In our last home all our sinks (with the exception of the laundry room) were either integrated or undermount. In the new house, there won’t be any exceptions.

Undermount sinks don’t have nasty lips that trap gunk and debris. When you have food and liquid on the counter, wiping them directly into the sink is a breeze. The look is clean and modern.

I’ve looked at a number of manufactures and styles. Today I found a new sink source that looks very promising. MR Direct makes their own line of high quality sinks, including the kind of undermount kitchen sinks I’m looking for. Their sinks are manufactured with 16-gauge, cold-rolled steel with an 18/10 chromium/nickel content. And they are backed by a lifetime warranty.

We haven’t made our final sink choices yet, but MR Direct has been added to our short list of sink suppliers.Similar Posts:

• Granite Sinks
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Yesterday the crew was out in force (love to see that!) framing up the interior walls in the basement. Seeing each room take shape makes it easier to visualize how everything fits in — and the kids can walk around in their own rooms for the first time.

The walkout basement will include a large theater/recreation/exercise room with kitchenette, guest bath, dream laundry room, playroon, utility room, mudroom, large storage room, and four bedrooms complete with two jack-and-jill bathrooms.

This view shows the back side of the house. Two bedrooms and the bath between them are in view, with windows to the back yard.Similar Posts:

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A few weeks ago I was at a service project with some women in my neighborhood. One of them asked what kind of floors we were going to have in the new house.

“Concrete,” I replied.

“Oh, are you going to cover it with carpet?”

“No.”

“Wood?”

“No, just stained, polished concrete.”

Silence.

“Oh. Uh…won’t that be uncomfortable?”

The truth is, I suppose sitting on bare concrete isn’t the most comfortable thing ever. But when it’s smooth and polished and heated, it’s not so bad. And any area we’re likely to sit on will have area rugs. Most important is the fact that treated concrete is extremely durable and incredibly easy to clean.

That said, most people aren’t aiming to pour concrete on every floor of their homes and lots of people (if my experience is any indication) just aren’t attracted to walking on something hard all day long. So, what do they use?

Tile Floors

In Florida large tile was all the rage. It was a huge selling point to have tile on every inch of your floor. Granted, in a subtropical climate, having a cold floor was a plus, but we did get used to the idea of having hard floors with area rugs.

Tile comes in so many varieties, and so many are just plain gorgeous. The biggest selling poin to me is that tile is great when it comes to cleaning. Just wash. It’s impervious to dirt and grim and most children. But grout is not easy to clean. Grout is the one serious drawback of tile.

Wood Floors

In our last house, most of the main areas were covered in hard wood. Wood looks great, but does require occasional sanding and resealing. When that happens, it’s a major, messy undertaking.

The immediate problem we had with our wood floors was that within only about two years, they didn’t look so great. One of our couch sliders came off and put a huge scratch in the floor right after we moved in. (Ugh.) The high traffic areas lost their sheen fairly quickly.

And water wreaks havoc with wood. The water line to our ice maker leaked under out built-in freezer — unbeknownst to us. We discovered this when the wood in the hall behind the freezer began to buckle. Once it dried, we had a minor mogul run going out to the garage.

If you live in a humid climate, this can also cause a seasonal contracting and expansion of wood floors. I saw a beautiful parquet wood floor on a stage turn in to a zigzag of wood once hurricane season came around.

If I were to go with wood again, I would seriously consider the engineered wood because often the plywood base actually adds stability and moisture resistance. And the prefinished, factory coating can often be stronger than the finish applied in your home.

Vinyl Floors

As much as they’ve been relegated to the tract home category, vinyl floors actually give a pretty good bang for the buck. They are decidedly inexpensive and yet still fairly durable. And if you choose one that has a fairly smooth surface, they are very easy to clean. (The pits and indentations in some styles can be dirt traps.)

While I wouldn’t put this flooring in a kitchen, it’s not a bad option for a laundry room or child’s bathroom.

Carpet Floors

In spite of it’s popularity — due to price and barefoot comfort — carpet is my least favorite flooring on the market. Whoever thought it would be a good idea to put deep, plush, looped up fabric on the floor and then walk all over it with shoes?

