Urinal removal

I work in a rather antiquated office building. Though most of the staff is female, and one of the bathrooms has been designated girls-only for years now, there are still three floor-length urinals in it, and it bothers the heck out of all of us.
My boss says she's talked to a contractor about having them removed, but that the guy wanted $48,000 to do it, which is way more than the company can afford. Frankly, I think it's a load of horse-pucky, but I don't consider myself an expert on remodeling. Am I right, or does removing urinals really cost that much? Does anyone know how feasible doing it ourselves would be?

 

Mentor,

The cost seems extremely high but not knowing what is involved and what was the exact specs on the contract, it's anyone's guess! Let's face it, if it was so important to you and the others, why have you waited years to bring it up now?

All I can say is, read the proposal if she will let you, see what is on it, get 3 more bids and go from there. It may be that the "Boss" is just saying this to avoid paying out unnecessary dollars just because the urinals are there.

Least expensive remedy for those inclined, to make a very good looking facade to hide them, 2x4 frame, drywall and paint it, place a small couch in front of it and it's done! You can't see them, you get a place to sit and no one knows the difference! This way, if it every goes back to being the "boys" room, no unnecessary plumbing revisions have to be done.

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks, Doug. I'll see if I can get a hold of the proposal and see what else can be done.

 

And make sure that you seal the drains if you build the urinals into a wall. When the trap water evaporates, it will allow sewer gas back into the restroom if you don't.
I would also install an accessible cut-off valve on the water supply line feeding those urinals.
Good Luck!
Mike

 

Thank you, too, Mike.