SOS! Plumbing Budget - typical $$ allotment for fixtures and install?
alm922
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
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7 years agohomechef59
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
% of budget allotted to each specific category?
Comments (6)I think instead of working with percentages, you should get real numbers for as much as possible. For example, you should be able to get hard numbers for the permit fees and survey. Same with the cost of the septic in your area (are you likely to be able to have a field or will you have to put in a mound?-- A mound costs more, and not in a way that scales with the house). The cost of connecting to utilities can vary widely-- if you're in a development, it's probably free, but otherwise it can vary dramatically, up to tens of thousands of dollars. In the end, dividing the cost of building up by percentages doesn't really work, because the cost of a lot of things is a personal choice, and they don't all necessarily scale together. Two houses with the same foundation could have radically different final price tags, if one was done all builder grade and the other was top of the line. Pricing out your specific choices would be much more useful, IMO....See More$5000 fixture allotment?
Comments (6)Allotments or allowances are the easiest way for a GC to bid a job within the homeowners described budget and then later when the homeowner chooses materials that exceed the allowance, the homeowner has to open up the purse or wallet to make the purchase. Boom. There goes the budget. Cost overruns galore. So you're doing the right thing by shopping now. Find out if the allowance is realistic based on your needs (how many fixtures you need) and taste (low cost or high cost). And if your contract is somewhat ambiguous, do find out if the allowance is just for the fixtures themselves, or the fixtures plus installation labor. And you also have to define "fixtures" since your inclusion of the flooring comment threw me off a bit. Does your GC include flooring costs inside the "fixture allowance"? I ask since you mentioned "no laminate flooring". And taking that further, does that include things like tile as well? I'd get nit-picky with the GC to find out what exactly is covered by the $5000 allowance: -Plumbing fixtures: tub, sinks, toilets, faucets, shower valves, shower valve trim kits, shower heads and installation costs? -Flooring costs: subfloor prep, underlayment, finish flooring and labor? -Finish surfaces: tile prep, underlayment, tile, and labor? -Lighting fixtures: switches, dimmers, timers, and actual lighting fixtures (ceiling, shower lights, and wall sconces) and installation? -Ventilation: Fan switches, timers, ventilation fan, duct, and installation labor? -Knick-knacks: towel bars, mirrors, etc. In my realm of construction, a bathroom "fixture budget" is simply for the plumbing fixtures. Toilet, sinks, faucets, tub, shower stuff, etc. Your comment about flooring is what threw me off. So definitely have a conversation and makes sure you're doing an apples-to-apples comparison and not eggs-to-bacon. But yes, you need to go shopping and find out if your $5000 allowance can cover what you like. It's time to become very aware and very involved. Sorry if I want overboard with the alarm for caution. But it's always best to ask questions earlier rather than later. Best, Mongo...See MorePlumbing Budget - Replacing Galvanized Pipe
Comments (5)I am in N CA too, and remodeling my home. I am a licensed plumber in CA but haven't worked in the trade for over 30 yrs. My galvanized pipe is probably 80 yrs old and being totally replaced. Your decision should be predicated, at least partially, by a water test first. My water is a ph of 6.1 which is to acidic for copper. I am going to neutralize the water so I can install my tankless water heater. I've done the whole system in PEX. I am a copper guy by training and inclination, but prefer the pex for my home. I used the Uponor pex and bought the Milwaukee expander tool ($400) to do the job. This was my first pex job and I now have to go to LA to re-pipe my daughters place;) I, too, have a miserable crawl space (16-24"). I'm 64 and don't crawl around very easily these days, but I did it. I was able to really save time on the crawl space work with the pex. Personally, I would only use Type L. M meets the code, but L is heavier, more expensive and better. I think the pex is the way to go....See MoreBuying plumbing and lighting fixtures from kitchen designer
Comments (41)romy718, I am certainly not committed to Wood Mode cabinets. I am also considering Dura Supreme. Personally I feel both of these lines are in the same range from quality point of view. I am definitely getting all drawers for lower cabinets. Yes, there are other Wood Mode dealers in my area. Some of them are just distributors of cabinets and then you are own your own. Some are quite far away. They will be expensive because of transportation costs. So I am not even contacting them. I prefer to hire a KD who comes from design-build firm. That way I won't have to hire a GC and it will save me headache of managing all those trade people. This is my first house and this will be my first and last kitchen renovation. It is quite a stressful process and I am certainly not enjoying it. I am just waiting for the final outcome so that I can have a New Year party in Dec:-) If this process gets delayed, that party may not happen. That will really suck. I may consider different switch for pendants, but it is an issue which is quite far away. First I need to find a designer :-). nightowl, When I was composing my message, I certainly did not think or realize that some Houzzers will interpret that she is THE designer for me. She is certainly a designer, not the designer. Anyhow, I am also considering hiring a general contractor. But I still need to hire a KD in order to get the final design so that the GC can turn that design into a reality. I can't save bunches on anything if a KD won't let me buy anything on my own. I hope the next KD I am meeting this coming Saturday, lets me do that. Mindy...See MoreUser
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