What's New At Concord Carpenter?
Hi Guys,
We've started our bathroom feeder project this week.
For several weeks I have been mentioning an upcoming project we are working on here at A Concord Carpenter.
The drawing below shows the bath project we're going to use as a website feeder project to produce editorial content, product placement and how-to content on my website and newsletter. This project will be the source of GREAT information to contractors, DIY-ers and homeowners.
We are also looking for sponsors and cool tools and products to use and showcase on for this project.
Bathroom Remodeling Tips:
People are rushed, worried, and strung out today due to our fast paced culture and we all could use a break! when remodeling theirt home they are often unprepared for the decisioons, time involved and budget to complete the project correctly.
Below are some points you need to consider BEFORE tackling a remodeling project or hiring someone to do it for you.
Preparing for A Bathroom Remodel
* When selecting a professional with whom to work, the first criterion should be character; the second, competence; the third, dedication.
* Clients who receive the best service are those from whom trust is ample, enthusiasm is overt, information is complete and payment is prompt. 
* Comparisons between seemingly similar projects often lead to incorrect expectations rather than provide useful information.
* "You get what you pay for" applies to building. Designing and building quality take care; care takes time; time costs money.
* When a project's cost exceeds its budget, it is usually because:
1. The budget was optimistic and not realistic,
2. The changing cost of the evolving design was not
monitored, and/or
3. The client's needs and preferences were not fully
articulated before the start of the work.
* Many people believe that they know a good deal about architectural design. What they do not realize is how much more they need to know to do design well, with distinction, refinement and grace.
* For construction to be done efficiently, most design decisions need to be made in advance of building. If made during construction, these decisions can interrupt the work flow and increase its costs. Late design decisions are also more difficult to incorporate into the rest of the design.
* Architects have the patience to plan. Builders have the savvy to improvise. Improvisation, however, is not a substitute for planning. The purpose of planning is to achieve predictable results. The purpose of improvising is to maintain work progress.
* A bathroom remodeling project involves people with wide variations in skill, experience, intelligence and desire. Effective project management optimizes the conditions that allow people to perform at their best.
American Standard Bathroom Fixtures:
One of the sponsors of this project is American Standard. They are providing all of the plumbing fixtures and out of alll of thiose fixtures there seems to be a favorite. The Portsmouth Collection.
The Portsmouth Collection is characterized by exquisite detail and workmanship that is reminiscent of Colonial Virginia. Beneath its traditional styling, all Portsmouth bathroom sink models are WaterSense®-certified for water efficiency, using only 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm). In addition, the collection's FloWise® showerhead saves up to 40 percent on water use.
Planning For A Bathroom Remodel:
When you begin to think about remodeling your home, it's easy to go overboard, tackle too much, or overspend. By following a few simple rules, you can avoid those difficulties. Here are some things to think about-even before you begin your remodeling project.
Anticipate Your Budget Going Over:
Your remodeling project is going to go over budget because of unexpected expenses. I always advise my clients to budget for a cost of 25 percent higher than your original estimate. The same 25 percent figure also applies to the amount of time it will take to complete the project.
There are no hard-and-fast rules, but one thing my experience has taught me is to expect the unexpected.
Research Everything:
Do lots of research concerning the materials you will be using and the specifications of each product. Run your choices by the contractor ans especially the plumber for possible compatability and installation issues.
Don't Put Off The Small Items:
Once you've decided on your main components, don't forget to spend time on the small things, as well. It's easy to get caught up focusing on the big ticket items, but it's often the interior design details, like trim, accent colors, and hardware that really make a remodeling project come to life.
Anticipate Problems and Delays:
Inevitably with every project you are going to run into scheduling problems and design flaws. Keep in mind that no two renovation projects are going to be the same, so even experienced renovators are going to make mistakes. Odds are you're going to change your mind and do things somewhat differently than you had originally planned, you're most likely going to run into things that you hadn't anticipated.
Higher Price Doesn't Always Mean Higher Quality:
This is where the research comes in. For some materials you are only paying for the brand name. Vanity Cabinets are a perfect example. By researching different cabinet manufacturers and distributors, you will often find that some of the lower priced cabinets offer the same quality at a more affordable price. Other materials, such as windows and basic supplies will generally reflect the quality in their price. Focus on quality and use the best quality of materials you can afford.
Overall, remodeling can be a rewarding experience, if you just follow a few simple rules and use common sense along the way. Whether it will be your first project or you have several under your belt, these rules will apply for all your renovation projects.
How To Quickly Cap Water Pipes While Remodeling
SharkBite Plumbing Connectors are brass fittings that use a "push-fit technology" to seal copper, CPVC or PEX pipe. No soldering needed.
We are using SharkBite Plumbing Connectors on this bathroom remodel during the demo phase. They prevent work stoppages and save me time and money here's how.
LAVA Infrared Radiant Heating Panels
Winner of 2011 KBIS 'Best of Show' Award, WarmlyYours LAVA Infrared Radiant Heating Panels are a state-of-the-art glass radiant heating system that will provide you with unparalleled heating performance. It also has an ECO- LAVA® principle, which allows you to maintain the same warmth as a regular heating system but at a lower capacity.
Bathroom Storage Ideas:
The topic of increasing bathroom storage always comes up with clients on my bathroom renovations. especially with today's popular furniture like vanities and huge two person showers... there's just no room for efficient storage. Or is there?
Can On Demand Water Heaters Be Used With Water Saving Plumbing Fixtures?
Sometimes water saving devices can cause problems with On Demand Water Heaters. But many of these water heaters will work if you research the specifications of minimum water flow needed to turn on the appliance.
Water Heater Shopping Tips:
Most people I know wait until their water heater breaks or leaks before they put any thought into researching or buying a new one. This emergency type of buying often leads to haste and compromises.
These 5 TIPS may save you time and money!
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