Replies

1. 
   jimblodgett | Jul 21, 2002 08:09pm | #1

   The kind of foresight you're talking about is what you'll get from an experienced remodeller, someone who'll be constantly stopping and asking you questions like "...have you ever considered _______?"  or maybe "...do you think you might like to add _______ sometime in the future?".  If you have any building savvy yourself you might wonder why she framed something a certain way.  When you ask her about it she'll say she did it just in case you ever wanted to _________, which was probably something you never considered in the first place, but seems like a good idea when you hear it.

   Of course, all this takes more time than the "where's the print, get out of the way" approach to remodelling.  But it's worth it.  Anyone who's been in the trade for a while will tell you that remodelling and new construction are quite different professions, even though they overlap quite a bit. 

   You want to know what I think is "Priceless"?  The results you'll get by hiring a seasoned pro, even though her prices might seem high compared to many others.

   Brinkmann for president in '04
1. 
   DonStephan | Jul 21, 2002 10:13pm | #2

   My apologies if you were offended by my post. Until I went into woodworking full time I successfully rehabbed two small houses and completed any number of smaller remodeling/repair projects. But I'm always looking to learn from others' experience and suggestions. I'm doing the remodeling myself in large part because of budget, and also because I enjoy the work and producing a finished result.

1. 
   Piffin | Jul 21, 2002 11:22pm | #3

   I guess that I don't understand the post. I agree with what Blodget said but don't know if it replies to your staements or question???????????Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   jimblodgett | Jul 21, 2002 11:34pm | #4

   I wasn't offended at all, Don.  Sorry if it read that way.  All I mean is, the examples you gave are of things any old pro would either do without asking, or ask about at some point.  There are many, many other little things like that too, that the same old pro does without realizing other people don't.

   Remodelling is as much an art as a science.  I know I often make decisions on the spot that seem like the best way that particular job, that wouldn't work very well on the next job with similar challenges.

   Good luck on your project.  Jump in and enjoy it.  Working on your own place is as good as it gets.

   Brinkmann for president in '04

2. 
   junkhound | Jul 22, 2002 04:26am | #5

   One thing I'm glad I did in master bath was skip the drywall and use 3/4 plywood everywhere for "wallboad" & tile backing. Good solid towel and grab-bar "blocking" everywhere.

1. 
   rez | Jul 22, 2002 05:27am | #7

   sounds good. How did you tile the 3/4 inch plywood and was it pressure treated?Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.

1. 
   junkhound | Jul 22, 2002 07:41am | #9

   rez: Used marine grade baltic birch plywood (I get it free off of big pallets - your cost trade may be different). Didn't use tile (wife detests trying to clean tile, me too), used white forminca since the ply was in place for a good base.

3. 
   Rein_ | Jul 22, 2002 05:08am | #6

   My advise, take your time.

   Too many people want the project over with right away and don't give things an organic growth opportunity.

   I have been remodeling my own home for 5 years, sloooowly. Not just because of budget, but because the wife and I can rethink things as we go. Some well thought out plans have simply changed because we have in this time. The time flies when your having fun anyway. If you don't have fun, it won't end up really being your home.

   Evolutionary design will always be more suited to your lifestyle and happiness. I think it is proving to be cheaper too, I just requires living with a lot of unfinished stuff along the way. Then again, we all love the smell of sawdust here don't we?

   I may not be a 'pro' but I did work in reno for many years and I have done several projects for friends and family, including a totally new home, so  think I qualify with a bit of experience :-)

4. 
   jet | Jul 22, 2002 07:25am | #8

   Have a look at the photo gallery under wife's new bath.  This was a DIY of mine and took 6 weeks to do. Mostly because like Junkhound, we took our time to get it right. Also the bathtub was bought some 5 years earlier and stored in the gardenhut until the funds were available to do the job. The toilet needed to move 2' over, one of the two sinks needed to be removed as well as the supply and waste for the tub changed from one wall to the other.

   This bath is on the second floor and going through the lower floors ceiling was not an option. Therefore it became a full rip out rather than a quick (God I hate this) tile over tile job. Did I mention that I hate tile over tile? I used cement backer board under all the tile to give it a more solid feeling. I certanly do not believe in the save a buck now and then have to spend loads later on because the tile cracked or the toilet rocks, or the window doesn't open well, or.......

   The idea of do it yourself is to save on the labor, not the materials and the quality.

   "When in doubt, over do it"