Shibuya Komuten × Store Design & Renovation Guide
— Why Get Multiple Estimates, What to Watch Out For, How It Differs from a Direct (“Tokumei”) Order, and Why Tokumei Can Sometimes Be Better —
When opening a new café, gallery, or restaurant — or even renovating your home — one of the first challenges is choosing the right construction company. Many people consider requesting multiple estimates (Aimi Tsumori) to compare costs, while others rely on direct orders (“Tokumei”) with a trusted contractor. Both methods have advantages, but understanding the differences is key to making the right decision.
⸻
📌 Why Request Multiple Estimates?
1. To Compare Fair Prices
By asking several companies for quotes, you gain a clearer understanding of the market price and what’s included in the cost.
2. To Evaluate Design & Proposal Quality
Even under the same conditions, each contractor offers different ideas. This allows you to find the proposal that best matches your vision.
3. To Assess Reliability & Scheduling
Multiple estimates also reveal which companies can handle your timeline and provide responsive service.
⸻
⚠️ Points to Watch Out For with Multiple Estimates
• Keep Conditions Consistent: If you give different specifications to each contractor, it becomes impossible to make a fair comparison.
• Don’t Choose on Price Alone: The lowest estimate may mean lower quality, delays, or poor aftercare.
• Show Professional Courtesy: Requesting multiple estimates takes contractors’ time and effort. Be transparent about your decision-making process.
⸻
🔍 What Is the Difference with Tokumei (Direct Order)?
• Multiple Estimates: Competitive approach, comparing several companies for transparency and price balance.
• Tokumei Order: Entrusting the entire project to one company without competition, based on trust and relationship.
⸻
💡 Why Tokumei Can Have More Advantages
1. Faster Project Progress
Instead of spending weeks comparing estimates, you can immediately move forward with design and construction.
2. Trust-Based Relationship
When you’ve worked with a contractor before, a direct order leverages past results and mutual trust, ensuring smoother collaboration.
3. Higher Quality Results
Without being pressured by price competition, contractors can prioritize quality and long-term value. This often results in better outcomes and cost performance over time.
⸻
🍁 Why October Is the Best Time to Start
• Prepare for Year-End Demand: For restaurants and retail, year-end and New Year are peak seasons. Starting construction in October ensures readiness.
• Stable Weather: After typhoon season, October provides smoother conditions for both interior and exterior work.
• Budget Planning: Many companies allocate funds before fiscal year-end, making October a practical time for orders.
⸻
✅ Contact Shibuya Komuten
If you’re considering a store build-out or renovation in Shibuya, we’re here to help.