7 Secrets to a Successful Foodservice Equipment Installation

You can avoid equipment installation nightmares by using common sense, good communication and a professional installer. 

Almost any tradesman will tell you, “measure twice, cut once.” That holds true for foodservice equipment installation, too. 

Stories of installations gone wrong abound, but by following some best practices you can make sure that jobs are not only done right, but also go as smoothly as possible. It starts with these seven important steps: 

1. Work with a Pro
2. Define the Scope of the Project Up Front
3. Communicate Openly and Often
4. Measure Twice, Install Once
5. Stick to the Schedule
6. Have the Right Team in Place
7. Double-check the Work

 This content was written by the editors of Foodservice Equipment Reports/FER Media, LLC fermag.com

1. Work with a Pro

You might be tempted, especially if you’re just ordering a replacement piece of restaurant equipment, to let your cousin or the neighbor down the street install it to save you some money. But if they don’t do it right, your warranty will be voided, and it will cost you a lot more in the long run to fix any problems.

“There have been many cases where a customer has tried to do an install and called us in after the fact,” says Patrick Lindstrom, service manager at Central Restaurant Products in Indianapolis. “It costs them many times more to fix it because often we have to rip everything out and start over.”

There are lots of reasons to leave installation to professionals besides avoiding negative consequences. “We have vast knowledge of a wide range of equipment,” says Lindstrom. “So, there’s no limit to what we can install. And our focus is on providing the best customer service possible.”

  

2. Define the Scope of the Project Up Front

Spell out the details of the project for the equipment installer, both in terms of your objectives and scope of work. Discuss with the installer who will be responsible for what, so the project team on both sides can take ownership of the areas they oversee. Then, get it all in writing in a contract that makes clear what happens if things don’t go as expected.

“We really start with the Product Reps at CRP. They’re experts not only in the equipment we carry, but also when different pieces need to be delivered during the installation process,” Lindstrom says.

“On new construction, for example, the walk-in and hood need to be installed first during a particular phase of construction before kitchen equipment comes in. I get involved early and work with the Product Rep to make sure customers know what to expect from our end.”

3. Communicate Openly and Often

Good communication is key to the success of any installation project, and it should start even before any agreements are signed. Ask a lot of questions of your foodservice equipment installer about how they intend to work with you on the project. And expect the installer to ask you even more questions about the project and your operation.

“We ask as many questions up front as possible,” Lindstrom says. “Often, a small piece of information that seems unimportant to the operator is a huge deal to us—things like door sizes or a table bolted to the floor that might prevent access to the area where a piece of equipment should be placed.”

There should be no surprises on either side of an install project if you keep those lines of communication open. At Central Restaurant Products, project teams—starting with your Product Rep—are available by phone, email, text or personal meetings.

4. Measure Twice, Install Once

If you’re replacing a piece of restaurant kitchen equipment, your installer may be able to get all the information needed over the phone, but that will require you to take accurate measurements of not only where the equipment goes but of doors and hallways providing access to that spot.  

 Larger projects, especially new construction, often involve mechanical drawings, and these should be provided to the installer. Just make sure you’re sharing the most accurate and up-to-date versions of the drawings. Problems commonly occur when conflicting or outdated drawings are circulating.

 Installers also are likely to do site visits ahead of time if the job is complex.

5. Stick to the Schedule

With good communication, your project is more likely to stay on track. You’ll want an installer who can help you stick to the schedule by letting you know ahead of time exactly what to expect and when.

 “Once we have a good idea of what the project entails, we then look at lead times, the logistics of the deliveries involved, availability of delivery trucks and whether equipment is in stock,” Lindstrom says. “Then we work with our logistics department to schedule deliveries, install dates and equipment start-ups.”

7. Double-check the Work

The installer you choose also should be able and prepared to demonstrate the quality of the work done during equipment start-up and demo. 

Equipment manufacturers or their reps often will take responsibility for these sessions with you and your staff, but in some cases, installers will conduct the equipment start-up and even train the staff.

 In either event, installers should be on site during these sessions to help answer any questions you or your staff have about the installation and operation of the equipment.