Art loves Remodeling type shows so of course he couldn't resist the BIA (Building Industry Association) Home Building & Remodeling Show at the Blaisdell Exhibition Center in Honolulu. Since it was Senior Sunday, we could get in for $2.00 a person instead of $5.00.
We saw some attic fans that looked like a good idea but Art was leery of putting more holes into the roof.
I'm thinking it's something we'll have to revisit to take out the hot air from the attic.
Then we looked at these walk-in tubs. We've seen them in AARP magazines and it seemed like a good concept and something that might be good for my mother someday.
It's got swirly sauna type jets in it and is small enough for the bathroom. Plastic seems a little flimsy and I wondered how long the rubber in the walk-in door to the tub would last. (Remember, this is Hawaii.) The salesperson tried to reassure us saying the warranty was for 10 years.
That doesn't feel like it's enough. What happens if it fails? Also, washing your hair in this tub would cause a lot of splash outside of the tub onto the bathroom floor.
Then he told us the price. Between $10,000 to $15,000.
We moved on to the next exhibit.
Here's something that really grabbed Art. Stainless steel storm doors with epoxy coated mesh screens. Could this be the answer to our rust? It was a little pricey but definitely something to look into.
Then there were some bidet toilets that were cheaper than the Toto brand, but I don't know exactly how good they are.
There were a lot of good ideas to consider at this Building and Remodeling Show. However, knowing us, you know we're going to have to do a lot more research before we decide on anything.
We saw some attic fans that looked like a good idea but Art was leery of putting more holes into the roof.
I'm thinking it's something we'll have to revisit to take out the hot air from the attic.
Then we looked at these walk-in tubs. We've seen them in AARP magazines and it seemed like a good concept and something that might be good for my mother someday.
It's got swirly sauna type jets in it and is small enough for the bathroom. Plastic seems a little flimsy and I wondered how long the rubber in the walk-in door to the tub would last. (Remember, this is Hawaii.) The salesperson tried to reassure us saying the warranty was for 10 years.
That doesn't feel like it's enough. What happens if it fails? