Sometimes the problem areas in a remodel can be unclear to both the Homeowner’s and even the Remodeling team. When I meet with clients, I review designs. I consult with my team to predict problems. At times, these problems can be only potential issues. For a bathroom in Stormville New York, we not only answered the design challenges that the Homeowner’s were aware of. We also presented options for potential hurdles to get a Certificate of Occupancy.

I met with the Homeowner’s to discuss moving their laundry area into their current bathroom. As with many Homeowner’s, they wanted to change the bathroom since purchasing their home four years ago. They had a jetted tub that was not in use and wasting space that they wanted to remove. The shower had a soffit above that gave it a cave-like feel. They wanted to replace this with a tub/shower combo and flush ceiling. The end goal was to create more storage and create a laundry area.

The design removed the tub deck and constructed a closet to create an alcove for the laundry units. The plan was to remove a soffit above the jetted tub. It also involved removing a built-in cabinet that was in the current layout. We were to update the exterior door and storm door to help with the space maintaining heat. The exterior walls were cement block. Until we opened up the walls, we could only guess at their construction.

The home is older. The door and window jamb sizing suggests that walls are likely just furring strips and there is probably no insulation. This would explain the drafts. It would also mean that we’d have to re-frame the exterior walls to properly insulate them.

Realizing this, the tub became an area of concern. The space in the design was already limited. Framing the wall with 2×6 studs would create a significant loss of space. It would require the Homeowners to scrap the tub and stick with a shower only. I knew that the Homeowner’s didn’t want to compromise the tub. They had their heart set on it. The second option is to frame the walls with 2×4 studs to allow for a 54″ tub. This scenario would require insulating with closed cell spray foam insulation to hit the proper R-value.

For this job, until walls are opened up it is difficult to know the next step. The previous owners made some updates and it is possible the framing is sound on one or even both walls. However, I presented each scenario to help the Homeowner’s understand the potential decisions. I also explained what the financial impact would be to the project investment for each. This way, they understand the potential budget and are prepared both mentally and financially for the worst case scenario.

With remodeling there is always the potential for unseen extras. The best any home remodeler can do is anticipate and puzzle out the options on the front end. This helps homeowners understand the situation when it arises. It also provides them the grace to make the right-fit decision for their home.

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