Restrooms in most facilities have a long service life, typically 20 or 25 years between renovations and upgrades. The long time span puts pressure on facility managers to make the right choices when deciding what components and finishes should be installed, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website.
Understanding how choices impact the long-term performance of restroom facilities will help facility managers in making those decisions.
Restrooms typically require more maintenance and cleaning than almost all other areas in the building. They are significant users of water and energy. Their appearance and cleanliness affect building occupants and visitors alike, and are a major factor in how people view the facility.
If facility managers are to be successful in designing for the long term, they must become involved at the very start of the process. Designers must be made aware of the impact that choices they make during the design process will have on the long-term performance of the restroom.