Most hotel owners or managers know that at some point they will receive a PIP or Property Improvement Plan. What they may not know is how to navigate it, how to negotiate it, and/or what the timeline of a hotel renovation/PIP looks like. Being versed in all three of these topics is vital for anyone who wants to successfully fulfill a hotel PIP.
As a hotel renovation company, Amerail Systems believes in helping hoteliers understand the nuances of PIPs. That is why we have created guides for both navigating and negotiating your PIPs, which you will find once you've reached the end of this article.
While we highly suggest reading the material mentioned above, there is another equally important topic we will be diving into below. That topic is Timeline of a Hotel Renovation.
Have you ever wondered how long a hotel renovation takes? Knowing the timeline of a hotel renovation/PIP and how long it can take will allow you to plan around events, your busy season, weather, etc., and will also help you become more comfortable with your PIP.
So, to help you understand your PIP better we've provided you with a typical hotel renovation timeline from our perspective here at Amerail Systems.
Before we begin, it's important to note that no two renovations are the same. Interruptions can occur, different circumstances like a custom renovation plan or a brand conversion can all have an effect on the timeline below. But, knowing the average timeline of a hotel renovation is still extremely beneficial to hotel owners and managers.
**In March we will dive into the complications that can arise before, during, and after a renovation begins & how to navigate them. To get notified when the article goes live, subscribe to our monthly newsletter: Click Here**
Part 1: Before The Hotel Renovation
**The below is based on Amerail Systems providing hotel designs and plans to a client with a PIP. The timeline can differ if the client has hired an outside Architect**
Step 1. Initial Contact
You (our client) will reach out to us through one of our various methods of contact (Phone, Email, Website Form Submission, Social Media).
Step 2. Review of PIP
Time: Approx. 1 week
You provide us with your current hotel PIP (Property Improvement Plan), a PIP that may be coming up that you wish to front-run, a PIP for a hotel brand that you wish to convert to, or a set of preliminary plans.
Amerail Pro Tip: Front-running PIPs can help keep expenditures down.
Remember, if you do not have a PIP, that is ok. We're here to help fulfill your renovation wants and needs. Contact us and we will help plan your renovation.
Step 3. Budget Estimate
Time: Approx. 3-4 weeks
After the hotel renovation experts at Amerail Systems review your PIP (or other plans) we will provide you with a budget estimate for the project. At this point, the timeline is dependent upon when you respond/agree to the budget for your hotel renovation.
We estimate this takes approximately 3-4 weeks in total.
Step 4. Design Agreement
Time: Approx. 2 weeks +
Once you've agreed to our proposed renovation budget, we will come to a design agreement (again this is assuming that we are providing design services). In this step, the timeline is also dependent upon when you respond to the design agreement. Sometimes this can take 2 weeks but in other cases, it may be years.
Amerail Pro Tip: The sooner we can reach a design agreement, the sooner you'll receive a renovation provided by a top hotel renovation company (Amerail Systems), and the sooner you're beating out your competition.
Step 5. Design Concept
Time: Approx. 4-8 weeks (or 1-2 months)
This is when your renovation gets a little more exciting and you can start to see what your hotel could look like.
As soon as we come to a design agreement, we will begin to come up with design concepts for your hotel. While crafting your hotel design concepts we will take not only your PIP into consideration and what it requires, but also your opinions as well.
Our typical turnaround for hotel designs is 4-8 weeks.
Step 6. Final Design & Approval
Time: Approx. 3-4 months
Once a concept is agreed upon, our in-house drafter/designer will work tirelessly to provide you with a completed design that both you and your flag love and approve of.
We estimate this can take 3-4 months depending on when a design is approved and if adjustments need to be made.
Step 7. Final Pricing
Time: Approx. 1 week +
We've come to an agreement on your budget and your design has been approved by both you and your flag. It's almost time to celebrate and get ready for your hotel to receive the best renovation out there.
In this step, all you need to do is approve the final pricing. We estimate this can take anywhere from 1 week to 5 years.
Remember not to let the amount of time we estimate scare you, this number is dependent upon when you're able to approve the pricing.
Step 8. Signing the Contract
Time: Approx. 30-90 days
You've reached the end of your pre-renovation steps and now all that's left is to sign your contract with Amerail Systems.
We're so happy you've chosen us as your hotel renovation company and we promise you won't be disappointed.
Part 1 Pre-Renovation Timeline Total: Approx. 7-12+ months
Congratulations on signing with Amerail Systems!
you're about to receive a renovation from one of the top hotel renovation companies in the country.
