Bathroom models are a lot like an unassembled puzzle; there are many moving parts you must connect first before the project can pick up speed and the picture becomes clearer.
If you’re going it alone, it can seem like a daunting task with hundreds of pieces scattered in front of you. Let AmBath help with their tips on how to have a successful bathroom remodel.
Before you pick up the phone or begin researching contractors, you’ll need to…
Decide What You Want
Before you approach a contractor, you will need an idea of what you want. Some contractors will be able to help walk you through what will work for your space, but not all contractors are designers or have designers on their team.
You’ll need to figure out if your project will remodel all of the bathrooms in your hotel, or if it is for a few bathrooms in military homes. Once the scope is defined, set your budget and a timeline. Remember to be flexible with both, always be comfortable with the decisions your contractor makes.
Some materials are more labor-intensive and will take longer than others. For instance, fitting your existing bathtubs with a liner will be more affordable and take a shorter amount of time than converting the bathtubs into a shower. However, converting a bathtub to a shower is more eco-friendly, creates a larger feeling and welcoming bathroom, and decreases safety risks.
Keep the following questions in mind:
- Do these bathrooms reflect your business image?
- Are these bathrooms heavily used/cleaned?
- Who will be using them?
- Do you want a full renovation or a facelift?
- What materials do you want to use?
AmBath suggests that if your bathroom is heavily used by a large demographic, such as in hospitality or in healthcare, you should focus on sleek lines, durable material, and easy to clean options such as porcelain.
If your bathrooms directly correlate to how guests view your business, such as in the hospitality industry, then consider a full remodel that will last for years versus a quick renovation.
Once you know what you want, think about when you want the project to be completed so your chosen contractor has an idea of what you’re needing and when you need it done by. Remember that the contractor’s timeline will be an estimate.
Choosing the Right Material
One of the hardest parts of planning what you want is choosing the right material. There are various options out there, such as porcelain, cultured marble, quartz, natural stone, and more. For instance, AmBath provides pressed steel, cast steel or solid surface polymer bathtubs, polymer bathtub liners, and marble or acrylic wall surrounds.
Remember that natural stone materials are typically more costly than polymer or porcelain. Natural stone creates a timeless and sleek look that is easily maintained and extremely durable, however, it is not as easy to clean as polymer.
Pick the Right Contractor
The contractor is who will be carrying out your project. Ensure they are someone you can trust by doing your research. Choose someone who specializes in commercial remodeling and do not settle on the lowest bid to save money.
Also research contractors first. This can be done online or by driving around your town. See what projects they’ve done in the past and, if available, read customer testimonials on their process. Make a list of contractors who impressed you and give them all a call to receive a quote and to learn more about them.
Ask if a contractor uses a specific brand of products or if they can procure brand names. Ask if they utilize third-party contractors or if the work will be done exclusively by staff members. And finally, ask what their estimated timeline will be.
Always make sure you understand their estimates and feel comfortable with the contractor before you agree to work with them.
If you expedite the task without compromising on quality or price, check out American Bath Remodeling. They offer a one-stop shop for commercial bath remodels; from sales to installation, everything is done by our contractors and staff. They do not enlist third-party contractors, and manufacture, ship, install and warranty all of their products.
Ambath also recognizes that not all remodeling jobs are the same. They handle commercial remodels in the hospitality industry, public housing, universities, military housing, and healthcare and have remodeled over 1 million bathrooms since 1979.