If you are renovating your commercial restroom, this article explains the key fixtures and features required for the renovation while ensuring it's legally compliant.

Making The Spaces Accessible

As businesses everywhere strive to be more inclusive, building restrooms as universal washrooms has become a priority and in many regions a legal one. In many provinces and states, now a commercial washroom renovation is directed towards making the space accessible and functional for everyone.

These renovations should meet diverse needs and enhance the overall user experience. They should ensure that washroom facilities are welcoming to all patrons, regardless of their ability.

in the business world, it's becoming more known that a short term washroom upgrade can lead to long term business related benefits like increased customer loyalty, improved image, and higher foot traffic.

Here is a detailed list of the needed support to install various commercial bathroom accessories.

Understanding Commercial Washroom Design

The Principles of Universal Design

So what is a Universal Design? A Universal Design is about creating environments that are accessible to all people, regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability. In the context of restroom design, this means ensuring that all features are easy to use and reach, and provide the same means of use for all users by being simple, intuitive, and requiring minimal effort.

The Benefits of Universal Washrooms

The advantages of incorporating universal washrooms go far beyond legal compliance with accessibility laws. They improve the quality of life by promoting social inclusion and they enhance safety.

Many of the benefits include:

• Enhanced accessibility
• Increased customer satisfaction
• Compliance with legal standards
• Promotion of social inclusion
• Improved safety features
• Positive public image
• Potential for increased business
• Long-term cost efficiency
• Reduced stigma
• Family friendliness
• Greater flexibility in design
• Increased property value
• Simplifies layouts
• Supports aging population
• Encourages diversity and inclusion
• Environmental sustainability

Businesses also usually see a return on investment through increased customer satisfaction and loyalty because everyone appreciates a well-designed and accommodating space. If you embrace universal design principles for your next restroom renovation, you'll effectively and easily serve a diverse population.

How To Properly Choose Essential Fixtures for Commercial Restrooms

Right Hand Dryers

When selecting hand dryers, consider models that accommodate a range of heights and can work with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Choose quiet models that will benefit people with auditory sensitivities, so as to maintain their comfort while using the restroom.

We've put together a comparison of commercial hand dryers by Dyson to help you compare the features and decide which model would suit your renovation project.

Selecting Durable but Accessible Faucets

The water faucets are an important component of any publish washroom too. They should be sensor-operated faucets that reduce touch points, minimize the spread of germs. Sensor-operated faucets are also easier for people with limited dexterity to use.

In a Universal Washroom, faucets are installed at accessible heights and protrude minimally to prevent accidental contact.

Also, by choosing optimal fixtures you adhere to accessibility standards and ensure comfort and usability for all visitors. This is a win-win for business owners.

The Flooring and Walls

Flooring Solutions for Safety and Durability

In a Universal Washroom, the flooring has to be properly installed to in order to significantly maintain safety and accessibility.

Optimal accessibility features of flooring for safety and durability in a universal washroom:

• Non-slip tiles
• Water and stain resistance
• Textured surfaces
• Color-coded areas
• Seamless transitions
• Adequate lighting
• Easy maintenance
• Sufficient width and spacing

We advise that you opt for non-slip tiles, laid to properly direct water to drainage and stain resistant. You can also speak with your flooring designer to add different textures or colours to visually separate different areas of the restroom to aid those with visual impairments.

Wall Tiles and Protective Features

In a Universal Washroom, the right tiling is important for significantly reducing maintenance costs and enhancing the durability and safety of the space.

Some suggestions are to select wall tiles that are easy to clean and maintain, and protective wall panels to prevent damage from moisture and wear. Choosing these types of products for the installation will help ensure the longevity of the washroom interior.

The overall benefit of choosing high end flooring and tile products is enhanced safety and longevity.

Functional Privacy Stalls and Mirrors

Ensuring Comfort and Accessibility

Privacy stalls should be spacious enough to accommodate mobility aids, with doors that open outward and locks that are easy to manipulate. The space should be large enough to ensure that there is adequate turning space within the stall to cater to wheelchair users.

Mirror Placement

Well-designed privacy stalls and appropriately placed mirrors are two key components of an universally accessible restroom.

Mirrors should be placed at varying heights or tilted for usability which allows people of different heights and abilities to use them comfortably. These types of features can make a huge difference in the usability of the space and happiness of your users.

Additional Inclusivity Features

Accessible Sinks and Countertops

Sinks and countertops should be installed at heights accessible to all users, including children and wheelchair users. There should be plenty of knee clearance with accessible soap dispensers and hand dryers close by.

Changing Tables

Incorporating baby changing tables into the renovation is a great idea and a progressive step towards inclusivity. Change tables provide a safe, clean, and comfortable space for parents and caregivers to use when caring for someone.

Most of us have seen a change table. They typically fold-down and ensure that anyone caring for a someone can access them. They include safety straps to secure the person or child and are constructed from materials that are easy to clean and sanitize.

By adding changing tables you demonstrate a commitment to accommodating the needs of all users and this direction equates to customer satisfaction, attracting a broader demographic, differentiating your business from competitors, and reinforcing your reputation as a socially responsible business.

When You're Ready For Your Reno

If you are ready to transform your commercial restroom into a model of accessibility and style, read our list of everything you need to know about universal washrooms so you don't leave anything out of your renovation.

Considering each fixture and feature is important and goes a long way in moving towards a more inclusive society. By renovating your commercial restroom to meet these standards, you contribute to a more equitable community and enhance the customer experience for everyone.