What does a complete hood installation include?
A complete hood installation includes more than the canopy. Expect the hood itself, grease filters, welded grease ductwork, an exhaust fan, a makeup air unit, roof curbs and penetrations, fire-suppression tie-in, controls and electrical, engineering drawings, permits, inspections and often a ceiling or finish repair after the work.
- Hood and filters: sized to cover the cooking equipment beneath it.
- Grease duct: usually the most variable cost, driven by length, route and shaft or enclosure requirements.
- Exhaust fan and makeup air: replace the air the hood removes so doors don't slam and pilot lights stay lit.
- Fire suppression: a new or modified system over the line. See fire-suppression funding.
- Soft costs: mechanical engineering, permits and inspection fees.
Type I or Type II hood: which do you need?
In general terms, a Type I hood is designed for cooking that produces grease-laden vapors, such as fryers, griddles and charbroilers, while a Type II hood handles heat, steam and odors from equipment like some ovens and dish machines. Your mechanical contractor and local authority determine which your equipment requires.
Codes such as NFPA 96 and the mechanical code adopted in your area shape hood and duct requirements, and local officials interpret them. We don't give code advice; ask your contractor to cite the requirements they're designing to and confirm with the building and fire departments before you finalize the budget. Some owners explore ventless equipment as an alternative where it's approved.
How is a hood installation usually funded?
A hood installation is usually funded with a term loan because most of the cost, including ductwork, roof work, electrical and permits, becomes part of the building. Some funders will place the hood, fan and makeup air unit on equipment financing, leaving the installed work for a term loan or working capital.
Owners often combine structures:
- Build-out and renovation loan for ductwork, roof, electrical, engineering and permits.
- Equipment financing for the hood package and fans when quoted as units.
- Working capital for lost sales if the kitchen closes during installation.
Ask the contractor to separate equipment and labor lines so each part fits the right structure.
Does the landlord need to approve roof work?
Almost always. A new hood usually means roof penetrations, curbs, a fan on the roof and sometimes structural support, all of which affect the landlord's building and roof warranty. Get written consent before paying for engineering, and ask whether the landlord requires a specific roofer.
Also ask who owns and maintains the hood system at the end of the lease. Since the system stays with the building, funders may look at your remaining lease term. We don't give lease advice; have an attorney review any lease amendment covering the work. Our TI allowance guide covers landlord contributions.
How long does a hood installation take?
The physical installation can often be completed in days, but the full project usually takes longer because of engineering, permit review, equipment lead times, roof scheduling and inspections. Plan the kitchen closure around the inspection date, not just the installer's estimate, since a failed inspection can extend downtime.
- Site survey and engineering drawings.
- Landlord approval and permit submittal.
- Hood and fan fabrication or ordering.
- Installation of duct, hood, fans and makeup air.
- Fire-suppression tie-in and electrical.
- Inspections and sign-off.
Line up funding before step 3, since fabrication often requires a deposit.
When should you not install a new hood?
Hold off when the lease has little time left, when the landlord won't approve roof work, or when the menu can run on approved ventless or electric equipment instead. A hood is a long-lived improvement that stays with the building, so it makes the most sense where you plan to stay.
If your hood works but is undersized for a new line, an extension may cost less than a full replacement. Ask for both options. When quotes are in, apply online to compare funding structures.
What you’ll typically need
- Mechanical contractor bid with equipment and labor separated
- Landlord consent for roof work
- Recent business bank statements
- Lease copy
- Engineering drawings or permit documents, if available
Frequently asked questions
Can permits and engineering be included in the funding?
Often, yes. Engineering, permit fees and inspections are part of the project cost, and a term loan can typically include them. List them separately in your budget so the full project is visible to the funder.
What do funders review for a hood installation?
Requirements vary by product and funder; many look at time in business, monthly revenue and credit. Funders also review bank statements, existing obligations, the contractor bid and, because the work stays with the building, your lease.
Is a hood extension cheaper than a new hood?
It can be when the existing hood, duct and fan have enough capacity. Extensions don't always work, especially if the exhaust fan or duct is undersized for the added equipment. Ask your contractor to quote both after checking airflow.
Do I need a makeup air unit with a new hood?
Many hood systems require makeup air to replace exhausted air, and local mechanical codes often address it. Without it, kitchens can have negative pressure problems. Your mechanical contractor and local authority determine what your system needs.
Can the kitchen stay open during a hood installation?
Some prep work, like roof curbs and fan mounting, can happen while open, but connecting the hood and suppression system usually requires the cooking line to be shut down. Plan a short closure and budget for it.
Have a hood installation bid?
Apply online and compare funding for the hood, ductwork and install work.
Updated September 14, 2026 · Prime Kitchen Capital Funding Team