Probably there is no individual or department in a hotel more concerned with interiors and their designs and furnishings than a professional housekeeper and housekeeping department. Yet very few housekeepers are today actually involved in creating the initial plan and visual impact of the room. That in itself is a full time occupation requiring talent and special training. The housekeeper however, is very likely to be involved in the selection of items for replacement when components of interiors become worn or too soiled to save.

 Refurbishment

To refurbish means to renovate and refurbishment covers replacement of furniture, fixtures and fittings that have become worn out or obsolete. It should not be confused with redecoration, which simply involves renewing paintwork, wallpaper, spring cleaning (thorough cleaning which takes place once a year), replacement of upholstery, etc.

             The frequency of refurbishment depends on the budget of the establishment and the amount of wear the interior is subjected to. Some of the luxury class hotels budget for refurbishment over a period of seven to ten years, while others would like to replace and update their furniture regularly, but are unable to do so due to high costs.

            Before a program of refurbishment is embarked upon, a number of questions should be asked and answered.

Evaluation – A physical inspection should be carried out to ascertain if the project is really necessary. A worksheet should then be prepared in detail. This is normally done in conjunction with the chief engineer or the head of the maintenance department.

Availability of time – When considering the work and the costs involved, the expected completion date must be planned. Work should be carried out during a period of low occupancy or at the most convenient time.

Budget – how much money is available for the project? There may have to be a compromise between what actually needs to be done and what can be afforded, adhering to the budget.

Theme – If the original theme of the establishment or area is to be changed, the suitability of newly chosen theme should be researched and a feasibility study and market research carried out. The project should be financially viable.

Design – The project should be ergonomically sound, possibly using work-studies and all the practicalities of hygiene, cleanliness and comfort considered.

Décor – Suitable fabrics, finishes and colours should be chosen. It would be ridiculous to have burgundy velvet curtains in a Mc Donald’s styled restaurant. The fabrics and finishes should be hard wearing, fire resistant, vandal-proof, and easy to clean and give the right kind of atmosphere.

Staffing – The project work may be carried out by direct labour or contractors, and a cost comparison made. If refurbishment takes place, there should be necessary staff to maintain the new image. Consideration must also be given to new uniforms, recruitment and training.

Equipment – The equipment to do the work concerned may need to be purchased or hired and availability checked.

Raw materials – Sufficient supplies should be ordered and facilities made for re-ordering. The best possible purchase price should be obtained allowing sufficient, secure storage space.

Inconvenience – Provision should be made for the inconvenience to the guests, staff, suppliers, etc while the project work is in progress. Temporary arrangements may need to be done.

Procedures – All the correct company and statutory procedures should be adhered to, like –

  1. Planning permission
  2. Fire regulations
  3. Health and safety aspects
  4. Licensing laws
  5. Company policies

Control – All aspects of controls should also be finalized –

  1. Financial control
  2. Purchasing
  3. Solicitors
  4. Insurance
  5. Contracts
  6. Inspection
  7. Records kept

For housekeeping record keeping is perhaps the most important aspect of control. Housekeeper should keep the documents in the form of a room history card so that she has details of all work carried out, for the purpose of future planning.

Redecoration

The housekeeper would not be involved in applying paint or putting up wallpaper, however she should be able to oversee the process and ensure that a high standard of work is maintained. There should be written contract with the contract decorators to ensure high standard of work, including starting and finishing dates. The contract should clearly state the work required and the order in which it is to be carried out. The housekeeper should discuss with the foreman how best to do the work with minimum disruption to staff and guests.

The housekeeping staff will have to prepare the rooms for decoration contractors.

  1. Strip beds and remove all bedding
  2. Remove all small items of furniture, pictures and artifacts to a safe place.
  3. Take down curtains and cover the upholstered furniture.
  4. Take out carpets or cover them with druggets with edges tucked in.
  5. Pile all the furniture in the center of the room and cover them with dust cloth.
  6. Remove any wall fittings as shelves light fittings.

Snagging list

            This is a list of all possible maintenance repairs in a room. It is usually prepared at times of redecoration and refurbishment; as well as annually apart from these events. This is prepared by the preventive maintenance engineer, and in case of small hotels where there is no such team; it is prepared by the Executive or Assistant Housekeeper. The job entails testing absolutely everything in the room in detail. As a practice, maintenance department does a cleaning and testing of air-conditioning; wiring system, replace all washers, check pipe lines, etc. this overhaul work helps to keep the property in good order and shape; and up to the standard. Here also as in checking a room, one goes in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, so that nothing is missed.

            Each piece of furniture and fittings has to be examined in detail.

  • Examine towel rails, grips and washbasin / vanitory unit by leaning on them. With time the fixtures may get loose.
  • Open the taps and test the water flow in washbasin and bath / shower – both hot and cold. Check for water leakages from taps and pipes.
  • Examine tiles for gaps and looseness.
  • Examine toilet in details – water pressure, seat & seat cover fixture.
  • Beds should be stripped, examined, turned and vacuumed. Under side of the bed should be examined for the state of the backing. It should not be torn or loose.
  • All furniture should be examined including the behind and sides. Take out all the drawers and examine the underside.
  • All soft furnishings should be sent for dry-cleaning or wash.
  • A checklist can be prepared for this and used every time.