Mega Builders A picture would be helpful.
What you propose can be done. It is a question of the cost of doing that vs the alternative style you are after.

lonelimner Here's a photo of the staircase. The spindle design seems so busy for the short expanse of the stairs. I want a more contemporary look.

Mega Builders A wall will deflect sound waves better. It needs to be high enough (check with local authority for prevailing codes limiting height) to be effective. A dense 'green wall' beyond could help as well.
Beyond that, good double pane exterior doors and windows would be your last line of defense.
Good luck!

myfanwyb Going through the same thing. Triple pane windows help but not if the window is open or if you are outside.

First line of defense will be evergreen cedars for year round screening..two rows and then willow or lilac densely planted behind ..maybe next year.

I sleep with a fan on to act as white noise.

Motorbikes are the worst.

Plastic walls seem ineffective.

Nothing works upstair if the house two stories.

ASVInteriors Any hollow parts in your home ( overhangs and walls ) need to be filled. ( check isofloc). Sound barriers using ivy plants are effective. Finally, bamboo wors well because it absorbs the pressure of sound waves, and distorts/ breaks it up.

Mega Builders Very nice vanity set up!

Karen Paint color was "Swiss Coffee".

Karen Thanks everyone:) I would love some input on the shower. Due to limited space, I'm planning on a frameless sliding doors with the large stainless rollers. As for the tile I'm not sure if I should go vertical or horizontal. I'd like to add a stripe of accent tile as well. I could use the same tile as the backsplash if I went horizontal and put it higher on the wall. But if I go vertical I will need to introduce another tile. Any suggestions?

Mega Builders I will not recommend glass tile for a 'high vibration area' (though I am not clear what that actually means).
When stressed, glass tile can develop hairline cracks. This can be stress from the manufacturing process (heat) or from movement/settlement of structure. A 'high vibration area' might prove too much for your glass tiles.
Good luck!

K.O.H. Construction Corporation I have to agree with Mega Builders. You can lay glass block with mortar, not thinset or you can use the silicone method.

Mega Builders If the tile surface is 'squishy' as opposed to solid you are dealing with water damage to the substrate (probably 'green' drywall in your case).
Water WILL get behind tiles even when the grouting is not loose or cracked, as the grout is NOT waterproof. This is why the surface the tile is installed over needs to be.
The cheapest approved material for that is green (i.e. water resistant) drywall. It should never be used in tub/shower environment, yet it is and has been - extensively. Simply because it is cheapest and requires least amount of expertise.
If left unattended, water will damage framing members, resulting in a more costly repair. Mold is another issue of concern.
I would suggest contacting a couple of reputable tile installers for quotes.
Stay away from green drywall as the substrate and, at the very least, opt for pre fabricated cement boards. The best way to prepare for a tile install is to 'float' the walls with cement over a waterproofing underlayment, but this is also the more costly solutions.
Good luck!

TileWorks My guess is best case scenario by only having to remove tiles from controls down to tub and sheetrock, minimal wood repair,replace the 6" tile and plumbing repair $700 +/-
Anything more that depends on how extensive the water damage is and could easily get into 2k plus
Hope its the first option and you can just match the tile.
If you have suspicion of much mold rip it ALL out.

Nancy Walton If there is a mortgage on the property, they require you to have insurance, unlike if you're renting you don't.

Mega Builders I wish I could remember.
These floors were custom milled/distressed and stained.

Mega Builders This was marble with granite 'keys'

Mega Builders The baseboards would seal the air and the squeaks will stop?
That's a spectacular claim.
You might want to have a third party look at your installation and offer an opinion. The manufacturer might have a service that offers that.
Good luck!

