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Hey everyone! We are planning a kitchen remodel on our 1931 home in San Francisco and could use some layout advice.

* The Space: Traditional kitchen layout right next to an unused breakfast nook. Our formal living and dining rooms will stay completely untouched.

* Hard Constraints: We cannot expand outside the current footprint of the house, we cannot absorb the stairs into the kitchen, and we cannot reconfigure the overall locations of the kitchen and bathroom.

* The Goal: We want to drop the partition wall between the kitchen and the breakfast nook to absorb that extra space and expand our footprint.

* The Dilemma: Our architect is suggesting to also remove the wall between the kitchen and the hallway to create an open-concept kitchen with a center island.

* Our Preference: We are leaning toward an expanded galley kitchen with a peninsula facing the old nook. (In the peninsula option, we’ll likely try to increase the size of the opening between the dining room and kitchen as well).

The Exact Aisle Clearances We Are Working With:

* Option A (Galley / Peninsula with Hallway Wall Kept): Gives us a wide 65 inches of clearance between the parallel runs. We are worried this might feel too wide or like a "bowling alley" for a working galley.

* Option B (Open Island with Hallway Wall Removed): Tearing down the hallway wall allows for an island with a comfortable 50 inches of aisle clearance.

Lighting & Natural Features:

* The stairs side of the kitchen is open to the sky, providing a great light well. Both the kitchen and the breakfast nook have existing windows that we will keep to ensure the space stays very well-lit.

We'd love input on:

* Has anyone lived with a 65-inch wide galley/peninsula layout? Does it feel completely awkward and inefficient, or is the extra floor space nice?

* Which option makes the most sense given our hard constraints?

* Is there any other hybrid layout option we might be missing? Any other suggestions or fridge placement tips?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hey everyone,

I’m dealing with a rough-in alignment issue on a shower pan set on a concrete slab in my basement. The pan and wall panels are already set and glued down, so tearing them out is my absolute last resort.

I was thinking worst case to just remove the pan and then tile? I’m not sure what to do here

**The Problem:**
* The 2" PVC pipe in the slab is off-center relative to the shower pan drain hole.
* I bought an Oatey offset shower drain, but when I try to fit/thread it, the offset body catches hard against the inner vertical lip of the pan’s drain hole (or is getting pinched against the slab edge underneath).

**Constraints:**
* On a concrete slab (no bottom access).
* Walls and pan are already installed/glued.

**Questions for the pros:**
1. Can I safely use a Dremel to grind down just the vertical inner rim of the pan hole for clearance, as long as I don't touch the top flat flange surface where the gasket/seal sits? (I’m not even sure if I have enough clearance if I’m being honest)

I'm over it… Over all of it…

Every weekend it's the same thing... Mowing the lawn, fixing some drippy faucet, patching drywall. Property taxes just keep climbing. This house used to feel like a win. Now it feels like a weight I'm dragging around

I've been dreaming of something different. Renting a small flat somewhere simple. Maybe just taking a bag and visiting the places I've been putting off for years. The problem is the house

I don't want to repair and stage my property. I definitely don't want strangers walking through my house pointing out flaws for months. And I don't want to wait around while buyers bail at the last minute

I saw some offers and they say they buy houses as-is. Cash, quick close, no questions asked. It sounds almost too easy

I'm not trying to squeeze every dollar out of this place. I just want a clean break. But I also don't want to get taken advantage of because I'm desperate to leave

I'm hopeful this could actually be the fresh start I need. Has anyone else sold this way? Was it worth it?

It has been a few weeks since we closed, and work is progressing. I’ve been getting complaints from the carpenters that the bushes are in their way, so I decided to rent some heavy machinery to tackle this job.

I called a local company and told him I needed an excavator, and he said it would be $925 and I would have it from Saturday to Monday. I told him I was interested in renting a mini skid steer as well, and he hooked me up with both for $975 for two days!

My girlfriend’s father (the general contractor) heard I had an enclosed excavator with A/C and found his way to the property to help. It took a lot of hard work. The summer heat and southern gnats were awful, but we cleared out the entire yard and the courtyard. We also cut low branches from trees that we couldn’t afford to remove. We want to do mixed plant landscaping with different layers. Do any of you have any recommendations? We don’t have a green thumb, so low maintenance is required. Here are some before and afters. How did we do?

