The
question
I have a 4 level split. The 3
bedrooms, and 2 full baths on are on the 3rd level.
The 2nd full bath is off the
master bedroom, but it is small. It only has a shower stall, no tub.
I want a bigger master bath with separate
tub and shower stall, and 2 sinks.
I see two
possibilities:
1) The current master bedroom is at the
back of the house, over the 2 car garage. But the garage extends out even
further.
SO we could extend the master bedroom over
the garage, making it larger and adding a new master bath.
We could always turn the old bath into a
closetJ.
2) The 4th level is one large
room converted from an attic. (It is over the living room, dining room and
kitchen).
It has slopped ceilings on each side, and
is only 7ft high at the center.
We could add a dormer off the back or
front of this room with a bathroom and maybe even walk-in closet.
Then use this space as our new master
bedroom/bath suite.
Any thoughts on which of these is cheaper
and/or easier?
FYI, we will hire contractors to do the
work.
I have attached a few
pictures.
Thanks
Jennifer
My
Reply
Jennifer,
First a little lecture :). Don't build anything because it is easier or cheaper. Build it
only when you are sure it will satisfy your needs. The cost or difficulty will long be forgotten
but the dissatisfaction & disappointment of not getting exactly what you want will linger on
forever. End of lecture.
The office room over the kitchen, dining room is a plus value on the house & should
stay. I suspect you finished this area yourself because 7' ceilings are not permitted in
most areas. I suggest you leave it as is & enjoy the use & value of the added
space.
The way to go is to extend over the garage area. Not because it will be easier
or cheaper (it is both) but because it will give you the larger bath you want & blend into what
you already have.
Try to make a simple sketch of what you want. Then add as much detail as you can,
window(s), vanity, faucets, ceramic tile etc. Call in a general contractor & ask him to
improve on the sketch & detail you show him. Do this with three contractors. Make your choice of contractor. Done.
If you plan to contract out the work piecemeal to each contractor , carpenters,
electrician, tile man, plumber etc then take a look at my do-it-yourself book. It will help a
bunch.
Hope this all helps.
Regards,
Bill Harbrecht