Answers

Being too trendy especially if you are going to sell the home in a few years.  Also, if you are staying in your home, installing cheap cabinets like IKEA is a big mistake.

Ask for references and speak to past clients to find out if the architect can design within budget.  Find out if the architect has experience doing residential remodeling.  Get a complete price for the entire design development and construction document package including consultants i.e. engineering, permit processing etc.  Don't pay a retainer until you check hiring an archictect against a design - build firm who will handle the entire process for one fee.

Solar shingles are expensive and unproven.  I recommend Sun Power photo voltaic solar.  An average home is $20,000 to $30,000 and the return on investment is 4 to 6 years on a 25 plus year system.

Hi Cathy,

If you hired a licesned contractor to install the tile, the leaky pan should be under warranty.  I recommend tearing out the entire shower.  Even if you have to pay for the replacement tile, I would not do a repair because tearing out the pan compromises the waterproofing on the walls.  Also, there are many methods of waterproofing the pan area before tile is installed.  We always use the hot mop method.  I would avoidAvoid vinyl liners or Red Gaurd.  These are cheap unreliable options.

Best!

Gregg Cantor

Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel

www.murraylampert.com 

I am assuming your home is ducted and has a forced air system.  If you you only have 1 furnace and 1 condenser, it my be more energy effecient to expend to two units.  I recommend Lennox.  You can also look at installing spilt units like these made by Fujitsu:

http://www.fujitsugeneral.com/products.htm

These are designed so that you can cool a room/rooms individually.  I suggest calling a few licensed HVAC contractors and get 3 quotes.

When interviewing contractors, check online reviews and call references to make sure the company has a track record for being on budget.  After vetting the contractor, with detailed plans and specifications you don't have to worry about change orders unless you make changes.  I usually suggetst to homeowners to have a 5% - 10% contingencydepending on the size of the project, not for change orders, but for addtions or upgrades they may want.

Complemenary paint with countertops scribed to the wall is a clean look.  If you use eggeshell paint, it is durable too.

I don't recommend painting Thremafoil.  You should just consider change out the doors and drawer fronts.

We usended sheathing that already has radiant barrier.  Definitely the best way to go.

1.  Add insulation in walls and roof.  2.  Air seal your home. 3.  Install Low E or better dual pane doors and windows.

Hi Pamela,

There are many great door & window product lines to choose from.  The most important consideration is the glass package and style.  I recommend consulting with a few glass companies and door/window contractors to help with the decision.  You need to choose your doors and windows based on location - cliamate zone.  Marvin is top of the line, but it is extremely expensive, just like Renewal by Andersen.  I recommend looking at Milgard, Jeld-Win and Andersen (not Renewal).  Good Luck! 

Gregg

Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel

www.murraylampert.com