Maybe having six kids and refusing to tell everyone to remove their shoes in my house just puts me in the freak category, but I just don’t see the brilliance in permanently installing something on the floor that is impossible to get completely clean.

I know, I know. You all love carpet. More power to you. At least find one that is treated so it can at least look clean — even though we all know there will be all manner of living things burrowed down in those tufts.

With all the options available for flooring, find those that best suit your budget and your lifestyle.Similar Posts:

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When we built the last custom home, we determined that we needed a security system. Our house was large and in a moderately remote location. Given that all the lots were five acres, the few neighbors that could even see our home weren’t likely to hear anything. Installing a security system seemed to be a wise investment.

Rather than go with a well-known company, like ADT or Tyco, we found a local company that offered us a package deal. They would provide and install an intercom, central vacuum system, and fire/theft security system.

This seemed like an efficient way to handle multiple smaller issues all at once, dealing with just one company.

I can’t recall the name of the local company (I’ll post it when I find it), but I know it was not ADT Security or any other well-known national brand.

We were sorry.

The sales representative that came to the construction site misrepresented just about every aspect of the package.

• The price quoted wasn’t honored and they asked for more after installation.
• The intercom unit capacity wasn’t remotely what we were told and so they ended up daisy-chaining multiple rooms. This resulted in roaring speakers and dead speakers. The entire system was very low quality, the buttons began to fall off and apart within a short time. Oh, yea, and the radio would come on randomly in the middle of the night at full volume. (When you’ve just gotten your newborn to sleep and the phantom intercom wakes him up, come talk to me.)
• The central vacuum was supposed to have a wet/dry option. Upon install the company had no idea what we were talking about. They had agreed to sell us additional tool packages for a good price. The company also had no idea what that meant.
• The security system had a camera outside (that was only installed over the “dummy camera” after much intervention). The motion detectors never, ever worked. The alarm would come on (sometimes in the middle of the night) for no reason and the override didn’t work. The only way to stop the migraine-inducing screeching was to disable the entire unit. Which…ahem…meant that the smoke detectors were deactivated as well.

Needless to say, we are going to be much more careful about our selection this time around. We are looking for ideas and feedback — and referrals! — for great home security companies. If you have experience with an ADT security system, we’d like to hear your impressions. If you have used another large company, we’d like any idea you have as well.

We will still consider a local company — as we really prefer patronizing small business — but they must have a sound history of good service and quality products.

Your input is appreciated!Similar Posts:

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If you’re into home improvement or…ahem…building a custom dream home, you’re going to love the MagnoGrip Magnetic Wristband.

This clever gadget just straps to your write with velcro. The powerful magnets inside hold nails, screws, and drill bits securely right at hand. No more digging into your belt pouches or your pockets. No more calling back your six-year-old “helper.” The needed implements are right where you are working.

You can get a magnetic wristband in pink if you’re willing to spend more (why?) — and if you really need to express your gender imperative. But the standard red and black looks great to me.

And if this gadget isn’t enough for your serious renovation project, look at the other cool tools from MagnoGrip. They have all sizes of magnetic tool belts and pouches, too.

I know one thing Sam is going to get for Father’s Day. He’ll love it.Similar Posts:

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Last August my dad turned 80. He still lives at home. In fact, he runs a college dorm.

Not long after my mom died in 2003 — after nearly 47 years of marriage — my dad opened their home to his college grandkids and their friends. I thought it was a sure sign of dementia! But, in fact, it was absolute wisdom.

Not long after my nephew, Sean, and two of his buddies moved in. While it must be noted that the kids in our family are not into drinking and all-night parties, they are still young. And college kids are noisier and rowdier than any 80-year-olds.

Still, it turned out to be a great thing, both for the kids and my dad. Now, years later, the home has served as a college residence for my oldest daughter, Jessica, and some of her friends and another nephew, Ryan, and his wife. The kids have free housing at a time when, well, they really need free housing. And my dad has company and someone who loves him nearby.