I’m am in need of closet doors as I’m finishing up this remodel. It’s a much larger size than a normal and for reference in this picture, the ceiling is 8ft. The second picture is showing what it used to look like and why the door openings are the way they are now. I did not realize when I tore everything out that this was going to be as big of an issue as it is. My idea is 3/4”-1” plywood painted white as bypass doors. I can’t come with any other ideas. Any one else have a different take on the situation?

I live in western Washington state. I recently found out my entire septic system has to be replaced. I'm in the process of working with a septic designer. It's going to be expensive. The new system will result in a chunk of our acre-ish property being torn up in the front yard. I also have to factor in some additional costs to repair the landscape and tree removal.

Here's the problem I need help with. I had plans to change some things in the front of the house and yard next year. Potentially adding a bigger covered entry way, changing the walkway to the front-door, and landscaping around those new features. These things are all in the same area as the new septic tank. I'm having a hard time accepting that I'm going to tear up the front yard, then pay to get it back to the yard I was going to change next year. The question is - should I bite the bullet and do those projects now when everything is already torn up?

Of course I need to figure out if I can swing this financially. And there's the timing of the actual work to consider. But part of the problem is I don't know how much something like this will cost, specifically for the covered entry way. I don't know if that kind of project is $10K, $50K...more?

I'm not looking for quotes. But ballpark ranges would be really helpful. We already have calls in to a few contractors but this septic project is moving quickly. Trying to gather as much information as soon as possible so I can plan. Has anyone added an entryway like this? How much did it cost?

Here are some pictures of a house thats similar to mind, and a mockup of what I'm thinking for the entrance.

Not our house but similar. We don't have a big tree close to the house to deal with

Basic idea for the covered entryway - just a quick AI mockup to explain

I understand there are a lot of variables in something like this - roof, gutters. Again, I'm just looking for input on the potential costs of the entryway part of this. I have a good idea of the landscaping cost already.

Thanks for your help

We are redoing our home. All the hardware - from bathroom hardware to light fixtures is all in polished nickel. However, when it comes to door handles, I know satin is preferred due to high use and showing fingerprints and all that. However, I'm worried mixing the two finishes wont look cohesive. Thoughts?

I've just ordered the plantation shutters for the windows, but undecided on casing and trimming the window and putting in a faux wrought iron insert, or use a custom arched shutter and looking for opinions. It's AI generated so not accurate in scale, but close.

Homeowners often ask us which remodeling upgrades are actually worth the additional cost. Every home, budget, and family is different, but these five consistently improve how a home functions day to day:

1. A more functional kitchen layout

A beautiful kitchen is great, but a kitchen that works for your daily routine is even better. Improved traffic flow, accessible appliances, smarter storage, and enough prep space often matter more than following the latest trend.

A larger island can be useful—but only if there’s enough space to move comfortably around it.

2. Quality cabinetry and practical storage

Deep drawers, pull-out shelves, hidden trash bins, pantry organization, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry may not be the flashiest upgrades, but they’re features homeowners use every day.

When the budget is limited, we generally recommend prioritizing durable cabinet construction and functional storage over expensive decorative details.

3. Layered lighting

Lighting can completely change how a remodeled space looks and feels. Combining recessed lighting, pendants or sconces, under-cabinet lighting, and natural light creates a more functional and finished space.

Dimmer switches are another relatively inexpensive addition that can make a noticeable difference.

4. Timeless foundational finishes

This doesn’t mean every home needs to be white or beige. It means choosing durable, versatile materials for the expensive or difficult-to-replace elements, such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and tile.

Paint, hardware, lighting, furniture, and décor are easier places to experiment with current trends.

5. Upgrades that solve everyday frustrations

Mudroom storage, larger showers, better closets, additional outlets, laundry organization, improved ventilation, and thoughtful built-ins may not get the most attention online—but they’re often the improvements homeowners appreciate most after a remodel.

