A Simple Tip That Can Save Construction Costs and Operational Headaches on Your Next Renovation

When Alex Hill, Vice President of Montage Resorts & Hotels, walks into a model room review, the first thing he does is purposefully scuff his black loafers against the base board.  Everyone in the room gasps out of disbelieve that the perfect guest room has been marred.  “This is going to be problem.  Luggage carts and vacuum cleaners will likely be hitting this multiple times a day,” he lectures.

For years, our project teams and design partners have struggled with the problem of aesthetics and functionality in this little thought of detail.  Historically, durable base board options have been limited to a straight rubber or carpet seamed base that came with the perception of lower quality.  The preferred solution was typically a wooden base that delivered great profiles, but at a high price.  And, the scuffing problem remained unresolved.

On recent projects, we have found a great compromise with the Johnsonite wall base. The product is manufactured from rubber (thermoplastic rubber formulation) but comes in seventeen varying profiles so it looks like wood.  The colors (available in a large palette) are integral, thus the maintenance is minimal and scuffs either don’t show or can be readily cleaned off.  Mitered ends also look great – just like wood.  Samples are available online on the Johnsonite website: www.johnsonite.swatchbox.com.

Because there is no priming, sanding, painting, nail hole filling or knots associated with the product, eliminating the involvement of carpenters and painters, installation of Johnsonite wall base typically yields a net savings to the project. And, long term maintenance and replacement costs are also reduced.  (more…)

Wall Hung Toilets May Be a Winning Option

In virtually every hotel and resort property throughout the country, bathroom space is always at a premium.  Owners, operators and designers are always trying to get more options and area from the same bathroom footprint.  Implementing wall hung toilets can be a winning option for some hotel renovation projects and provide substantial advantages.

According to Brian Nystuen, Senior Vice President of Tg Renovations, “In most cases, major renovations where substantial wall and ceiling work is already being done in bathrooms makes the installation of wall hung toilets most cost-effective.  This generally mitigates the extra labor that can be required to cap old waste pipes and install the in-wall carriers and tanks that are required for wall hung toilet fixtures.”

In-Wall View of Wall Hung Toilet

The unit material cost for wall hung carriers and bowls can range between $350 for basic models to more than $900 for high end designer bowl options.  The labor cost to install wall hung vs. conventional toilets is similar for new construction applications.  However, labor costs to install wall hung toilets in place of conventional models in renovations may be typically higher and are dependent on site specific variables.

When renovation project requirements allow for the economical installation of wall hung toilets, several benefits can be realized.  Not the least of which is improved guest perception.  Installation of wall hung toilets typically add an additional square foot of floor space – and, just as importantly, create the visual perception of substantially more space in the same bathroom footprint.

Lessons Learned From The Field

Alex Stanford, Director of Renovations, knows first-hand how wall hung toilets can help in the total transformation of bathrooms.  “Particularly in tight bathroom layouts, the installation of wall hung toilets can really make a difference.  They allow for more design options while also creating the appearance of more useable space for guests.  Wall hung toilets played a major role in improving the bathrooms at the Millenium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago.  Gibson/Darr Architecture and Consulting did a great job identifying and specing this product on our Knickerbocker renovation project.  It was the perfect solution for some very tight configurations.” (more…)