Building Out The Brewery

If you are planning to start a kombucha brewery, you may need to build out the facility that is necessary for your business.  Some of the steps that you may need to take to build out a kombucha brewery include:

1. Identify the space requirements: The first step in building out a kombucha brewery is to identify the space requirements, which are the needs, the goals, and the standards that are set by the business, and that determine the size, the location, and the layout of the space. The space requirements should be identified based on the business plan, the market research, and the licenses and permits, and should include elements such as capacity, quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability.  By identifying your needs and preferences, you can create a clear and concise set of criteria that can guide your decision-making and planning processes.
   • Important Note: Unless you’re starting off as the smallest of nano-operations and have absolutely zero buildout to do or equipment to install, floor drains are so important we dedicated an entire article to them: Understanding, choosing, and building out floor drains.  Read it, understand it, and install them in your brewery — that’s an order, Booch!
2. Develop a timeline and budget for your project:  In order help ensure that your project is completed on time and within your budget, it's important to develop a timeline and budget for your project. This can involve creating a detailed schedule that outlines the steps and activities that are required to build out your brewery, as well as developing a budget that includes all of the costs and expenses associated with your project.
3. Determine the brewery's layout and create plans for permitting:  This may involve developing a layout and design plan that takes into account the brewery's equipment, operations, and other factors.  Which in turn may involve creating detailed diagrams and drawings that illustrate the layout of your space, as well as incorporating elements such as lighting, ventilation, and other features that are important for the production and distribution of kombucha.  By developing a design and layout plan, you can create the blueprint and plans for build out to submit for permitting.
4. Obtain any necessary licenses and permits:  In all likelihood you will need to obtain licenses and permits in order to build out your space. This can involve researching and applying for any necessary licenses and permits, as well as meeting any requirements and regulations that apply to your business. By obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, you can help ensure that your kombucha brewery is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
5. For DIY projects, select and purchase materials and supplies -- and get building:  For diy projects, the next step is to select and purchase the materials and supplies that you will need.  This can involve shopping for and comparing different options for materials and supplies, as well as negotiating and purchasing the items that you need.  By selecting and purchasing the right materials and supplies, you can ensure that you have the resources and tools that you need to do the job properly.
6. Or hire and manage contractors and other professionals:   This can involve identifying and hiring qualified and experienced contractors and professionals, as well as managing and coordinating their work in order to ensure that your kombucha brewery is built out in a timely and efficient manner. By hiring and managing contractors and other professionals, you can ensure that your kombucha brewery is built out according to your permitted design and layout plan, and that your business is positioned for success and growth.
7. Construct the brewery's physical space:  This may involve installing utilities and other infrastructure, such as plumbing, electrical systems, and ventilation.  The brewery should be planned according to the standards and the requirements of the business, and should be equipped, furnished, and decorated according to the plans and the specs.
8. Create and maintain accurate and detailed records: Throughout the process of building out your kombucha brewery, it's important to create and maintain accurate and detailed records in order to support the success and growth of your business.  This will almost certainly save you tons of money and headache in the future.  This can involve keeping track of your budget, timeline, and other important project details, as well as maintaining records of your licenses, permits, and other important documents. By creating and maintaining accurate and detailed records, you can help ensure that your kombucha brewery is well-organized and prepared for future challenges and opportunities.  And by keeping detailed records of what you built and did in the brewery, future upgrades, maintenance, and repairs will be easier and cheaper.
9. Install and test the brewery's equipment: After the physical space for the brewery has been constructed, the next step is to install and test the brewery's equipment. This may involve setting up and testing the equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly and is ready for use.
10. Conduct a thorough inspection and evaluation of your space:  After building out your brewery, it's important to conduct a thorough inspection and evaluation of your space in order to ensure that it is suitable for proper use. This can involve inspecting the structural integrity and safety of your space, as well as evaluating factors such as lighting, ventilation, and other elements that are important for production.  Just because your brewery may be up to code and pass municipal inspections, doesn't mean it's ready to rock.  By conducting a thorough inspection and evaluation of your space, you can help ensure that your kombucha brewery is ready to begin operations.
11. Final inspections and permitting: Before the brewery can open and begin operations, it will be necessary to schedule and complete a series of final inspections. This may involve coordinating with local building and safety officials to schedule inspections of the brewery's physical space, equipment, and operations.
    • Prepare for the inspections: In order to prepare for the final inspections, it may be necessary to gather and organize all of the necessary documents and information, such as building plans, equipment manuals, and other materials. This can help to ensure that the inspections are conducted smoothly and efficiently.
    • Complete the inspections: During the final inspections, building and safety officials will visit the brewery and evaluate its physical space, equipment, and operations. They will look for any potential safety issues, code violations, or other concerns, and may make recommendations for any changes or improvements that may be needed.
    • Finalize the permitting process: Once all of the necessary permits have been obtained, the final step is to finalize the permitting process for the brewery. This may involve completing any remaining paperwork, paying any fees, and meeting any other requirements to ensure that the brewery is in compliance with all local laws and regulations.
12. Develop and implement a maintenance and repair plan:  Finally, it's important to develop and implement a maintenance and repair plan in order to ensure that your kombucha brewery is operating at peak efficiency and performance. This can involve identifying the key components and systems of your kombucha brewery, as well as developing a schedule for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing these components and systems. By developing and implementing a maintenance and repair plan, you can help ensure that your kombucha brewery is able to continue operating at a high level over time.

Building out a kombucha brewery is an important step in starting and operating a kombucha business, and there are several steps involved in planning and constructing a brewery, and the exact process will vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the brewery.  By building out a high-quality, efficient, and functional kombucha brewery, you can position your business for success and growth.  And by carefully planning and executing each step of the process, you can set yourself up for success. Need more help with with the build out of your facility?  Reach out to discuss our new and existing brewery consulting services — we’d love to chat about how we can contribute!