Cover article of Daily Journal of Commerce - March 9, 2011

Check out the cover article about our Magnolia Mid-Mod project in Seattle in today's Daily Journal of Commerce. We are so happy that this project has brought attention to universal design.  Everyone that visits this house exclaims how they'd LOVE to live here because it is so LIVABLE while also being modern. That's a great compliment - and proof that well-designed accessible features do not detract from the architectural appeal. 

Big thanks to Lynn Porter for writing such a nice article!

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