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 And more important, if your salon is outdated, it will give the impression that your cutting/styling techniques are also outdated.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. 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 stylists much more productive.
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 slow and/or new clients are not being generated. In addition to painting or wallpapering, you need to keep your equipment up to date, too. Technological improvements in stations and equipment will not only improve your salon's image, but the productivity of its employees as well.
PRELIMINARY PLANNING.
Before you start, consider the following questions:
1) Is the present building adequate for your business now and for the next 3-5 years?
2) Will the remodeling investment be justified based on 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 useable 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 LA, 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 -Make a great first impression!
Make sure your reception area 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 - The types 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 LA offers a complete line of the latest designs in styling stations.
MANICURE/PEDICURE- The manicure area should be properly ventilated. Consider 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, construction and materials such as 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, privacy is always appreciated by your clients.
FACIAL/MASSAGE- Full service adds depth to your salon's amenities. If you are planning to have a facial room,try to 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- Employees need a quiet place to decompress and eat a meal. Provide a refrigerator and microwave so 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, 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. Wallpaper or attractive paint, the use mirrors, plants, and pictures create a clean, professional ambience to your salon.
SALON DESIGNERS LA is here to help you visualize your new salon. You 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. SDLA's professionals will be glad to assist you in your remodeling.
