I'm in need of a sanity check and would appreciate input. We hired an architect in January to design a small addition for our small cabin. The existing cabin is shingle style and close to the water. Our primary design requirements were that it be a Nantucket style, as reasonably small as possible, and built with sustainable practices in mind. We've been on an aggressive schedule with the architect to get our drawings submitted. There have been many compromises which we expected including a 'step' in the shower to accomodate for the head room for stairs below and a 'small master bedroom' A few days before submittal, we saw the final drawings and elevations : - the master bedroom wall was too small to accomodate our existing bed and nightstands (they have since moved the closet door but now the closet is 'outside the bedroom' - AND the roof lines looked -- uncomprehensible I WAS MORTIFIED!! Long story short---we met with an interior space designer who was helping us choose the interior finishes. She politely proposed an alternate style that we prefer--plus it allows for a larger master bedroom. It's a non-hip roof that is more like a Nantucket. We're on a tight budget and a change this late in the game will impact cost and schedule. The question is: Do we live with what could be a mistake or err on the safe side and make the change now? I've attached both the architects drawings along with the proposed drawing. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks very much Image link:

mrspete, Good suggestions! I like the idea of bookshelves around the piano. I remember in the Tucker Bayou they have lovely shelves in the dining area yet I didn't want shelving there so love the idea of it around the piano. My husband was born in Germany, raised in France and Chad, African and he travels to cool places several times per year with his job (and I get to go sometimes!!) so we have some special things we'd like to display so that would be perfect along with books, etc. We really like the idea of an apartment, too. It seems to make perfect sense for our family at this stage in our lives. I DO still need a school room because my son has Autism and although he's 14, certain subjects he's well below grade level and other subjects has excelled. We could be schooling for SEVERAL more years. We have family that visit from France, Spain and Maine and when they visit it's for several weeks - not just a weekend so that extra room will be used. I will work on one less bedroom, extending the mudroom and fix the cramped space in the kitchen/pantry. I like the 1/2 bath for when we come in from the pool but might can do away with it... or might can put it closer to the back door. I'll work on that! YEAH!!! I feel like I'm moving forward. Thank you mrspete!

If a wheelchair is in you future, rethink the entire layout of the entire house. If you're not in a wheelchair now and don't have a degenerative disease, your chances of being in a wheelchair as a part of natural aging is fairly remote. You're more likely to need a cane or a walker. And it would mean we are sude by side and we would still bump into each other. Lol. Eh, how often do you actually use the sinks at the same time? If one of you is an early riser and will be up and out before the other, why do you need duplicate sinks? Just closing the door off from the bathroom to the closet will pick up space in both rooms. One of the best things about this layout is that you can access the closet from the hallway ... and that it's just across from the laundry room. Given your desire to have an early riser not disturb the other, I think it's a great idea that you're able to get into the bathroom and get all of your clothes from the closet, and even escape through the closet without ever having to go back into the bedroom. Yes, this makes sense. I know others may disagree, but do what works for you. I think the OP's trying to figure out works for him or her. Had a friend with a dryer fire so I am paranoid about it. That's not paranoia ... that's good sense. Try to place your dryer on an exterior wall and clean your dryer vent twice a year. Other thoughts: - I think you'll have some trouble with that sink that shares a wall with the closet ... the pocket door won't share nicely with the plumbing for the sink. - On the other hand, a pocket door would work nicely on the laundry door. - Where will you hang towels for the tub and shower? - Where will you place the trash can for the sinks? - Curbless showers are hard to build right /may end up leaking. Consider instead a 2" threshhold (that's the minimum); it's next to nothing and a hospital wheelchair can even roll over it. - Since you are concerned about aging in place, consider taking the toilet out of the closet. Toilet closets are harder to clean and don't provide storage for medical needs at the toilet. Consider, instead, placing it at the end of a vanity behind a small pony wall. A bit of privacy without the negatives of the closet. - I'd forget the island in the closet. I'd rather have storage all around the edge of the huge closet and a nice stuffed stool in the middle where you could sit down while putting on your shoes /lay out your suitcase while packing.

Full demolition, removal and disposal of current bathroom. Repair any damage or shortcomings found (rot, water damage etc). If damage is found, a discussion of what has been found and the cost to fix it should happen. This could include problems with plumbing or electrical which can turn into very large invoices. You want to know going into that if those types of costs may impact your total budget for the project. Keep some contingency aside for this type of issue. If you are working with a designer, then ensure lines of communication are open between the contractor and the designer. You'll need to decide if you are buying the fixtures or if the contractor will provide. If you have chosen, then full specs for the items you have chosen must be provided. This is something your designer will do if you have one. Hire all trades and subtrades and settle all invoices etc related to trades/subtrades. (plumber, electrician, tiler etc) You should spec any specifics about tile layout, grout colour etc. Those should coincide with vendor specs for the tile. (By this I mean if the vendor calls for no more than 1/3 offset for layout, then you should comply with that - not something different) If the tile calls for sanded grout vs non-sanded grout etc. For grout colour - best to choose it in concert with the designer or tile setter if possible. If you leave the grout colour choice to a tiler you will get his (or her) choice, which may not coincide with the vision you have for the bathroom. Ensure your contract includes final inspections and sign off by yourself. Once all items are completed to your satisfaction, only then do you pay the final instalment (15-20% or so would be the normal hold back). When I am working on projects with a contractor - I always put together a binder which our previous contractor called "the bible". In there I list all the items that have been purchased already, where they can be found if they are being stored on site, and wherever possible, pictures of the layout or finish (tile pattern, trim details etc) detail that we have planned. In the binder I include paint colours and sheen choices, and examples of trim pieces and styles that we want. Always try to maintain good communication. And wherever possible put things in writing. If there is a discussion about anything and something is agreed, follow up on the conversation with an email detailing the decisions made. This is key if something needs redoing later - you will have the details documented for both yourself and the contractor to refer to. I would also ask for regular meetings with the contractor - to review progress.....are they on schedule, is there any thing that requires a decision to be made, etc and at those meetings I would take pictures and notes, then treat it like meeting minutes and follow up in writing on any decisions made (point 9). I'm sure I've forgotten some items here.....but this is a start. No doubt others will come along with better ideas and advice for you as well.