In the world of design, it’s our job to plan and see the big picture before it comes to fruition. We draw and draw, specify materials, note plans, and meet with clients and contractors. Yet, despite our best efforts, mistakes can still happen. Over the last year, I’ve noticed that some mistakes are classic and pop up time and time again. Let’s explore these common pitfalls so you can avoid them and ensure your home is simply beautiful and enjoyable.
There are two main stages of construction: 1) Rough-in and 2) Finish.
1). Rough-in: Once framing has been completed, we move on to the rough-in stage. This stage occurs before drywall goes up and involves all the essential installation of plumbing, electrical wiring, ductwork, and mechanical systems. This is actually the most important part of the entire project and it happens at least 6 months before the finish stage. Unfortunately, plumbers and electricians often focus solely on their specific tasks (i.e., installing a shower valve) without considering the overall outcome of the plan. There are many factors to consider during the rough-in, so it’s vital for the contractor to stay on top of these details.
2). Finish: The finish stage involves the final installation of products (or the “pretty” stuff). This includes the installation of shower trim kits after tiling, light fixtures after drywall, and the placement of kitchen sinks after cabinetry is installed. It can be exhausting to discover a big mistake at this stage that needs to be fixed, and honestly, most people choose to live with the mistake rather than address it.
Classic Mistakes to Watch Out For
Although your eye can usually catch mistakes fairly quickly, since we’re used to “typical” human scale experience within a space, mistakes still do happen. And some of these issues are very basic code that is non-negotiable. Here are some common mistakes we see made quite frequently and what you can do to avoid them in your home:
1). Window Height: The typical window height is 80” for an 8’-0” ceiling height and 96” for a 9’-0” ceiling height. The bottom of the window needs to be 20-24” from the finished floor depending on your city code, or the window will need to be tempered. Windows in stairwells, bathrooms, and showers also need to be tempered.
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- Egress windows must have a minimum opening of 5.7 square feet in all habitable rooms. This is crucial for life safety, so make sure you have a form of egress in all bedrooms and inquire how your city defines a “bedroom”.
2). Plumbing: Sinks and toilets need to be 15” from the centerline of the fixture to the wall. We also need 6’-8” ceiling height at the back of each plumbing fixture.
3). Stairs: A clear height of 6’-8” is needed throughout the entire staircase, with a minimum width of 36”. Additionally, every staircase needs a handrail and newel post, both for interior and exterior stairs.
4). Lighting: Make sure that your lighting fixtures are centered in the room or aligned with other elements inside the room, such as windows or doors.
5). Ceiling Fans: When ordering a ceiling fan, consider the spread of the fan blades. This is especially important if you have a sloped ceiling so that the blades don’t hit the ceiling.
6). Countertops: Countertops can be shockingly difficult. If you order a vanity online that comes with a countertop, make sure it includes a backsplash and/or side splash accordingly. Otherwise, plan on installing tile at the very minimum of 4” behind the sink. Annoying but true. I think it’s easier to order the countertop from a local stone vendor for that exact reason so that you can be in control of these details.
7). Outlet Placements: Islands need to have at least one outlet (and possibly two, depending on size). Be sure to plan this out with your cabinet maker and electrician. Note that the outlet cannot be under an overhang to count for the island.
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- Also, consider the placement of the bathroom vanity outlet while the sink plumbing is being roughed in. Each sink must have an outlet and it’s a lot nicer to have it on the side vs. on the mirror wall.
8). Wall Sconces: The height of wall sconces can be very tricky. If they are going next to your bed, make sure to have the bed frame, mattress, and fixture BEFORE the rough-in. Sometimes, electricians can pull a whip and set the height later, but you want to make sure that you can reach the fixture comfortably while in bed and that it looks appropriate with your bed set up.
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- We often see consistent issues with the height of light fixtures next to sinks and mirrors. Again, make sure that you have selected and purchased your fixture before wiring. If the fixture is to be centered over the sink, make sure the light source is positioned correctly and there is light coming out from the center. I think it’s better to err on the side of being too high than too low – take my advice on this one!
9). Cabinetry: Cabinetry should extend to the ceiling. Even if your box cabinets fall short, it’s easy enough to add a piece of trim at the top to create a flush mount.
10). Color Selections: Match or miss. When it comes to tile and paint, it’s best to either match colors exactly or select a complementary color. Just missing the mark is a big miss!
How Abrigo Home Can Help You Avoid These Mistakes
When you purchase a home plan through Abrigo Home, your plan will include elevations that display the heights of all plumbing and electrical fixtures in relation to the wall framing. We also provide details on the tile installation and countertop layouts. Our philosophy is simple: if contractors and subcontractors have a clear understanding of the finish goals, the entire project will be more time and cost-efficient.
By staying aware of these common mistakes, you can set your design project up for success, resulting in a beautiful and functional space. If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with us! Together, we can navigate these challenges and ensure your project runs seamlessly from the start.
