Renovations are necessary for the success of any hotel. Guests care about the experience they have when they stay at a property, and a fresh aesthetic is often an important part. A good remodel takes the opportunity to assess existing conditions, document subtle construction variations and reconsider space usage in a building. The process is ideal for analyzing which public spaces, operational facilities and guestrooms are the most in-demand and which have outlived their usefulness.
Asbuilt Surveys in Every Guestroom: How to Avoid 9 Common Snags in Hotel Renovations
An as-built survey not only details the current reality of space utilization and structural condition but also documents subtle nuances that cause common renovation pitfalls. Updated documentation of every room helps renovation teams:
- Find column differences like bump-outs and varying sizes
- Determine wall thickness and placement variances due to structural design (unknown shear and wet walls)
- Discover anomalies in connecting door placements so new furniture layout plans are valid
- Fit custom headboards in rooms with deviating wall sizes, lighting, electrical finish, and other obstructions
- Note electrical finish placement – moving outlets to match furniture layouts is expensive
- Recognize window and drapery pocket differences so length and placement will not conflict with electrical finish and light placements
- Ascertain variances in built-in cabinetry sizes and placements due to different upgrade cycles and/or contractors
- Pinpoint ADA room differences and make sure placement of accessible tubs, showers and sinks are code compliant
- Consider ceiling trays, soffits, lighting and sprinkler heads in lighting schemes and other room design choices
While remodelling is an expected part of keeping pace with constantly changing decor trends, star-rating requirements, tech advancements and guest expectations, a strong stigma persists around the process. Unlike refurbishing, which might include new linens and a fresh coat of paint, a major renovation is a serious, sledgehammer-worthy undertaking and hoteliers need to consider how the process will affect the guest experience.
Diligent planning, precise time management and ultimate attention to detail are all required of the project team. What ifs are expensive. A dream renovation could turn to disaster very easily for any Owner, Developer or Contractor because of unexpected conditions.
