I love the niches! Though your mom's looks built-out, not recessed between the studs. I could do that, even with the pocket door, but it would have to be very shallow as there is only 11" from the wall to the tub at the closest point. I also love the windows all the way to the deck - wish mine were lower (maybe not all the way down, but so that I could see out when sitting) but I lost the battle on that window and the one over the kitchen sink - I kept putting in bigger windows and they kept changing the plans, every time a study plan came back it had the smaller windows in again so I figured there was a structural reason and gave up. I could take out the linen closet - I've never liked linen closets in bathrooms, always take out lowest shelf to slide a hamper in and use the rest to stock up on shampoos and soaps - towels go in hallway linen closet where they won't get musty. I just need to keep a column at the front corner of the linen closet near the tub, there is a vent pipe running there - though maybe it could be relocated to the opposite wall of the closet, that is shared with the toilet/shower compartment, that's a thick wall anyway b/c of another pocket door (that slides in the opposite side - b/t the shower and the vanity which I'm not crazy about but I don't think I'm into trying to gut the unfinished bathroom around the brand-new tub and shower. Anyway, code says the controls have to be accessible from outside the tub, so faucets definitely have to go in front corner if I don't tear out the linen closet and box out around that vent pipe. I could forgo the handshower completely but it is convenient for rinsing hair and for rinsing the tub after cleaning (which I have to get into to tub to wipe so I usually clean just before or after using the tub). I could just return this small handshower and get a slightly larger one (with multiple settings!) that could mount on the deck and then I don't have to put it right in the middle, on the acrylic rim. I don't really like a big spout right near my face, would have to try it out and make sure it was far enough away not to be claustrophobic (or a hazard!) if I put it at the head of the tub instead of by the drain. The hot and cold water lines are the ones that would require 6ft hoses from the shutoff valves to the faucet handles/valves, the handshower is fine since it won't be that far from the spout (even when I had planned on it being opposite end, I just figured I'd put a 10-ft braided washing machine hose on). Maybe I will put a grab bar under the window - have to see if it really helps getting up/out. But if I were to put on on the deck for assistance getting in (I've only got a 30" inseam and the deck will be about 20" from finished floor), where would you suggest I put it? Thanks

Appletini, Your new bath looks great! I love the color on the walls and your tile work. We, too, are now in the middle of a remodel/addition. We are adding on a master suite. Like you, I choose the Delta Victorian faucets, handles, etc. for the bath. But I choose the bright chrome color. We are in week 10 of a "8 to 10" week project, but I know we still have two more weeks at least! Can't wait to get my life back to normal. Glad to hear it does actually come to an end. Enjoy your new bath!

You have a wonderful space to work with. I agree with suggestion to add a few tables and a sofa table behind the sofa. I would like to see the library built-in reconfigured to only run along the wall shared by the kitchen--so that essentially your kitchen wall has built-ins running all along that wall with the exception of the entryway--you may need to add a few pieces for it, but will be well worth it. As is, the built-ins look choppy. Overall I like your arrangement of furniture with the addition of a few tables end tables and a sofa table behind the sofa; however if you want to form multiple seating areas, I'd divide into two groups to either side of the fireplace. My only concern with that is that you not block the aisles to your french doors. I'd make a clean pathway to the pool with some type of water resistant runner. We were just at a pool party yesterday and even though the kid's dried off you could just see all the wet footprints. How do you entertain? Is it a lot of indoor and outdoor with swimming? Do you serve drinks from the bar? If there is a lot of traffic to you bar, perhaps you could move closer to one of the french doors. Does anyone actually use the bar chairs or are guests more included to stand in groups and chat at the bar?

Hi, Gg, I believe a properly-sized mini-split heat pump suitable for cold climates can provide comfortable conditions year 'round (there are case studies in cold climates,) but it depends to a large extent on the insulation levels, glazing, and air-tightness of the home. With tight construction comes the need to carefully consider ventilation requirements. Heat-recovery or energy-recovery ventilators are typically installed. Sizing of the heat pumps is more critical in heating applications and winter dewpoints need to be considered, too, because the outdoor unit will spend more time in defrost mode at higher dewpoint temperatures. An application in Denver, CO is a lot different than Dorchester, MA.