You are here:
- Home
- Industry
- Construction Industry
- Building Homes or Extensions
Building Homes or Extensions/Questions Answered by Expert Diane Plesset
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Hello | 4/26/2012 |
| Q: I am thinking about tearing down a home that is family owned and building a new one there. The ... A: Quentin. Mold is a serious problem, and can create serious health issues. You are wise to tear down ... | |
| Blue Fusion Granite | 2/26/2012 |
| Q: Is Blue Fusion Granite softer than Blue Bahia. Installing in a kitchen and a decorator at the ... A: Rachelle. I could not find "Blue Fusion" granite in an online search, so I asked my favorite ... | |
| handiap bathroo remodling | 1/11/2012 |
| Q: I am designing a bathroom for a person who is in a wheel chair. The bathroom is 5' x 8' and since he ... A: Wally. Fortunately, there is a lot of information available to help you plan an accessible ... | |
| loft conversion | 1/7/2012 |
| Q: are 4x2 joists over a 16ft stretch strong enough floor support for my sons bedroom ,i have added ... A: Paul. 2x4's are NOT strong enough to span that distance, even at 13" on center (330mm). You really ... | |
| Green home | 12/20/2011 |
| Q: I have many questions. However, my first must be about where I can find the requirements for ... A: Steven. Congratulations for wanting to do whatever you can to help our environment by choosing an ... | |
| Flooring & Wall decoration | 12/18/2011 |
| Q: currently my jeweler shop construction is goin on, now the time for flooring. i m wondering which ... A: Kedar. Because you manufacture for someone else, and don't have display cases, it sounds like you ... | |
| Door Casing | 12/4/2011 |
| Q: I have just bought my first home. It is 30 years old, and I have already replaced the floors with ... A: Patricia. Before I answer your question, I have some questions for you: What is the style of your ... | |
| adding an extension | 11/4/2011 |
| Q: We are actually in the process right now. We have an old 60+ farm house and are extending two sides ... A: Darn, I feel sorry for you. It may be best to end your relationship with this contractor, and if ... | |
| adding an extension | 11/3/2011 |
| Q: We are actually in the process right now. We have an old 60+ farm house and are extending two sides ... A: Carol. Are you referring to the thickness of the walls? I hope I'm interpreting your question ... | |
| electral | 10/28/2011 |
| Q: will it be very extensive putting in new wiring and circuit breaker some of my sockets work and some ... A: Frances. It does sound like you have some expensive problems to deal with. There is no easy, ... | |
| solar energy | 10/6/2011 |
| Q: I would like to know where I can learn about how to install solar panels or just information on the ... A: John. There is so much information about this subject on the internet! I just did a Google search ... | |
| Safety with a 2nd story half wall over stairwell | 9/8/2011 |
| Q: I am a social worker with a 5 year old developmentally disabled client. His 2nd floor playroom is ... A: I recommend making the existing wall higher, so your client can't access the top of the wall by ... | |
| Maple Steps | 8/5/2011 |
| Q: If I install a maple hardwood floor and have steps up to it should the steps be maple also or oak ... A: Bob! I recommend maple, for two reasons: (1) Consistency, to make the area feel larger, and tie two ... | |
| sealing a basement to prevent mold | 7/15/2011 |
| Q: I own a 3rd old raised ranch home in a mixed climate. We are in southern Ontario. I have recently ... A: Mold is a serious health problem, caused by moisture and the right temperature that creates the ... | |
| Garage deminsions | 6/30/2011 |
| Q: When having a unattached garage built and the size is 26 by 28,are these the measurements for the ... A: If you got this dimension from a local building department, they are probably referring to the ... | |
Answers by Expert:
Diane Plesset
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I will answer questions about designing and building a new home, building an addition, remodeling a home, sustainability ("green" building and remodeling), aging-in-place, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling. The goal is to help homeowners achieve ultimate satisfaction with all of their choices and decisions.
Experience
Over 25 years in residential design, construction, improvement, and remodeling. Hundreds of completed projects in all ranges of investment. Author of the award-winning book "THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling," host of "Today's Home" on Lifestyle WebRadio, and public speaker.
Organizations
National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Interior Design Protection Council (IDPC)
Publications
THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling. Designer's Illustrated, Gentry, Interior Coordinator (Japan), Kitchen-Bath Business, Kitchen-Bath Design News, Oregonian, Portland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, San Mateo Times, Statesman Journal
Education/Credentials
Degrees in residential interior design, bath design, kitchen design, and lighting design. To improve knowledge about codes, products, and trends that will affect homeowners, I regularly attend tradeshows, conferences, classes, and seminars, and read 7 major trade magazines and newsletters.
Awards and Honors
Certified Master Kitchen-Bath Designer (CMKBD), Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (C.A.P.S.). AWARDS: Henry Adams, Chrysalis, Best of the Best, CoTY, Master Design, HBA Excellence. 2003 NABE Award for best how-to book.
Past/Present Clients
Please see the portfolio in my website, http://www.dp-design.com/port.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.