"There And Back Again": How Things Get Built

Last year, my cousin Randy decided to have a bedroom and bath addition constructed on his stylish two-bedroom cottage.  And by "stylish," Randy means his decorations include velvet paintings of both Elvis AND "Dogs Playing Poker." Instead of consulting with his cousin the architect (or any interiors person with an ounce of respectability,) Randy picked a contractor at random and got the work started immediately.

Didn't they read
last week's blog?

Sadly, things did not turn out so well for poor Randy.  By the time the "Nails 'R Us" Contracting Company was finished with him, he had spent over $200,000 and all he had to show for it was a tarp fastened to his back wall and a lime green porta-potty.  To pay for the work, Randy was forced to sell off his "Precious Moments" collection. Where did Randy go wrong?  Goodness, where to begin... Today, we will discuss a few of the various ways projects are handled from design though construction.

The option most people, unfortunately, choose is the one Randy chose.  Not understanding the process, they think, "I want an addition?  I'll call a contractor!"  Let me be clear on this subject:  the vast majority of contractors are very reputable, unlike "Nails 'R Us."  (Which, by the way, is a totally fictitious company, before the slander accusations start flying.)  The problem is that when a homeowner asks the inevitable "how much is it gonna cost?" question, the poor contractor really doesn't have a clear picture of what is going to be desired.  He often gives a price that is far too low, or far too high.  Either way, he and the homeowner end up on opposite sides of an argument.  Or worse, a lawsuit.

Honey, we can't
afford this...

There are at least two ways that are preferable to this approach.  One is the traditional "Design - Bid - Build" method.  It's called "traditional" because this method has been used since the days of Stonehenge (or thereabouts...)  In this approach, the Architect is hired first, and a design is agreed upon by the homeowner.  Then a full set of Contract Documents, or "blueprints" are produced.  (The whole concept of "blueprints" is a topic for another day, however...)

Once the full plans are completed, they are given to one or more contractors to estimate.  The better the drawings, the more accurate the contractor's price will be.  Although this process takes time, the homeowner can be assured that he is getting a competitive price and the price is accurate based on exactly what is proposed.

Best buds?

The second way, and a very popular way in recent years, is the "Design-Build" method.  In this method, the Architect and Contractor work together, often under the same company name.  It is a type of "one stop shopping" for the homeowner.  The homeowner gets the benefit of an Architect's services, but the Architect doesn't have to produce a completely detailed set of Drawings, saving time in the overall process.  There is no competitive bidding in this process, however, so many homeowners do not like this approach.  If you decide to go this route, check out the Contractor thoroughly and make sure you are satisfied with the quality of work he provides.

Randy says his house is
famous.  I don't know...

There are a number of other ways the process can work, with names like "Construction Management at-Risk," and "Integrated Project Delivery" (which has nothing to do with the Civil Rights Act.)  These methods don't generally apply to residential homeowners, and would make me look like an even bigger geek if I were to try explaining them here.

So which method is right for you?  It depends on your preferences.  If getting competitive bids (and possibly a cheaper price) appeals to you, go the "Design - Bid - Build" route.  If no-hassle one-stop-shopping is your thing, try the "Design-Build" option.  Or if you're like Randy, just tear the whole thing down and start over...  See you next week!

Bathrooms: Necessity, Spa, or Reading Room?

The house I grew up in had one bathroom.  No, really.  Let's just say that getting ready in the morning was...  eventful.  Of course, that was in an early 1960's era home, before the "Great Bathroom Revolution."  Looking back, I don't know how we did it without killing each other, electrocuting someone, or leaving the house half-dressed.  So I thought that today, I would put down a few thoughts on the Great American Bathroom.

Ah, the bacteria...

The residential bathroom has come a long way.  Ages ago, the Romans had huge, public baths that were one of the centers of community life. They also had vomitoriums, slavery, dysentery, and lead plumbing.  And when they said, "Saints vs. Lions," they weren't talking about NFL football.  Thankfully, we've moved beyond those days, and certainly no one wants to go back to public baths.  Well, no one except Hugh Hefner, maybe.

Hello, 1970!

But through the years, something happened to the bathroom experience.  By the time indoor plumbing became a household standard (and the Sears catalog was no longer used for toilet paper,) bathrooms had become a "necessary evil."  You needed to bathe, wash your face, and do those other "unmentionable" things.  Other than that, get out and get on with your day.  That Industrial Revolution isn't going to progress itself!  The average American bathroom had become a cramped, unpleasant space tucked into the most desolate corner of the home.

Essential Library
Material

In recent years, desires have changed.  Instead of the previous generation's notion of a place to "do 'yer business," the bathroom is now looked upon as a spa-like retreat, a place to get away from the cares of the world and relax.  My cousin Harry (ever the optimist) believes this is because America has become "a nation of weak-willed sissies."  You have to understand, the only extra thing my cousin Harry has in his bathroom is a cardboard box filled with copies of "Uncle John's Bathroom Reader." Harry is quite the learned man.

With this spa idea in mind, we conducted an extensive survey among our readers to determine what elements might be included in the "perfect bathroom."  Okay, so we just asked around at our neighborhood sushi place, but here's the list...

1)  Conceal the toilet.  Despite our open and free society, there are still some things that we don't necessarily want front and center.  It doesn't always have to be in its own room, but some privacy would be nice.

That's more like it!

2) Separate the tub and shower.  This is quite common in today's bathroom.  Each serves a distinct function, and it affords the opportunity to treat each area differently.

3)   Glass block can be really cool.  Glass block is not a new product, but it allows lots of light into your bathroom without worrying about ending up being featured on your weirdo neighbor's YouTube channel.

4) As far as bathtubs go, size matters.  The larger, whirlpool-style tubs built for two people are a great way to relax at the end of a stressful day.  (Wine glasses not included.)

5)  Shower yourself with love.  Create a wonderful shower experience with natural stone textures, rainfall shower heads, multiple nozzles, steam features, and the like.  You may never want to leave!

I'll take one of these...

6)  Indulge the other senses.  Additional touches to your ultimate retreat may include things like a small waterfall, music system, mood lighting, fragrance generators, a television, or a heated floor (for the colder climates.)  This is definitely NOT your parents' bathroom!

We'd love to hear from you!  What other features have you seen that you would put into the "Ultimate Bathroom Experience?"  We'll be sure to pass them along at the sushi place.  Have a great week!