A “Would you rather” question for a plumber
Hello,
I’m an architect working on schematic designs for a renovation of a 1930’s four square house. The client would like to put in another bathroom on the second floor- part of a master bedroom suite. Right now there is a bathroom on the second floor next to the master bedroom and there is a 1/2 bath on the first floor in an earlier addition that shares a wall with the master bedroom but is not directly below the master bedroom.
So my question is would you rather (for ease of construction) put in a new toliet next to an existing bathroom on the same floor (though the wall the the mbr shares with the bathroom has only a tub and the toliet is on the opposite wall), Or nearly above an existing bathroom, or I suppose it doesn’t really matter one way or the other.
attached (hopefully) is a bad drawn sketch (sorry it’s the best I can do while holding my 4 mth old daughter) to illistrate the situation.
Thank you
Nancy Lacher
Replies
Nancy.
as a remodeling contractor I would map out the drain and supply systems currently in use and their age and condition. Then take a list of the wants of the customer and come up with a couple possibilities.
anything can be done with the right amount of money. Whats important to most is the end comfort and affordability of any project.
what you don't want to do is build the most beautiful thing in the world that gets tied into a system that has reached its limits or lifespan. Sometimes it makes more sense to run new and create a chase somewhere.
Take with a grain of salt from a dumb carpenter still trying to retire.
funding, flexibilty, and cost / benefit ratio
Calvin is spot on regarding connecting to original 80 plus year old mechanicals, and, he is also correct in finding creative solutions to challenges discovered during the remodeling process - a fexible, expandable budget can help solve many issues.
Often, existing structural conditions will dictate the routing of soil / drain piping, especially for the toilet which requires the largest drain. I always recommend choosing a layout that fits your eye or needs and survey the existing conditions to determine a cost benefit ratio.............
Thanks
After 45 yrs, even a blind acorn gets a squirrel once in a while.
..expandable budget...
and in most cases, if pigs had wings......etc......
BTW, old house plumbing - do NOT cut any CI 4" vent pipe without SUBSTANTIAL vertical support above the cut......
dont ask how I know that <G>