Finally, after years of discussion, my dad (who is able-bodied, mentally sharp, and still driving) has agreed to live with us when the new house is done. I’m thrilled because we all love him and because I’m hoping to get him to eat better!

With my dad soon to be a resident in our home, I’ve considered how to meet his needs as he gets older. I’ve been looking for resources to help me. A great blog specifically about caring for the elderly has already proved helpful. In addition, there are websites, books, an array of helpful products, and even support groups. Here are some of the ways we’ve addressed this new, happy situation:

• Dad’s bedroom is on the main floor. It will be private and quiet, with it’s own television, desk, easy chair, etc. Yet he can get to the kitchen and main living areas without using stairs.
• His bathroom is adjacent to his bedroom, so it’s easily accessible. It has been designed for wheelchair access, if that is ever needed.
• The basement will have a recreation area, but also access to the garage and backyard. If dad is going to use those areas, the most direct way would be to go down a long flight of stairs. At some point this might be require a modification, like one of the Bison Bede stairlifts. These are chairs that are attached to rails, that carry a person up the flight of stairs.

Just as with everyone else in your home, the elderly may require special consideration. Planning ahead can make caring for the elderly a blessing.Similar Posts:

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Our first dream home featured Delta faucets in all the bathrooms. After living there for five years, we did not have a single problem with any of them. We were very pleased with the quality and so they are certainly top-contenders for the bathroom fixtures in our new home.

I already purchased the perfect kitchen faucet. But Delta just came out with a new faucet for home use that is touch activated and worth looking over. It is the Delta 980T Pilar with Touch20 technology. Having too much experience with the motion-activated faucets in many public restrooms, my first reaction was negative. But upon seeing the video below, I really like what they have to offer. Better than motion-activated, touch-activated is easier to control and more predictable.

The touch activation feature works on the temperature control handle and on the spout! You can use your hand or your wrist, so you don’t have to touch the faucet when your hand are grimy — which is a frequent occurrence in the kitchen. That’s a great sanitation and cleaning feature. (How many hours of your life have you spent cleaning dried cookie dough off your faucets?) The style is definitely updated and modern. It’s a sleek, beautiful unit. It also has an auto shutoff feature, which might be both a pro and a con. It appears to be on a timer, so if you do want to keep the water running at length, you’ll have to keep turning it back on.

My biggest complaint about the Delta Touch-Activated Faucet is that I greatly prefer to have a single hole in the counter. It looks less cluttered and means only cleaning around one unit.

When you are looking for your next kitchen faucet, put the Delta 980T on your list. If these features are a good fit for you, you’ll have a very convenient, quality faucet for years to come.

Would you like to get this faucet free? Check out Todd’s contest.Similar Posts:

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With the basement poured we’re waiting on the concrete panels. They should arrive next Wednesday.

In the meantime, we’re on the lookout for honest, quality subcontractors and suppliers in the Utah County area, who would like to bid for remaining work on the house. We’ll be making a short list of a few we’d like to interview. In particular, we are interested in:

• Electrical
• Drywall
• Cabinets
• Roofing
• Stucco, soffit, and facia
• Windows
• Doors
• Garage doors
• Trim
• Painting
• Lighting
• Hardware
• Finish trim
• Countertops
• Shower surrounds
• Fireplaces
• Deck and rails
• Landscape
• Playground equipment

If you have expertise in these areas or someone you recommend, please contact us or comment below. We look forward to speaking with you.Similar Posts:

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After writing about some really cool features for your custom home a few weeks ago, I was reminded that knowing what to avoid is a big part of getting the home you really want. And the truth is, sometimes home designers/builders don’t seem to actually live in homes. Too often they create features that aren’t just fluffy, but a real pain to live with.

Today some real homeowners weighed in with the lousy design elements and ideas that annoy them most. When you build your next custom home, think about how these things will work on a practical level with your lifestyle. Maybe the “upgrade” is something to avoid.

1. Toilet Built for Two

   The TwoDaLoo is billed as the first toilet that “brings couples closer together and conserves our water supply all with one flush.” Seriously? Let’s just hope it’s the last.

