Should I make my builder tear out a wall to put in the right fixtures?
Terry
2 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (46)
User
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoTerry
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Should I tear into my master bath walk in closet flooring?
Comments (2)I think this falls under the "nice to have" category. Changing out the floor probably won't add value to your home, and it won't make the floor more functional for you. However, if it will bother you to not have flow from one floor to the other I would change it out. I'm also assuming there will be no change in floor level once you install the new bathroom floor, or if there is a change in level it can easily be addressed with a saddle. If there is a change in level that is not easily addressed then I would seriously consider extending the tile into the closet area....See Moreseriously in tears...can't deal with my builder
Comments (7)Also - trim is cheap. Don't stress about it. You might be looking at $100 - regardless of who pays for it. You might be even less... Cabinet makers have the option to really stick it to you for trim since you have no option at that point to match but I was always pleasantly surprised. 8 ft of heavy crown cost $50 - painted with a glaze. Not bad in my book. We had a number of missing trim pieces that had to be reordered - and the main stress for us was whether they would get in before we moved in. They did, but it was close. When we were building, we often went to the builder and said - I know we are being a pain in the ass but .... He was a good guy and would always reply with - "you don't know what a pain in the ass is" - and would give us some story about another couple and their particular complaint. It really helped that another couple who was building with him simultaneously was really high maintenance. Hey - maybe you are that high maintenance client but I really get the impression that you are not. Kitchens are tough. A missing piece of trim is nothing and happens on probably most projects. I would say that we called our builder or super 30 times during the build about something that was not as we planned it. I don't think he was slack and that was way too many - there is just things that didn't come out like we anticipated (or just communication issues) or whatever. So have you complained about 30 items yet?...See MoreMy builder didn't put any rebar in my foundation walls
Comments (28)He repeated much of the same: the township approved the plans, he's built 200 houses in the last 15 years all with no rebar all with no issues, reminded me he gaurantees no water coming in to the basement for 10 years, that he used 3,000 psi concrete when the code only calls for 2,500, etc. Have you seen and talked to past clients who have used this builder to confirm what he's telling you? I would. I would also double check with a qualified home inspector or engineer of your choosing. My feeling is a few hundred dollars paid to an expert is worth the peace of mind. For example we just had a question on some of the ductwork on our HVAC system and we hired an independent HVAC inspector. Sure enough, they weren't quite happy with one of the duct runs and flagged it. It was corrected by the builder's HVAC company. Our home inspector noticed some bolts had not been tightened. It was fixed the next day....See MoreShould I tear down the wall for open concept?
Comments (48)Alex, Regarding the wall, what if you built a wall below the stair loft and make that front room the piano room. Then open up the kitchen to the current piano room and use it as a family room/dining space. Sort of how it was set up in the listing photos. I agree with others that you need an interior designer/architect to come up with a cohesive plan for your home to bring it to your modern style. The work could be done in phases or all at one, whatever your finances allow. It will be very expensive as others have stated, but you probably already knew that. Your kitchen choices look alot like those used in the first kitchen picture from Debbie Washburn's post last Monday at 9:17am. Very modern, very nice. There's no reason why you shouldn't move forward with that design scheme. It's your house. You seem to understand the value of the woodwork. Don't feel pressured to keep it. Maybe you could have an architectural salvage company come to your home and remove all the woodwork they want, that way it could be reused eventually. Hopefully you got the house treated for termites! :)...See MorePPF.
2 years agochispa
2 years agoOlychick
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoDavid Cary
2 years agoUser
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agobry911
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agochispa
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoJeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
2 years agoCarrie B
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoHelen
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoTerry
2 years agoJeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
2 years agoTerry thanked Jeffrey R. Grenz, General ContractorTerry
2 years agoUser
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoOlychick
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoTerry
2 years agojust_janni
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoTerry
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoTerry
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoTerry
2 years agobry911
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoMongoCT
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoTerry
2 years agoMongoCT
2 years agobry911
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago
Related Stories
WALL TREATMENTSCan't Find the Right Wallpaper? Make Your Own
For one-of-a-kind walls, just use your imagination. Custom wallpaper is easier and less expensive than you might expect
Full StoryLIFEPut Up a Screen Door! 7 Ways to Make the Most of This Weekend
Get ready for summer by swapping out that storm door and organizing your home for warmer weather
Full StoryTHE POLITE HOUSEThe Polite House: Can I Put a Remodel Project on Our Wedding Registry?
Find out how to ask guests for less traditional wedding gifts
Full StoryTHE HARDWORKING HOMEMake the Most of Your Window Wall
The Hardworking Home: Put that area under your window to work as a mini library, a crash pad, a workspace, storage and more
Full StoryHOUZZ TVThis Family Put a 26-Foot Rock Climbing Wall in Their Living Room
This custom house has fort beds, a dance stage and other fun features that create a dream home for kids and adults
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPING7 Out-of-the-Box Retaining Wall Ideas
Go Beyond Railroad Ties With Stylish Rock, Metal, Blocks, and Poured Concrete
Full StoryCONTEMPORARY HOMESFrank Gehry Helps 'Make It Right' in New Orleans
Hurricane Katrina survivors get a colorful, environmentally friendly duplex, courtesy of a starchitect and a star
Full StoryMORE ROOMSWhere to Put the TV When the Wall Won't Work
See the 3 Things You'll Need to Float Your TV Away From the Wall
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESHow to Make a Tall Room Feel Right
6 Ways to Give High Ceilings a More Human Scale
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGDIY Pathway Puts Landscapes on the Right Track
Create a road more traveled in your backyard, and save your lawn from foot traffic, with this easy, affordable gravel path
Full Story
worthy