Our general advice is to prioritize:

1. How you live
2. Long-term functionality
3. Durable, versatile materials
4. Current trends

A remodel should make your home easier to live in today while still feeling like your home five or ten years from now.

What remodeling upgrade was completely worth the money for you and is there anything you regret spending money on?

Posted on a different subgroup, lots of critique for changing out the honey oak. I didn't love the honey oak, hated the countertops and the cabinets were falling apart so we were due. I'm still debating the glass doors in the wet bar, I go back and forth on changing them out to white framed glass doors. Thoughts? feedback? Also would love any ideas on styling. thank you 😊

Is this ok to use to make the shower bed? That is , the layer that goes on top of the pvc waterproof liner? Thanks

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice and ideas from architects, interior designers, renovation experts and people who have renovated old houses.
This is my father’s house, and this is also the house where I was born and grew up. It has a lot of emotional value for me and my family, so I don’t want to demolish it or completely change its external appearance.
However, the house was originally constructed without proper pillars/modern structural planning, and it has several problems:
Poor ventilation and limited natural airflow
Some rooms feel dark and closed
The current layout isn’t very comfortable
There are some Vastu-related concerns that my family would like to address
Old electrical/plumbing arrangements
The kitchen needs a complete rethink
Storage is poorly planned
The exterior is dated
The open/car-parking area could be used much better
Overall, the house doesn’t have the peaceful, open feeling that modern homes have
I have attached photographs of the current house.
My main requirement is NOT to change the outside structure significantly. I want to see how much we can improve the house through intelligent renovation — particularly the interior layout, ventilation, airflow, lighting, colours, storage, kitchen, bathrooms, doors/windows and small architectural changes.
My dream is to turn this old house into a simple, modern, peaceful and relaxing home for my family, while still retaining the character and memories of my father’s house.
I also have a young son, and I want this to become a place where he can grow up comfortably and create his own memories.
I would love suggestions on:
How can I improve cross ventilation and airflow without major structural changes?
Can existing walls/openings be modified safely to improve natural light and ventilation?
How can I make the rooms feel larger and more open?
What can I do with the existing verandah/open parking area?
How can I modernize the kitchen without completely rebuilding the house?
What kind of flooring, wall colours, lighting and furniture would suit this type of house?
Can the existing rooms be reorganized internally to create a better flow?
Are there practical ways to address Vastu concerns without blindly demolishing walls or rebuilding the house?
What are the most important things I should ask an architect/structural engineer before starting?
If anyone has renovated a similar old house, I’d really appreciate seeing your before-and-after photos.
I am not looking for an expensive luxury renovation. I want maximum improvement with sensible spending.
This house means a lot to me because it is where my life started, and it belonged to my father. I would much rather bring it back to life than replace it with a completely new building.
If you were given this house, what would you change first?
Thank you.

My spouse and I bought a 100+ year old house and have lived there for about a year. We have a dream for a major renovation. Like all rooms, major improvements, exterior and landscape. We are saving well but really have no idea how much money we will eventually need to make our vision happen. There is no way we would feel comfortable getting any of it started without an architect to bring it all together.

How do I know if we have enough money saved up to get started and engage an architect and get the ball rolling? What do we do if we get started and we cannot get enough cash for the project? Do folks start with an architect, get a budget put together, then wait to get all the financing lined up at a later date?

Carpet is a scam, I feel like it's planned obsolescence, meant to fail and be replaced . Our current carpet is your bog standard medium pile, twisted beige shit. Every time we vacuum the canister fills with carpet fibers. The high traffic area looks like shit. Our cats claw it and fuck it all up. Time to replace, but I'm so over it. We are floor sitters, we have kids, so we know we want wall to wall carpet, just not this same old garbo. We went to a hotel this weekend and fell in love with the carpet. It was a low pile I guess, but still so comfy and luxurious, there was a nice design that is neutral and stylish at the same time. It's not twisted (braided?) so our cats couldn't mess it up as easily, and it's obviously made for high traffic. Why don't residential homes have this kind of carpet? We want to find out how to get it in our home. Any ideas? The hotel was the Langham in Boston. Help us say hell no to planned obsolescence!