2. Step Up to Whirlpool or Soaking Tub

   Stepping up may seem convenient, but once you’re up on the step, you are left with a long, wet step down into the tub. When getting out of the tub, you have to step up from the tub onto the step. This is pretty awkward. There have been scientific studies that show how dangerous this can be.

   The safer option is to eliminate the step and when you get in and out of the tub, simply sit on the edge and swing your legs over the side of the tub. The floor of the tub should be as close to the floor level as possible to improve safety.

   Thanks to Bill Hirsch of Designing Your Perfect House

3. Open Floor Plan

   While I’d never harken back to the days of small, dark, completely enclosed and isolated rooms, sometimes I think the open concept idea has gone out of control. Having one huge room with multiple functions — kitchen, dining room, family room, entry — might look expansive, it can be a real pain. The biggest drawbacks are:

   • Decorating: It’s hard to decorate a very large space, because what you really have to do is design and define the “rooms” using strategic furniture placement. Fine if you’re skilled at this type of thing. But if reality TV decorating shows are any indicator, most of us are abysmally inept.
   • Sound: Multi-function rooms might be purposed for television watching, piano playing, dining, reading, playing games, etc. Because these activities are often noisy, they tend to be mutually exclusive. So no one can play the piano while a television show is on and no one can watch a movie while people are trying to eat and carry on a conversation. Add to that the fact that often these open homes have balconies or other open areas adjacent to bedrooms, and parents might well be unable to watch a movie together or entertain in the evening, because the noise wakes up the kids.

4. Open Master Suite

   We just moved into a rental house that has a master bedroom that connects (with no door) to the master bath. This, in turn, connects (again with no door) to the master closet. I honestly didn’t even notice it when we looked at the house, but this “feature” drives me nutty!

   First, if I want to shower or dress in privacy, I have to lock everyone out of my bedroom, bathroom, and closet. Seriously, unless you have six kids, you have no idea how difficult it is to shower privately anyway, but when the locked door is so far away that you can’t hear even hear the fifteen questions that absolutely must be asked right now every shower time, it makes privacy that much less practical.

   Second, if either spouse gets up or goes to be early, their bathroom activities are very likely to disturb the sleeping partner. Bad idea.

5. Walk-in Shower

   After seeing all sorts of cool model homes, we built a huge, walk-in shower in our last home. It was about 6′ x 5′ and had two rainheads, a hand sprayer, and a small bench. There was a window on one side, one side of solid surface material, and two sides of glass block with an opening to enter. The ceiling in the room was ten feet high and the shower walls went up to about eight or nine feet.

   So, what’s the problem? Nothing, if you like cold showers.

   With the large area and openings, there was no way for the nice, toasty steam to stay in the shower where it belongs. It looked great, but wasn’t comfortable. We put in a heat lamp, but with ten-foot ceilings, you really can’t feel the heat down where you need it.

   Trust me, shaving and goose bumps don’t mix.

6. Clear Glass Shower Doors & Walls

   I don’t care what they put in magazines. I hated the clear glass doors/walls in our house in Florida. They looked great but were a maintenance nightmare. Every speck shouts out on glass. And there’s just something about standing naked with soap in my eyes that really makes me want to have a little more protection and a little less exposure.

7. Recirculating Cooktop Fan

   These fans are worthless and dangerous. They don’t evacuate smells and water vapor out of the house.

   New houses are built with house wrap that does not let moisture through it. With a recirculating fan, since the water vapor is not carried out (like when you put a pot of water on to boil for spaghetti) it is trapped in the house and causes mildew over time in the walls.
   This can lead to breathing problems and allergies for the occupants of the house. Recirculating fans should be outlawed.

   Thanks to John Wilder

8. Oversized Garages

   It’s great to have plenty of room to park your cars, your bikes, your stroller, and your lawnmower in a safe, secure space. But too much is still too much.

   As Randy of the Fun Times Guide pointed out, enormous garages can waste a lot of building material and dominate the exterior design of the house.