Prepared to be WOW'd by our value-engineering abilities, guest-friendly crews, dedicated and highly experienced staff, and so much more.
Wondering what the next steps are? Find out below!
Part 2: The Hotel Renovation
**The timeline below is based on when a hotel renovation by Amerail Systems begins, assuming a contract has been signed and designs have been approved**
Step 1. Time Factor
Time: Approx. 3-6 months
Once you've signed your contract with Amerail, it's time to start the renovation process.
The first step in this process is discussing a timeline that works best for you. Typically clients will have a period of time that they would like their renovation to be completed within.
We've noticed that clients usually want to get started as soon as possible. To do this, we will first discuss your "start by" and "end by" dates. In this step, we will also discuss plans for where our crews will be working and when so your guests are not disturbed.
Finally, your time plans are submitted for review by the local Building Authority, and once approved the construction crews are organized.
This in total can take 3-6 months.
**Before we go further, it's important to note that due to the new/current environment we're all experiencing because of Covid, there are exceptions to the timeline presented here.
For example, we have seen contracts signed and deposits received many months and up to a couple of years after presenting designs and pricing. So, there may be a larger than normal time gap but rest assured Amerail Systems will always be there for you.**
Step 2. Mobilization
Time: Approx. 2-6 weeks
We're on our way!
You can expect our crew, supplies, and equipment to arrive typically between 2-6 weeks once the timeline and permits are approved.
Step 3. Renovating your Hotel
Time: Approx. 12-20 weeks (or 3-5 months)
Time to start your renovation!
This is when you will see us transform your property from beginning to end. During this process we will share updates on your hotel renovation via our social media pages, generating buzz and getting guests excited to see your new look & experience it for themselves.
Our team of highly experienced, guest-friendly contractors can complete most exterior renovations in 12-20 weeks (or 3-5 months).
**This amount of time could be longer or shorter depending on the extent of the renovation, any upgrades, or repairs required.**
Step 4. Your Hotels New Look
Time: Approx. 2 weeks +
Your final steps include a final walkthrough, punch-out, signoff, and final payment.
Final Walkthrough - During this stage, we will walk you through your new renovations to make sure you're happy. Our goal for this walkthrough is to simply ensure the client is comfortable with the final upgrade. Typically an owner's rep has been on-site several times previous to the review with our site Foreman or Project Manager as work has progressed. Additionally, our crew and crew leaders are in ‘quality assurance’ mode throughout the project.
Punch-Out - Any remaining items that need refining after the project has been completed
Once the above items are finished and everything has been approved and signed off we'll receive the final payment from you.
Finally, your hotel has been renovated and you can now look forward to promoting your new look and welcoming in your guests who have been dying to see it!
We have heard from ownership several times, that some returning hotel customers think a new hotel was built vs. an upgrade of the original because the results we
produced were so great.
Part 2 Renovation Timeline Total: Approx. 7-13+ months
After The Hotel Renovation
**The below is based on Amerail Systems providing a hotel renovation to you (our client).
Not all hotel renovation companies will provide the below.**
Congratulations on your newly renovated hotel provided by Amerail Systems!
We know you appreciate seeing results just like us.
We hope we WOW'd you with our renovation of your hotel.
Now it's time for us to WOW you with what's next.
Photography
Ground and or drone photography will occur before, during, and after your renovation. We do this so you can see the effectiveness of our work and enjoy the results to the fullest.
Social Media
We're the most active hotel renovation company on social media and one of the fastest-growing as well.
That means that when we share your beautiful hotel renovation photos mentioned above on one of our many pages you'll receive brand awareness from us in addition to any promotion you do yourselves.
As you'll see on our pages, we use images from renovations multiple times in different formats so your hotel will be remembered over the years.
Check out each of our pages Click Here.
Website
Ready to join the Amerail Advantage club? When you join you'll be alongside many great hotels such as the Hampton Inn in Birmingham, AL, or the Courtyard by Marriott in Wood Dale, IL.
To join, all you need to do is book your hotel renovation with Amerail Systems. Contact Us
Once your Amerail Systems hotel renovation is completed, your hotel will be featured on our renovation portfolio among all our other beautifully renovated hotels.
Check them out here for yourself: Click Here
Monthly Newsletter
In addition to our social media efforts, we also send out a monthly email where we feature any completed or upcoming renovations.
If you'd like to see your renovation by Amerail in one of our emails Contact Us & Subscribe!