10 Mistakes To Make When Appointing Hotel Fit Out Contractors

You can have a hotel room that looks great on paper but let your guests down once your hotel is operational. From light switches that are to close to the bed to charging ports that are hard to access. Corridors that are loud or furniture that will deteriorate over time.

There are many things that can go wrong with your hotel room.

It’s important that you know what your looking for when hiring hotel fit out contractors. There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the right company.

Here are 10 things to be aware of when hiring hotel fit out contractors.

1. Hiring a company based on the cheapest quote.

As mentioned above, the cheapest quote can end up being very costly. There can be many things left out from your quote.

Some hotel fit out contractors will include all aspects of your rooms from furniture to finishings and detailing. Some may only give you a quote for the basic build.

Make sure you are comparing like for like.

Are they quoting for:

• All finishings
• Furniture
• Fixtures
• Detailing
• Any other work that may be required.

If you get a detailed quote you can compare better to other contractors.

2. No Hospitality experience.

A contractor that has done office projects may not be able to fulfill your needs when it comes to your hotel.

There are so many aspects to your hotel. From your guest rooms to your reception area and restaurants. They all require attention.

Always ask for past works they have completed. Ideally you want to see some that are hospitality related.

See what type of works they have completed. They may only have done the build and not the design.

3. Not defining your scope.

As mentioned above your hotel can have many different areas to your project. When your contractor states that they will complete your hotel interiors what does that include.

Bathrooms? Furniture? Lighting? Signage? What about your door details?

Always define your scope before you hire any hotel fit out contractors.

Have a detailed document that can be used throughout your project.

4. Thinking about your staff.

Your guests will be using your rooms but your staff will also be. Make sure your staff are happy with the space your giving them to work in.

From your reception counter to house keeping cupboards. There are many things to think about.

Always allow your staff to have input on your designs.

5. Not thinking about maintenance.

Your hotel will be used day in and day out. Your materials will need to withstand this usage.

Think about what will be happening in your space. Suit cases against your wall. Chairs moving in and out. Bathroom surfaces.

Make sure your materials can handle all of these tasks.

Always get samples to make sure your happy with what your choosing.

6. Not building a mock up room.

You could complete 50 rooms and find out that your light switches are to close to the bed. This can become very frustrating when trying to change each room.

When working with your hotel fit out contractors build a mock up room. This will allow you to see what your room will be like when your guests are using it.

Always walk your rooms as if your a guest.

7. Unrealistic timelines.

Many hotels have a set date they need to open their property. When hiring hotel fit out contractors make sure you have a realistic timeline.

Allow time for all your works to be completed.

Make sure your contractor has given you a timeline that includes all aspects of your project.

8. Forgetting about your furniture.

Your furniture can become an after thought when it comes to your hotel rooms. Always allow your furniture to be part of your design.

Your reception counter may need power. Your wardrobe may need to be built in to a certain dimension.

Allow your hotel fit out contractors to help you with this.

9. Not allowing your contractor to approve works.

When working with your contractor you want to make sure that they know what they can and cannot change.

Allow them to approve certain works on your behalf. This can help speed up your project.

10. Not Discussing Handover and Defect Resolution

The project isn’t complete simply because the furniture is installed and the floors are clean.

Before appointing hotel fit-out contractors, discuss how unfinished items, defects and final inspections will be handled.

Agree on the handover requirements, including relevant documentation, operating instructions and responsibilities for correcting identified issues.

This is particularly important when the hotel must begin operations shortly after construction finishes.

Make the Right Decision Before Work Begins

Hiring a fit-out contractor requires more than reviewing designs and quotations. Clear responsibilities, practical planning and attention to everyday hotel operations can prevent many avoidable problems.

At Atmosphere, we offer commercial interior design, design and build services, and customised furniture and fixtures for hospitality spaces. Our approach brings design and execution together to support the requirements of each commercial project.