"We want to add tile to our bathroom walls and were thinking of stopping about halfway up the wall with a fancy border trim. The problem is, when we lay out our tile, it hits the light and fan switches. Can we move them?" Answer from Ross Sanders This question comes up a lot, especially when a wainscot treatment is applied to walls. Wainscot is wood paneling, tile, or some other non-porous treatment such as fiber-reinforced plastics that usually stands three to four feet tall and is generally capped by a chair rail or other decorative molding. Typically, switches are located 48” - 52” above the finished floor, which makes them easily accessible. Sheetrock installers like this approach becaus
"My wife and I love to host backyard BBQs in the summer and want to add a deck to the backside of our house for entertaining. I drew up a plan but don’t know what to do next." Answer from Ross Sanders: Hi Jeremy! Adding a deck is a great way to expand your living space and enjoy the wonderful climate we live in! Before you embark on building, here are some things to consider: First of all, be aware that building a deck will likely require a building permit; the determining factor is often height of the walking surface above adjacent grade. If it is over 30”, you will likely need a building permit. You may also need a zoning permit so you should check to see if your house or condo is governed
"Will you use BIM when designing our new house? Or is that only for big buildings?" Answer from Ross Sanders Good evening, Henry! What an interesting question! We hear a lot about BIM, or Building Information Modeling, in the design & construction industries these days, so let’s take a quick look at what it is and how it can benefit a project. In its pure form, BIM is used mainly for large and/or complex projects requiring a high degree of coordination before construction. For example: high tech projects, high-rise buildings, complex industrial campuses and other projects involving multiple disciplines including but not limited to architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing,
"Are recessed can lights still popular? I see them in magazine pictures of rooms I like, but the ones that I have now are really bright and the bulbs are expensive. Is it true that LED is the new thing in lighting?" Answer from Ross Sanders Dear Jason, Recessed lighting is very popular for a variety of reasons: cost efficiency, functionality, endless customization options and unobtrusiveness. Additionally, they can be installed virtually anywhere flat with electrical access. However, recessed lighting can look out of place in older homes, so you will need to consider the overall feel of your home. According to the background information you sent me, your home was likely built in the early 19
