One of the most important fixtures to consider in your Bath remodel.

Thinking about remodeling that old bathroom? If your bath was built before 1994 it probably has a toilet with an average 5 gallons or more per flush capasity. Which we as homeowners love but our representatives in Washington DC thought was wasteful.  Therefore they implemented the National Energy Act of 1992 which requires that all toilets made or sold in this country meet new federal water-efficiency standards. To conserve water, those standards set the upper limit of a single flush at 1.6-gal. The law took effect in 1994 and does not allow builders or remodeling contractors to install anything higher than a 1.6 gallon toilet in a residence in the U.S.  Now with more and more cities adopting new “Green” standards the capacity requirements are going even lower. Because of this, I am suggesting to my customers that they use a duel flush toilet.  The new duel flush units have two flush options, one, while will allow 1.6 gallons to clean the bowl and second which will allow a smaller amount (usually .8 gallons) to clean the bowl. This smaller amount is used when there is no solid waste to clean.

One of the dual flush toilets I use quite often in my remodeling projects is pictured below. I like it for three very good reasons. First and foremost reason is the dual flush feature. It not only saves my customers money but it fills quickly. The second is because the water tank that is customarily attached behind the bowl is located in the wall behind the toilet. This gives the homeowner an average 12” of additional space in front of the bowl, and in a small bath that’s a big difference. The third and final reason I really like this toilet is it is wall mounted. This means it’s not only easier to clean around, but it can also be mounted at different heights depending on the height of the homeowners. Which for a tall or short individual can make a big difference in comfort.

Check back with us again when we look at bath lavatories and faucets.

When to call a Pro?

Well you’ve decided to gut that bath or kitchen and behind the drywall you encounter this, 1’x6′ wood covered in cheese cloth. “What the heck I thought there would be 2×4’s, what gives”? Well, your house was most probably built before 1946, when drywall was first introduced into home construction. The cheese cloth was tacked over the wood and then wallpaper was usually installed over the cheese cloth. After the introduction of drywall it was a common practice to install 1/4″ drywall over the wood in order to give a home the high-end look of plaster walls.

Before you start prying the wood off the walls to upgrade the plumbing or electrical call a professional remodeler. They can determine whether the home is structurally sound to remove the wood. In most cases it is fine, but I have seen cases where the wood was removed and the wall twisted because there was no longer any cross bracing to keep it for twisting. You have a nice home. You want to make it nicer. Don’t take a chance. Call a professional. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has a list of professional remodelers in your area that can help you.

Thinking About Remodeling Your Kitchen

First decide if you want to completely change the layout and size of your kitchen or just update the kitchen with new cabinets, countertops and appliances. If you decide on a new layout you will need plans in order to receive comparable bids. Plans can be developed for your project by a kitchen designer, and architect, or a remodeling company that offers design/build. Next you will want to obtain bids from three reputable remodeling companies. These companies you might get though a referral from a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or what I suggest, through a professional organization. Three good professional organizations to contact would be the Remodelers Council of the NAHB, National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), or National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Each contractor should give you a written proposal with a Scope of Work, allowances, and a price based on the scope of work and allowances. Then finally before signing any contract, check references. Although price will and should be a factor, make sure all factors are considered. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples, as the saying goes. For example, you’re installing tile on the floor of your pier and beam home. Are both contractors going to install a ¾” concrete float as an underlayment? Or is one going to nail down ¾” plywood and then tile. The plywood installation will be considerably cheaper, but is the savings worth the headaches when your tile and grout start to crack and break when the plywood flexes? Also is the contractor you are considering someone you can work with? Remember this company is going to be in your home every day for the length of the remodel. If you can’t communicate with him or her during the bidding process, what makes you think you will be able to do so during the actual remodel? These are some of the thing you as a homeowner need to consider when choosing a remodeling contractor. So choose wisely, this can, and should, be a very worthwhile addition to your home.

2011 Best Builder Award

Here in Dallas the 2011 Best Builders List has come out in
the latest issue of D Home magazine. On that list is The Vaughan Group, a full
service remodeling company located in the Preston Hollow area of North Dallas.
As a matter of fact The Vaughan Group is the only Dallas remodeler on the list.
The Vaughan Group has been remodeling kitchens, baths, and adding square
footage to homes in the area for over 22 years. Gary Vaughan, the president,
said “This is a real honor, the companies on this list are chosen by fellow
builders.” Gary is the first in North Texas to receive the Graduate Master
Remodeler (GMR) designation a professional designation offered by the National
Association of Home Builders. Since there is no licensing in the state it is
very important your contractor is staying current with building standards. For
this reason Gary has the following designations, CR (Certified Remodeler), CGR
(Certified Graduate Remodeler), CGP (Certified Green Professional), CAPS
(Certified Aging in Place Specialist), & GMR.