Update: Because neither I nor the HVAC guy could get the Honeywell 9000 thermostat to work, I put in the Lowes Iris one. However, as discussed above, Iris's computer interface doesn't work. Meanwhile, (in July), the HVAC guy came back, with the plumbing supply company owner AND the local Honeywell rep, and they determined that the tstat was defective. Because it was a "Pro" model, it had a 5-year warrenty. They put in a new one. So, I took mine back to the store where I bought it, and they exchanged it without difficulty (even though I didn't have the receipt). So now I have two (for two zones) and the one they installed seems to work fine. I can't tell for sure until it gets cold, but checking it out as well as I could, it does work. And the computer interface is very good. I can access it from my smart phone(s) and my computers, both MAC and Windows (which the Iris couldn't do). When I originally installed the Honeywell thermostat, I called tech support and they said that since this was a pro model, the would only talk to pros. So, when the pros were here, they were able to use tech support. Even the Honeywell rep needed to talk to them!

$30k is an insane cost for a bathroom so small. Even paying a contractor to do the work with modest finishes, but good quality, will run between $8k and $12k. Especially if the fixtures stay in the same location and only get exchanged for new. An architect is always a good investment. An architect will help you with design ideas, can curate material, fixture and finish choices based on your tastes and can oversee the work being done by the contractor to ensure that everything is done properly, up to code, and according to design. The average homeowner is not equipped to adequately oversee a contractor's work. I've had so many clients come to me after a botched renovation because they didn't understand the contractor was taking short cuts and it cost them thousands more to fix. All time and money that would have been saved had they had a professional licensed architect working for them and protecting their interests. Classic Comfort, de nada. You're very welcome. I'll send you a private message here shortly. Thank you.

Awning windows don't vent as well as casements because they don't "catch the wind". Perhaps you could more than three casements. Or use tall gliders or double-hungs, though both would obstruct the view more than awnings. You might want to take a look at Marvin's website as the company offers many window types. The Professional Resources for each window type show the minimum and maximum dimensions.

I finally have something to contribute. For the first time in almost a year I have been able to read, finish and enjoy books. I don't know what happened but I hope it never happens again. This months books include: The Weight of Snow - Christian Guay-Poliquin A Tale for the Time Being - Ruth Ozeki The Wonderboy of Whistle Stop - Fannie Flagg Setting Free the Kites - Alex George The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald (first time read) The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry - Gabriell Zevin Currently reading The Second Mother - Jenny Milchman I can't tell you how good it is to be able to practice my favorite hobby after so long. I wasn't idle in the book arena though. I read here and participated in the book titles game. I bought a fair amount of books as well. I also reserved books from the Library this week. They only had 1 available out of the 6 I requested so they just made some selections of other books they thought I might like. Something to be said for living in a small town and being chummy with the Librarians. They did pretty well. I loved all the books I read this month. I didn't post any review of them since I figured everyone has already read them. Glad to be back in the game. (knock wood)