Home Buying Texas Style

[TriumphOfTheSprint]

Originally Posted by Synopsis

I'm waiting on an answer to this as well. I have some faucets that need replacing in the shower and wonder how far back you have to go to fix this. I'd hate to have to cut holes in the tile.

Unfortunately, you'll probably have to either remove some of the tile or, if you're lucky, cut a hole in the wall behind the shower and remove them from the back. You'll also have to find a replacement that has the same handle spacing or trim size if you don't want to have to do anything to the tile.

If you are just replacing for cosmetic reasons, you might check with the faucet manufacturer to see if they have new handles, etc. that are compatible with the existing valve bodies.

[lh_newbie]

Originally Posted by GoPadge

That's one thing that worries me a bit about the resell value of our home. We have the gold faucets, all late 80's style and everything. We could easily start changing them out, especially the two sets that have the hot turned off to stop the leaks. But our master bath is a trouble spot. The jacuzzi tub has a garish gold fixture and the only way replace it is to remove the trim around the edge and pull the whole front panel off. It's one of those cultured marble slabs and I haven't figured out how it's attached.

Also how do you change the faucets on the showers? I really don't want to cut holes in the walls.

In my last home, the cultured marble front slab was held in place with caulk around the perimeter. Simply cut through it with a knife and it should pull out. Clean up the edges and recaulk it in place. Silicone caulk, of course.

Faucet showers... yup... gotta cut holes in the walls. If yours still works fine, pop the glamour plate off from the front, see what manufacturer it is and see if they still carry them... I'd guess it's unlikely, but you may be able to just replace the handles/plates. If it's a washer based valve, might want to replace the washers while you're in there. What's another $1.50 to save you from tearing it apart again?!

Good luck.

[momof2dfw]

Yes, the marble tubs should have a piece that is caulked into place that can be taken out and put back in. Sometimes they have a small plate that is installed instead to replace fixtures. Ours has all wood around it and a hidden "plate" to take out to replace them.

The glamour plate should have some screws that are holding it in place and those can be taken out. Also look underneath to see if there is a small opening that a small screwdriver fits into that takes it off. Sometimes you don't have to take out tiles. I can deal w/ some of the shower faucets but the ones you see on the sinks are too easy to not replace and update.

FYI: When you are at the store buying faucets OPEN THE PACKAGE and make sure all parts are there and check the threads to make sure they are clean and don't have any solder that has dripped onto the threads making them unusable. They don't like me doing this at the store but I REFUSE to get it home and have everything taken out and be at the last step and find something like this. URGHHH!!!!!!!! Also check your plumbing fixtures underneath to make sure what type of fittings you need as some are different (male/male, male/female, etc). They did not believe me at the store when I was trying to find a new kitchen faucet and the assembly for the copper and thought there was no such but lo and behold I found it on their shelf. LOL!!! Poor guys...... I almost feel sorry for them being shown up by a girl. NOPE!

[dalcountyres]

Another fantastic location for pier and beam homes is in Richardson, west of US 75/Central expressway, just off Belt Line Rd. This area, known as Richardson Heights, consists of approximately 1,500 mid-century, 1950's homes, and, I have been told, contains the largest concentration of them north of 635.

My wife and I live in this area. The homes range, in size, from 1,300-2,000 square feet, and are, generally 3-4 bedrooms with 2 baths. The tree-shaded lots are very large. Folks love the charm of hardwood floors, and tile bathrooms. Very 1950's.

You can still pick up one of these homes between $100-120/square foot, which is a great bargain - very underpriced. And, prices are continuing to go up.

Anyone looking for this type of home should DEFINITELY check this area out! Homes rarely stay on the market for more than 1 day. It is, what they would say in real estate, a hot area!