Eutree Wide Plank Flooring As Mega writes you can always get a 3rd opinion. If it gets ugly the NWFA has certified professionals that can help you as well.

hjames1623 This looks so cool! I have fish all over the place because a friend works at a fish tank supply store in Tinley Park IL and can get me great rates. I've never seen this before though and would love to install something like it. Thanks for sharing! http://aquaticatinleypark.net

Joshua Duran Love it .. I'm looking for a contractor that can build a wet bar itch same style of island .. Pls help

Mega Builders Yes. It was a design choice

Mega Builders Well, he is right. If you are going with painted cabinet, consider MDF doors. These are made from a single piece and are very dimensionally stable. There are no joints to move and thus no cause for the paint to crack.
Good luck!

judychai Last question. Two builders suggest MDF cabinets. Ironwood Builders sounds like they would never even consider them! Any one some more opinions on MDF?

R J Hoppe Inc Every product has its place. Would I sugest MDF cabinets in a kitchen, no. Would I use painted MDF cabinets in a living room display, yes. There are only a few choices of materials to use for your cabinet carcass. Veneer core (plywood), particle core, MDF, and lumber core sheet products. All off these can be pre faced with wood veneer, plastic laminate or even melamine. Thats it. All of them are "wood products". There are varoius grades of each that are also available. There is chinese plywood and then there is baltic birch. There is fire retardent MDF, water esistant MDF and light weight MDF. Again every product has its place. If you use a custom cabinet maker he should know these products and should be able to explain and phyisically show you each of them.

Before all of these "enginered" products there were cabinet makers who took plankls of wood, ran them accross a joiner, then a planner, prepaired the plank edges, glued up individual planks to make a board then recut the board to make a cabinet side. Did the paint crack on this type of construction? Yes. Did boards warp? Yup:)

Mega Builders Between these two options I would vote for laminate.
It is not so much a question of 'which is better', as these are two very different products.
But laminates more closely emulate wood and would look better, IMO.
Good luck!

dottiedingo Thanks! One more thing, can you or should you put laminate on the stairs?

Mega Builders Well, you are correct. Cultured marble is the cheaper option.
If you are going the tile route, I would advise to 'do it right' and float the walls first (or at the very least use cement boards and set tile with thin set - a opposed to green drywall and tile glue).
A nicely tiled shower is far nicer than a cultured marble shower, if within your budget.
Good luck!

Nancy Walton Marble and granite would be very slippery, unless you did a honed finish on the floor. My shower installation with porcelain tiles:

Ed Tile.

Karol Crowley Thank you! I have considered the quality difference. I then have to find the right cabinet maker in tulsa. They are all so different. Some even finish the cabinets prior to install, which I liked, until I saw the sawdust all over recently painted cabinets. Painters would never paint with so much saw dust around. Decisions!

Mega Builders Cabinet price is often a reflection of the cabinets' quality.
The durability of the finish is an important component of what sets cabinets apart. Especially with painted cabinets that will likely be exposed to water and solvents (around kitchen sink(s), for example). A 'run of the mill' finish is very likely to peal before too long in this environment.
All things being equal, ready made cabinets should have a more durable finish, in most cases. But it is important to get full details from both the custom cabinet maker and the ready made brand and to make an educated decision.
Of course, if you go the 'ready-made' route principally so that you could get cheaper cabinets, you might end up getting exactly that. So do your due diligence and investigate the particulars: finish, construction, hardware, warranty, suppliers reputation and installation.
Good luck!

kim_howard Great question and timely for me!

Mega Builders We would love to see pictures :)

Mega Builders I would think it depends on how you expect the area to be maintained.
If you keep it clean and every now and than use Clorox (any bleach will do) in the created crevice, you have no issue with mold/mildew/etc. The overhand provides for a nicer look from almost every angle (save from eyes at sink level).
Another concern is a reveal the silicone will likely need to be maintained more often (I do suggest maintaining the seal, at least once every two years).
And of course, its a matter of personal taste as these do look different.
Good luck!

Ironwood Builders Overhang and caulk it. Your SIL is silly.

roxanne Well, did a field trip to a large kitchen/plumbing showroom and cabinet shop. A picture sure is worth 1000 words. I saw it all--and will stick with my minimal overhang. Thank you all for excellent, spot on advice !

Mega Builders What a wonderful and original idea!

peetsoo creative idea!

clr315 Wow I love this look you did a fantastic job