26/01/2026
❓ THE REAL COSTS OF CAFÉ DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION – DON’T JUST LOOK AT THE FINAL NUMBER
When starting a café, many investors often ask:
“Why is the quotation different from one company to another?”
“This one is cheaper — should I choose it?”
In reality, price does not only reflect material or labor costs, but also the responsibility, service quality, and credibility of the construction team behind the project.
🔹 Design Costs – the foundation of smooth operation
Design is not just about beautiful 3D visuals, but also includes:
Detailed technical drawings to ensure accurate and proper construction
Optimized layouts for functionality, electrical & plumbing systems, bar counters, and circulation flow
👉 Lack of detailed design = higher risk of construction errors = unexpected extra costs
🔹 Construction & Material Costs – what determines whether a café looks good or not
Structural work, electrical & plumbing systems, finishing
Whether materials match the original design
Small items that seem insignificant but add up to a large expense
👉 Lower prices often come with risks: rework, frequent repairs, and faster deterioration
🔹 Operational System Costs – often overlooked
Air conditioning, lighting, ventilation, sound systems
If not done properly, the café may become hot, dark, or noisy, leading to costly fixes after opening
🔹 Contingency & Additional Costs – unavoidable in reality
Design changes, on-site adjustments, material price fluctuations
👉 A professional contractor always consults in advance and prepares a clear contingency plan to avoid budget overruns
🔹 Costs for DEDICATED SERVICE & POST-CONSTRUCTION RESPONSIBILITY
This is the value that doesn’t immediately appear in quotations, yet is extremely important:
Close supervision from construction to actual operation
User guidance and prompt handling of arising issues
Ongoing support once the café is in operation
No avoidance, no blame-shifting, no disappearing after handover
👉 A low price may end at handover.
👉 A reputable team’s responsibility lasts until the café operates smoothly.
🔹 Warranty & Maintenance Costs After Completion
Electrical systems, plumbing, lighting, wooden furniture, bar counters
Cracks, peeling, or technical issues during use
👉 These costs are already included in full-package quotations provided by responsible contractors.
✨ CONCLUSION
Price does not only represent product costs — it reflects the credibility, responsibility, and dedication of the construction team.
A successful café is not only beautiful on opening day, but also operates stably, minimizes maintenance issues, and always has a reliable team standing behind it.
An Thinh Phat Architecture & Interior Co., Ltd.
"Building together – Growing together"
📍 70/18 Bui Dinh Tuy, Ward 12, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
📞 028.77777.179 – 0349.179.777
