As a designer, a client will inevitably come to you with a rush job to complete their bathroom remodel quickly. They may even ask if you can build a modern bathroom for them in what may seem like an unrealistic timeline.
What do you do?
Chances are, to make your client happy, you will schedule the project. If you can relate, this article will provide you with some tips on how to complete the job. You may even be able to complete the project over the weekend and stay on track with your design schedule.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 87,000 interior design jobs in the United States. That may seem like a lot, but bathroom designers frequently have more projects than time to complete them.
Often, this means taking on projects they can do over a weekend. So, when time is of the essence, take a moment to read about these time-saving tips that can help you complete your next bathroom project.
Key Takeaways:
- Before you sign a contract with your client, make sure you know what the complexities of the project will be. You can do straightforward projects quickly and without delay, but detailed projects may take more time than a weekend.
- When time is of the essence, choose sustainable bathroom fixtures that you can order and get quickly to avoid delays.
- When you incorporate design with function, you create a space the meets the needs of your clients but also falls within the timeline of your project.
Understand the Complexities Before Taking on the Project
The typical bathroom remodel can take three weeks (about 23 days in ideal conditions) to around six months. The chart below can give you an idea of what you would be looking at per project detail.
That is not to say you cannot do it over a weekend. In fact, if you prepare appropriately, you can get the job done in three days.
However, that will take some planning on your part that will require early preparation and access to materials that do not require you to special order them. Also, customization may be a bit more of a challenge.
It's vital to set reasonable expectations with your client. Just because they want the project done quickly doesn't mean you can complete it over a weekend. Setting expectations will improve client satisfaction and ease your own stress.
5 Tips for Building a Bathroom Over the Weekend
Designing a modern bathroom over the weekend will take some savvy, forward-thinking on your part. It will also take some preparation, access to materials, and innovation. Basically, it will take these five elements to meet your strict timeline:
1. Design the Floor Plan Accordingly
If you have a strict deadline, you cannot create a complicated design. However, that does not mean you can't make it look complex. Also, consider the space available.
If the bathroom build does not allow for demolition to make the area bigger, incorporate space-saving ideas into the floor plan to make the room feel bigger without adding additional square footage.
2. Choose Your Materials You Can Get Quickly
Since you have committed to doing this bathroom project over the weekend, the materials you need must be in-stock or on-hand. If you plan to use eco-friendly and sustainable bathroom fixtures, you should ensure these specialty items are easy to get. If your client wants modern fitting and fixtures, reach out to others in the industry you know will have what you need.
3. Plan for Delays (and How to Work Around Them)
Facts are that there are always delays in any interior design project. However, you can manage these delays easily if you can prepare for them accordingly.
For example, when home improvement projects involve rooms within the home that have faucets, pipes, and other water delivery elements, there is a chance there may be water damage somewhere within the space.
Since this is a common problem, especially in older homes, you can plan for additional building materials to repair the damage, including:
- Plywood
- Drywall
- Piping
4. Use Interactive Tools to Create a 3D Rendering
Technology can give you an enormous advantage when it comes to saving time on bathroom projects. By creating 3D rendering using a computer program, you get to see what the project will look like before you begin.
These 3D renderings also give your client an idea of what to expect and help you make changes to meet their wants and needs. That way, there is no wasted time when a client says they want to alter something you have already finished.
You will also see what you can do in the room. There will be no surprises when you try to include a vanity or shower stall that won't work with the rest of the room.
5. Incorporate Design with Function
When design meets function, you take two jobs and turn them into one. For example, if your client is looking for a bathroom that is easy to clean, choose a wall-hung toilet. This design feature hides all the unsightly plumbing elements for a modern look and makes the bathroom easy to clean. That also makes preparing the space for presentation less time-consuming for you.
Designers Turn to Geberit for Their Weekend Bathroom
At Geberit, we understand you don't always have weeks or months to finish a bathroom building project. When time is a concern, you need a bathroom fixtures manufacturer you can trust to have what you need in stock and easy to order.
We have been designing and building bathroom products for more than 120 years with designers in mind. We made our website easy to navigate so that you can always find what you need.
Our know-how section provides time-saving tips that will help you meet any project deadline. You can also count on our friendly professionals to help whenever you reach out.
Bathroom designers looking to pick up a quick and easy weekend design project turn to Geberit. Contact us today to see how we can get your project started.