Executive Washroom on a Budget

In a perfect world, every commercial washroom project would be completed using the most attractive and functional products, be the specification a space-age area where everything is sensor-operated, or a classically styled room full of character and charm. Sadly, due to the budget constraints all projects adhere to, this can’t always be the case.

However, with clever planning and forethought, it is possible to achieve an executive washroom finish without necessarily having an executive sized budget. By being aware of high-quality products available at value prices, and using fixtures and fittings that add the most value to the project you can create something that truly stands out and distinguishes itself from a regular washroom, even on a budget. Here are a few tips:

Be smart. It always pays to do your research, be it by taking a look into new products or ranges, or at recently completed projects that have been showcased and used in case studies allowing you to gain an insight into possibilities you may not have considered. Look into costs in good time as there are many furnishings available at very competitive prices.

Be different. Give your project a clear identity. You can break away from the usual style of furnishings seen in every washroom to really distinguish yours from the rest, whether you are looking for a clean and smooth sophisticated look, or a unique finish full of character and personality.

Be prepared. While identifying the products you want for your washroom it always pays to be aware of important details, particularly their availability. It’s no good identifying the perfect fixtures and fittings you want to achieve the perfect look for your room, only to discover they are unavailable or on a long lead time.

We have considered some clever options to help.

Solid Surface – An Affordable and Luxurious Choice for your Vanity Unit

Vanity units and wash troughs are a focal point of any commercial washroom, and there’s a sufficient variety of different materials and styles available to match the rest of the area and to achieve a stylish finish.

At the cheapest end of the market, representing an ideal blend of cost and quality, traditional high-pressure laminate vanity units are a popular pick for many commercial washroom specifications and refurbishment projects. These units are compatible with inset, semi-recessed and lay-on basins which, combined with a wide variety of different colours, makes them a flexible option, perfect to mix and match, compliment and contrast with the toilet cubicles and the other washrooms features on a project by project basis.

Alternatively, specifiers and designers are more and more commonly turning to solid surface vanity tops and wash trough units in order to deliver a more contemporary and higher spec finish.  Acrylic materials such as Tristone® and Corian® not only produce an executive aesthetic but are also extremely practical and, crucially, the fantastic value given the benefits. The MIRANIT range by Franke is also a popular choice.

The units are bacteria and moisture resistant allowing for easy maintenance and cleaning in wet washroom areas. Their durability and impact resistance ensures that even in busier public washrooms the units will not be constantly damaged, and even if damage should occur they can be easily repaired without the need for a complete replacement.

Their clean, smooth build and a wide variety of colours give them the sufficient “wow factor” for use in for executive office washrooms,  and they are equally suitable for busy areas with intensive usage such as airports, leisure centres and public toilets due to their solid build and durability.

Compared to a laminated vanity top the cost of a solid surface unit is approximately 35-40% more expensive. While this may seem a lot, it isn’t when the full lifetime advantages are considered. Their flexibility, attractive look and long life make it is easy to see why they are becoming more and more common in our washrooms up and down the country.

Using Sanitary Ware to Distinguish your Washroom.

One effective way to make a washroom standout is to vary the sanitary ware used in the project. As standard, many refurbishments involve similar style basins and toilets resulting in a generic theme.

A more lasting impression can be achieved by mixing styles up from the norm, a good example of which is the use of lay-on basins. These basins, when combined with a wall-mounted spout or tall pillar tap, create a smart and contemporary look and a refreshing change from the standard washroom which will draw the attention of the user. Although they are slightly more expensive (approximately £90-£150), they are generally available at the same price as a mid-range inset or semi-recessed basin.

Equally, back to wall toilets using cisterns concealed behind either a stud wall or IPS unit offer an enhanced professional aesthetic over the more common close coupled or low-level packages. As the cisterns are concealed and are therefore plastic as opposed to ceramic, back to wall systems often work out at a similar price as exposed ones, making it an easy decision when choosing between the two types for all projects that have suitable conditions.

Away from the big-name manufacturers, it is possible to purchase more niche designer products if you want to give the room its own personality. For example, regular and illuminated moulded basins and urinals sold in a variety of colours allow your fittings to match any dominant theme in the room and are sold at the price of standard ceramic equivalents, making them particularly popular in trendy bars and clubs that are keen to stamp their own character on their customers.

Adding a High-Quality Finish with Hand Dryers.

Choosing attractive and effective hand dryers as opposed to paper towels can be a fantastic way to add value to your washroom thanks to their association with prestige and modernity.  Due to the increased research invested in the development and production of hand dryers over the last twenty years, more and more manufacturers have entered the market. The result is increased competition, lower prices and synergies across all brands to improve energy efficiency and performance.

The argument against hand dryers has always been that either the initial outlay or continuing running costs means they are priced out of washroom projects with lower budgets, but modern units are now so efficient that when these costs are considered against the cost of the purchase, disposal and maintenance of paper towel holders and paper towels, hand dryers often work out more cost-effective as well as eco-friendly, though this, of course, depends on the manufacturer and model.

The blade type hand dryers, in particular, made popular primarily by Dyson and their Airblade brand, have a great deal of prestige attached to them. These dryers continue to be associated with a contemporary and executive finish reserved only for high-spec washrooms, but this can still be achieved for washrooms on smaller budgets by using similar but more affordable models from manufacturers such as Biodrier, Mitsubishi and Veltia.

Many manufacturers and distributors also offer leasing options for their hand dryers for those that are put off by the outlay involved in all-out purchase. The perks of leasing can include the installation of the units, replacements and repairs, and flexible cost plans determined by the scale, location and specification of an area. This makes it affordable and even convenient for lower budget washrooms areas to have the most modern and prestigious hand dryers with the added comfort that comes from knowing they are guaranteed a fast and effective resolution if any problems should develop.

Other considerations

In addition, the following will help to lift the style of any washroom and should be serious considerations when designing a washroom:

Floors and Walls Finish – Large tiles used as floors and walls coverings will provide an upmarket finish when compared to more basic wall finishes such as paint/decorated walls a vinyl flooring. The cost differences are often minimal (10-20%) but will vary depending on the exact tile chosen.

Lighting – Use of lighting will have a significant effect on the overall feel of the washroom. Consider soft lighting for hotel lobby washrooms and similar. Shopping centre toilet rooms would benefit from a brighter more clinical mood.

As always, our team are at the end of the telephone for all your queries and questions and have a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share with you. So if you need some guidance, or would like to talk over your options, you can give them a call on 01202 650900.