Mock-up first for a perfect banquette, Round 2

TRIAL SOLUTION, ROUND 2:

The same set-up was rotated 90 degrees.  The idea was that no one would be stuck sitting next to the wall, need to get out, but have to make the person next to them move first (or go get their refill FOR them).  In this case, the width of the nook was not wide enough for a table big enough for two people to sit side-by-side on a bench on the back wall and still have a table wide enough for table settings, yet small enough to be able to get in and out with ease.  This nook is 5'-6" wide and 4'-2" deep.  

FOR ROUND 1, CLICK HERE.

Moen vs. Hansgrohe vs. Kohler

If you are remodeling or building a master bathroom, you probably wonder what the difference is in price between some of the major brands of plumbing fixtures.  It can be a challenge to get a side-by-side comparison that includes all the parts you need because some manufacturers include accessory pieces (like the handheld shower hose or shower arm) in kits, and others itemize each piece.  

After 3 hours at the plumbing showroom - or a few too many late nights at the computer screen - you may not have the energy to really get to the answer to that question.  So, to make it easier for you - and to satisfy my own curiosity - I have assembled a list of the same types of plumbing fixtures, modern in style, for three major brands:  Moen, Hansgrohe, and Kohler.   

A few important things to note:  

• I have attempted to include all the rough-in's on the list, but please have your plumbing showroom and/or plumber double-check the list if you decide to use this as a launching pad for your own project. 
• I have priced these all online, directly on the manufacturer's websites, on January 11, 2011.  Prices will change.
• Prices shown are the retail prices.  If your plumber buys the fixtures, he/she will get a trade discount.  But, by the time the fixtures reach your invoice via your general contractor, the discount will be reduced by their mark-ups, which means that you will pay close to retail.  You can split hairs if you'd like, but I think comparing retail-to-retail gives you the big picture.
• I have priced all the fixtures in polished chrome.  As far as finishes go, this is the least expensive finish.  It is also the easiest to clean, and it never goes out of fashion.  Sinks, tubs, toilets, etc. are not included in this comparison, just the fixtures that supply water and their accessories, including:

HANDHELD SHOWER ON ADJUSTABLE BAR

shower bar
handheld shower
shower hose
ell
shower control
shower valve

FIXED SHOWER HEAD WITH SEPARATE CONTROL

shower head
shower arm
shower arm trim
shower control
shower valve

ROMAN TUB FAUCET WITH HAND SHOWER

TWO LAVATORY FAUCETS

• One look at the total price of this list should help you understand why bathroom remodeling is so expensive.  Again, this doesn't include "everything," and yet the bottom line is already higher than what many home-improvement shows tease you into thinking is the total budget.  For information about what IS a reasonable budget for a master bathroom remodel or addition, click here.

And, the grand totals are:

• Moen - $2,062.20
• Hansgrohe - $3,685
• Kohler - $4,312.45

Mock-up first for a perfect banquette, Round 1

Banquettes, or built-in diner-style seating, can be a great solution for seating in a small area. Before you make the commitment, consider these factors:

• One person on each side will be pinned-in. Just like when you are at a restaurant, when the person next to the wall needs to get up for some reason, the person on the open side will have to move.  
• The pictures in magazines can make uncomfortable seats look appealing.  
• A custom-built banquette is an expensive item, so you need to get it just right.  

Common design mistakes include:

• hard seat backs that are not sloped
• window sills that press against your spine or neck
• seat bottoms that are not deep enough to be comfortable
• too-hard seat bottoms
• too-small tables
• table legs in the way of maneuvering in & out
• not enough knee space

There are some guidelines for banquette seating, but the most important thing is to get it right for YOU.

CHALLENGE:

A tiny table, barely big enough for two, became impossible with a little one came along. The table was too small for basic place-settings, and the third person's chair would be far away from the table because there is no knee-space at the open side of the table.

TRIAL SOLUTION, ROUND 1:

Using a piece of 32" x 42" sheet of foam-core (available at art-supply stores) and chairs borrowed from the dining room, this mock-up allowed the homeowners to try the idea out. They determined that the basic idea was comfortable and functional, the table would be better a little longer (44"), the seat height is just right, and the subtle slope of the seat back works well. They also decided that a custom bench could be a little wider than the width of the two chairs together.  

FOR ROUND 2, CLICK HERE.

FOR ROUND 3, CLICK HERE.