   In our too-large home, we had a very roomy four-car garage. It was too deep, too wide, and the ceiling was much too high (not really by design, but from the slab drop from the main floor)—a big waste of materials—and it was only because it was completely side-loaded that it didn’t look hideous. The area over the garage served as our business headquarters. It was nearly 2,000 square feet. We aren’t automobile collectors. Did we really need that much garage space?

9. Pot Filler

   This seems like a great idea. You won’t have to carry the heavy pot of water from the sink to the stove. But what about when the cooking is done and the pot needs to be emptied? You’ll still have to carry it back, so you’ve only solved half of the problem.

   Add to that the fact that this is a water outlet with no drain beneath it and you’re looking at a potential flood if it ever decides to leak. [Editor: Or you start filling a pot and get distracted doing something else. Don't ask.]

   Thanks to Bill Hirsch of Designing Your Perfect House

10. Cabinet Boxes Build Out of Particle Board

    If you are remodeling your kitchen, you need to specify when ordering your cabinets that you want the cabinet boxes built out of plywood instead of particle board. It is almost always a no cost option and you definitely want it. I have had too many experiences dealing with customers whose sink, dishwasher, or disposer leaked and the particle board box disintegrated inside. This would not have happened with plywood.

    Thanks to John Wilder

11. Main Floor Laundry

    I understand the selling point of the laundry room on the main floor. It’s so you don’t have to lug laundry up and down from the basement. That can be a real boon to tired parents and older folks. The problem is, the main floor is prime (and expensive) real estate, and no one wants to pour a whole lot of money into a laundry room. So, having main floor laundry room is often created at the expense of a laundry room that actually functions and makes this most tedious of chores efficient. Instead, it’s crammed into a tight, out-of-the-way corner. The room is tiny, has little storage, nowhere to sort, fold, hang, or—heaven forbid—iron. And if you thought it made sense to put a sewing machine in the same area, you’re dreaming. You have just about enough room to slip in sideways, open the appliance doors, and get out.

    Not to be sexist, but I’ve been to dozens and dozens of award-winning model homes, only to see a really beautiful—and completely useless—laundry rooms. And I always point and cry, “A man designed this!” (Meaning, rather, that the designer doesn’t actually do the laundry.)

    Walking up and down the stairs carrying laundry may be a pain but, trust me, it’s not as painful as trying to do laundry year after year in an unworkable space. Besides, the climbing is good for your gams.

12. Master Closet Entrance From Master Bath

    Although it’s a great convenience for dressing and prepping, this floor plan cuts off closet access when one partner is showering or bathing. Of course, if you live with the totally open door policy, this is not as much of an issue, except for the steam. But if you are a couple who maintain a bit of personal privacy (this includes more couples than you might imagine) then the closet should offer at least a secondary doorway to the bedroom.

    Thanks to Bill Hirsch of Designing Your Perfect House

Before you go with the flow and put in the latest, greatest home “feature,” take some time to decide if it will really work for you.Similar Posts:

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Monica spent a number of days pouring over all different bedding online. She is 12 years old and looking for something fun, without being too young.

Over the years attending the Parade of Homes with me, she took a liking to the new pink/green combination we saw in a lot of girls’ rooms. And so it’s no surprise that she settled on a hot pink/lime green bedding set.

We purchased the quilt, sham, and sheets from JCPenney, but at the last minute decided against getting the curtains, dust ruffle, and throw pillows. She wanted a room with more personality and style than she could get buying a complete matchy-matchy set.

After some local searches we found some cute, sheer, green-striped curtains and a number of cheerful throw pillows in all different textures at Wal-Mart. And the prices were much better. We also picked up a plain, white dust ruffle that we’ll add some green trim to, maybe rick-rack or pom-poms or something fun.

We really love the fur headboard in this picture, so we’ll probably make something that adds interest there.

Last, we threw in the Phoebe Table Lamp in pink. It’s got a clear pink base and a feathered shade. It was backordered for weeks, but we finally got it. It’s darling and Monica just loves it. Oo la la!Similar Posts:

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