
to the nail area for added convenience and productivity. If you are using a 
permanent pedicure station make sure it's located close to plumbing lines and
that it provides privacy for the client.

SHAMPOO AREA- The location of your shampoo area is extremely important,
it must be close to the styling stations for productivity and efficiency. It must be
close to plumbing lines for practicality and money saving installation, and it should
be partitioned to keep clutter out of sight and provide privacy for clients. There 
should be 1 bowl for every 3 stylist. Shampoo bowls are available in a variety of
shapes, sizes and construction, (fiberglass, marble product and porcelain).

DRYING/CHEMICAL AREA- The demand for coloring and other chemical 
work has increased tremendously/ Plan for extra space to have a separate chemical
area and to add dryers. Dryers should be away from the front of the salon, some
privacy will be appreciated by your clients.

FACIAL/MASSAGE- The full service trend keeps growing strong, if you are planning
for a facial room, keep it in a quiet area, if it's next to a dispensary, lounge or bathroom
consider sound proofing that particular wall, don't forget to install a sink.

DISPENSARY/LOUNGE- Always give your employees a place to eat. Provide a
refrigerator and microwave. The lounge and the dispensary can be combined into one
room or they can be separated by a partition or door. Provide two sinks, one for
chemical work and one for the lounge area. If space allows it you might consider
having a separate lab for mixing and storing chemicals.

BATHROOMS- Make sure bathrooms meet all building codes. This is the most 
overlooked area of the salon. Wall paper or paint nicely, use mirrors, plants, pictures 
etc. and keep it very clean (it gives credibility to the hygiene of the entire salon).

SALON DESIGNERS INTERNATIONAL is here to help you visualize your new
salon. You can pretty much do most of the planning and color swatching yourself.
But it is advisable to consult a professional designer if you are not sure about the
 efficiency of your floor plan. SDI's professionals will be glad to assist you in your
remodeling.

REMODELING CHECKLIST:

Total sq.ft (length x with)__________________________________
Perimeter walls (brick, block, drywall, other)___________________
Electrical service________________________________________
Type of existing floor (age, condition)________________________
Type of existing ceiling (age, condition)_______________________
Adequate restrooms ? (1,2, handicap)________________________
No. of present styling stations______________________________
No. of present nail stations________________________________
No. of chairs (styling, dryer shampoo, etc)____________________
____________________________________________________
No. of bowls and sinks___________________________________

THING I NEED CHECKLIST (just so you won't forget !)