The 5 Biggest mistakes to avoid during a Washroom Refurbishment (and 5 others to be aware of)

A Commercial Washroom Refurbishment is a complex project involving Design, Hardware, Plumbing, Electrics, Flooring and Regulations, making it prone to errors that can cause long-term problems. 

Commercial Washrooms Ltd provides a full turnkey solution, and our Design Team has years of experience designing efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective solutions.

Here are the 5 biggest mistakes in a bathroom refurbishment, followed by 5 others to be aware of.

1. Initial cost savings cost more over time

It’s human nature to try to shave a few pounds off Design Costs, but these cost savings have a habit of coming back to haunt you.

For example, skipping Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) in favour of High Pressure Laminate (HPL) or traditional Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC) is an obvious cost-saving measure, but cubicles and Wash Trough Frames in wet or damp environments can cause the wood fibres in MFC and HPL to deteriorate. For more information, read our Article, "Differences between SGL, HPL, and MFC."

The cost of SGL may be slightly higher initially, but if you want your Washroom to last years of use, the upfront cost is worth it in the long run.

Cheaper toilet seats seem like a good idea, but quality Toilet Seats will last much longer.

2. Overengineering

At the other end of the scale is the temptation to overengineer a Washroom – does your Washroom really need a top-end Dyson Airblade Hand Dryer? Maybe, but only if the rest of the fittings are of equal specification.

Commercial Washrooms Ltd can help match functionality with style.

3. Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV)

Do not be tempted to skip installing Thermostatic Mixing Valves in your Washroom. A Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) is a critical safety and comfort device that blends hot and cold water to a safe, consistent temperature right before it reaches the tap or showerhead.

A TMV is essential for preventing scalds and improving Legionella Control.

4. Antisocial Behaviour

If you are planning to refurbish a School Washroom, consider adopting modern washroom design principles to mitigate Antisocial Behaviour. We recommend cramming as much into the room as possible to limit space for unwelcome gatherings.

For more information, read our excellent article: Using Washroom Design to Tackle Antisocial Behaviour in School Toilets.

5. Partial Toilet Refurbishment

We are often asked to retain the original walls, floor or ceiling when designing a Washroom.

Not only can this approach ruin the look of the new Washroom, but it also usually highlights the flaws in the original surfaces, which are replaced soon after.

Modern technologies and materials will help to improve a room's function and appearance. It's best to move with the times. For example, old-style ceiling tiles are perfect places to store contraband in Schools! By comparison, investing in modern suspended ceilings allows you to lock the tiles in place.

6. Placing Hand dryers over Radiators.

Hand Dryers create water splashes, and installing them over a radiator will cause the radiator to rust over time. During the design stage, we would use our considerable experience to ensure that common problems like this are avoided.

7. Cubicles too narrow

We design our Cubicles to be at least 900 mm wide (wherever possible), and even larger in a Doc-M Washroom, giving enough space for manoeuvring. If a cubicle is too small, some people will struggle to use it, including pregnant women and those carrying bags or luggage.

Another frequent cubicle sizing problem occurs when a cubicle door is too large, and the cubicle is not deep enough; the door may collide with the toilet pan.

8. Regulations

Do you need to provide access for Disabled Users?

• Are you aware of the Doc M regulations regarding Accessible Washrooms?
• What about Document T Regulations?
• What is LRV?

Are you aware of what extractor fans you are required to fit, or how many toilets you are required to install based on the number of people in the building?

No? You need to talk to a Washroom Design Expert before you begin.

You may need to consult a design team fully aware of these regulations before proceeding with the refurbishment, as it will cost more to rectify these mistakes than to design them into the Washroom.

9. Other considerations

Little things like having the Toilet Roll Holder on the same side as the door hinges to help access to narrower cubicles.

This simple design feature improves a Washroom without being obvious. And there are many more!

10. Lighting

Good lighting completes a good washroom, and a great Washroom is spoiled by bad lighting. Good lighting has many benefits from a usability perspective – some children even avoid using uninviting toilet facilities altogether, so it is important to make them as welcoming as possible.