Taking an Innovative Approach to Renovation

Volume 6 Issue 4 LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL | WWW.LHIMAGAZINE.COM 17 ning must be made a priority. A key component of this process is selecting the right contractor to have on your side. Take the time to thoroughly vet contrac- tors by going beyond simply requesting references. Dig into the contractor’s project history and reach out to trusted colleagues for referrals. While there are many variables in the vetting process, taking these extra steps will help ensure that a solid foundation for a successful project has been laid. Once the right contractor has been identified and expectations for sched- ule and communication have been set, much of the pre-planning leg work can be handed off, leaving you and your team with more time to stay focused on the big picture, including daily operations. A suc- cessful contractor will work closely with your key staff to develop a project plan to accommodate your projected occupancy to minimize revenue impact. SUPERIOR PRODUCTS, NO SACRIFICES Once a comprehensive plan is in place, it’s time to source the right materials for the project. By this point, project designers have likely identified the look, feel and preferred materials that are on-trend and meet the required brand standards. It is all too common that the designer’s selections put a project over budget. Fortunately, designer intent does not need to be sacrificed to ensure financial practicality. In fact, both can be achieved with significant savings through effective value engineering of key finishes such as flooring, countertops and vanities. Working with a well-connected suppli- er can open the door to a global network of factories and quarries that offer quali- ty products at competitive prices that are virtually identical to the materials that support the designer’s vision. Savings on materials can go a long way toward off- setting budget overages or the revenue impact of taking rooms out of inventory during the renovation. ROLLING RENOVATIONS – OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND Even with a fully developed plan and the right materials in hand, there is always BY MATT ASSENMACHER WHEN TOURIST TRAFFIC NEVER SLOWS, REMODELING CAN BE A CHALLENGE. Matt Assenmacher