‘Fit out’ is the term used to describe the process of making interior spaces suitable for occupation. The base construction is completed by the developer, and the final fit out is completed by the occupant. Hotel fitouts can be done for existing hotels or new hotels. In both cases, the ultimate goal of a hotel fitout is to create a competitive, beautiful, and functional space that’s suitable for guest occupation. All fitout projects are significantly large jobs. Hotel fitouts, in particular, require careful planning as they involve the management of guests, inventory and stock, staff, and operating hours. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips that will help you in running a seamless hotel fitout project.
1. Plan strategically and carefully
Before you can even start thinking about beginning or working on the fitout, you’ll need to plan the entire job. During this stage, it’s a good idea to contact a trusted fitout company to talk timelines, budgets, and project management. Planning and setting deadlines will also give you an idea of what will be done and when it will be completed so you can stick to a schedule and a budget. This is particularly important in the hotel and hospitality business as extending deadlines will only result in missed customers and lost profit opportunities. Having a plan in place will also assist with scheduling work around the fitout, for example the painting or getting the internet set up.
2. Find a reliable partner that’s right for your business
Working with the right partner to get the job done will help streamline the process and provide you with peace of mind. The right partner will communicate well with you and the other workers on site. They’ll understand that fitouts often take place on a live site, and will ensure they provide a high quality service that is completed on time and within budget, without affecting other work. A good partner will also be transparent regarding costs and timelines, and will provide proper project management services. When looking for a company to partner with, do your research and talk to different people and companies. Look for companies that mirror your own values, culture, and priorities. Finding the right partner will do wonders in making the process as stress-free and streamlined as possible.
3. Know your budget
During your hotel fitout project, there will be a lot of work occurring at the same time. For this reason, sticking to a budget can be a challenge, as new problems and barriers come up. A thorough financial plan can keep you on track and accountable. As with any good renovation, refurbishment, or fitout budget, you should allocate around 10% of your project budget as a contingency plan to cover any unforeseeable costs. By being smart with your budget, you can ensure that you won’t lose money on the project.
4. Manage the project carefully
There’s a lot to manage during the fitout process: managing staff to minimise downtime, managing all of the other work that is taking place throughout the building at the same time, managing hotel inventories and stock, and managing customers and guests. For this reason, ensure that you have plans set in place with each relevant stakeholder in order to minimise the potential negative consequences of the project.
5. Prioritise communication
Communicating with your staff, as well as the partner you’ve hired to complete the fitout, is crucial to getting the project completed on time and within budget. Knowing what’s going on when and where will help elevate stress that arises throughout the project. It will also make it easier to keep your staff informed on the project so they don’t feel left out. Communicating will also assist in managing timelines and budgets with other service providers who are on the site at the same time.
If you’re ready to begin your hotel fitout, we’re ready to help. Contact us to discuss your plans.
