Frankly, when clients want a freestanding tub I have mixed emotions. Sure these tubs radiate old world charm and make bathrooms feel big. Hollywood capitalizes on their romantic symbolism when filming steamy sex scenes in claw foot tubs. Just watch Bull Durham. Now everyone who dreams of baseball and romance thinks a freestanding tub is requisite equipment.
Continue reading Review: Freestanding Tubs
All posts by Todd Remington
Featured Term: 16d Nail
From the Buildwise Unauthorized Dictionary
Common Definition: A 16 penny nail. The size of a framing nail used to fasten studs, plates and joists together.
Unauthorized Definition: The penny, symbol “d”, refers to nail size. Penny is a confusing term based on obsolete traditions, but it’s still used daily. Carpenters don’t call a nail that is one inch long, a “one inch nail”. No, that’s too logical. Besides, how could they tell the salty journeyman from the crass beginner? Instead a 1″ nail is really a 2d nail. Nail length increases with the number. A 2d (1″) nail is smaller than a 16d (3-1/2”) nail. Continue reading Featured Term: 16d Nail
Door Handing is Confusing, Even for Pros
In a meeting this week, I came to the frightening realization everyone present was assuming something different. Yes, we were all there to finalize the door order. But the supplier, builder, designer, client and even myself had different ideas about how to specify the door’s swing or “handing”. I made a joke of it and chuckles rang out. But then we spent several minutes agreeing on the rules to avoid a bad order. Continue reading Door Handing is Confusing, Even for Pros
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Maybe I’m just a neurotic architect. Or maybe seasonal change encourages existential reflection for everyone. Whatever the reason, as the leaves turn I’m acutely aware of a dependence on home for shelter and survival. Which means fall is a great time for a home maintenance check. I relish the thought of discovering small problems when easily fixable. And I laugh out loud when fixing them. Because a nasty winter catastrophe is avoided. Thought I’d share a list of maintenance items I diligently check. Just in case you feel the same about fall. Continue reading Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Welcome to Buildwise
Welcome to the new and improved Buildwise. A website for anyone navigating the frustrating building industry. Let’s face it, home is the one place we all need. It’s more than a tax shelter. Home also provides physical and emotional shelter. Yet, building and maintaining a condo or house wisely today is more difficult than ever. Continue reading Welcome to Buildwise