Commercial bathrooms need to be remodeled every twenty years or so to maintain their functionality and aesthetic value. That's a long time between renovations, so if you're a business owner, you may not have a lot of experience with this type of project. It's easy to make mistakes during a commercial bathroom remodel. Knowing the common errors and what you can do to avoid making these mistakes can help you through the process.
As a business owner, the number one most helpful thing you can do to have a successful bathroom remodel is to work with a remodeling team you can trust. A good Connecticut contractor can serve as a guide throughout the process to help you make smart choices and avoid common pitfalls.
Poor Ventilation
Bathrooms are naturally humid spaces where airborne contaminants and odors can linger. Moisture buildup in your commercial bathroom can lead to mold development over time. Ceiling ventilation changes the air in the bathroom several times per hour, preventing this buildup of odors and humidity.
As long as you're working with a qualified team of professionals (i.e., a good architect and contractor) to implement your bathroom remodel, you can have confidence that your commercial bathroom remodel will be designed and constructed with the proper ventilation. The trouble that some building owners run into is when they make changes to their bathroom via in-house staff or remodel their bathroom without using qualified professionals.
Signs to watch for that your bathroom lacks proper ventilation include:
- High humidity
- Lingering odors
- Condensation on windows
- Mold development on walls or surfaces
Poor ventilation can be a mistake that leads to bad indoor air quality and mold development. If your recently updated bathroom displays signs of poor ventilation, have it remediated as soon as possible.
Inadequate Lighting
Bathroom lighting is an issue of safety as well as aesthetics. A poorly lit bathroom can lead to falls and accidents on your property. In addition, inadequate lighting can reflect badly on your business.
Good bathroom lighting should:
- Meet energy standards. Building codes require occupancy sensors to shut the lighting off when the bathroom is empty.
- Light the bathroom by task. Toilets, vanities, commercial showers, and other areas of the bathroom all need separate lighting.
- Create a pleasing aesthetic. Good commercial bathrooms are not just functional but also attractive, leaving customers and staff feeling comfortable using the space. Light in layers to make the space flattering.
Poor Quality Materials
Commercial bathrooms must withstand years of steady use as well as regular cleaning. The use of poor quality materials in your commercial bathroom remodel can shorten the service life of your bathroom by years. Low-quality fixtures and finishes simply can't last in a space that's used regularly.
It's tempting to reduce the cost of your commercial remodel by installing low-quality materials, but this creates more problems than it solves. Low-quality materials break easily and require regular replacement or maintenance.
A bathroom with broken fixtures reflects badly on your business. Poor quality materials also create additional problems like long lines to use the facilities and cleaning challenges. Ultimately, the use of poor quality materials could lead you to remodel your bathroom again in a much shorter time, costing your business more money than it would if it had simply done the remodel the right way the first time.
Failure to Make or Follow a Budget
Every commercial remodel starts with a budget. Knowing how much you can spend helps guide you through the process and avoid over-spending.
Making a budget sounds simple, but it's not. Many commercial business owners struggle to set up a budget that works for their construction projects. Here are some steps to take when you're creating a budget, to help you choose a realistic amount:
- Determine the preferred method of payment, whether that's a loan, payment in cash, or other means.
- Meet with contractors and architects to discuss your potential project. Get rough estimates for your project.
- If paying with a loan, get approval from lenders to determine how much your business will be able to borrow for your bathroom remodel project.
Selecting the Wrong Contractor
It's important to work with the right contractor and construction team throughout your bathroom remodel. Selecting the wrong contractor can lead to a lot of frustration. When you're looking for a Connecticut commercial contractor, here are some steps to take:
- Meet with each potential contractor in-person, onsite to discuss your project.
- Notice each contractor's communication skills, including whether they respond promptly to inquiries, whether they answer questions to your satisfaction, and how well they listen when you talk.
- Check each contractor's portfolio for similar work. For commercial construction, look for a contractor with experience remodeling businesses of similar types. For example, if you work at a school, look for a contractor with experience remodeling schools. If you own a retail building, hire a contractor that has experience remodeling retail. This experience is helpful and makes your experience go more smoothly.
Commercial projects typically require an architect. Your architect may refer you to a contractor that they think will be suitable for the job. If you don't get a contractor referral through your architect, check references for the contractor that you do decide to hire.
Finding a contractor and completing a commercial remodel can be a challenge. There are a lot of contractors out there, but not all of them are a great fit for your job. For more information and suggestions on finding the right commercial contractor for your Connecticut renewal, download our free guide to finding a Connecticut contractor. You can also call Litchfield Builders to schedule a consultation to discuss your upcoming project.
