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What Is the Strangest Client Request You’ve Ever Had?

Share your surprising tales of remodeling gone wild

Mitchell Parker May 28, 2019

Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.

Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More

Comment14

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Remember the one about the client who wanted two toilets facing each other so he could share everything with his dating partners? Or the clients who wanted custom lights on which they could actually swing down the hallway?

Almost every design and building professional has one enduring story to tell about a client who makes the most bizarre, head-scratching request for his or her home. Well, we want to hear those stories. And the stranger the better.

Please share your most surprising client requests in the Comments.

Kariouk Associates

For example, if you think the request of a urinal in the home is a rare thing, think again. For many homeowners, it makes sense.

Michael Menn Ltd.

Designer-builder Michael Menn wasn’t too surprised when his clients asked him to incorporate a cherished painting into the design of their living room. But he was gobsmacked when he found out it was an original Picasso (shown here).

Rasmussen Construction

Homebuilder David Rasmussen installed these custom lights so his clients can swing down the hallway without touching the floor.

Your turn: Share your most surprising (or bizarre) client requests in the Comments. Photos are encouraged! We may include them in a follow-up article.

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Comment14

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Comments (14)

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Patrick Coffman

why is that dog trying to hypnotize the urinal ?

4 Likes June 2, 2019 at 7:38PM

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Harris McClain Kitchen & Bath

We had a couple who wanted to turn their basement into a 50's diner and a 50's drive- in- theater room. I had so much fun with this one!

8 Likes June 3, 2019 at 6:47AM

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Multiplan Associates

In my clime Nigeria, most client's request centered on design fees discount, which is often than not, a far cry compare to the cost of the front door alone, that such clients buy and install in the same house for which they are requesting a design fee discount. Very unfair clients request, yet it dominates in my clime.

Like June 4, 2019 at 4:50AM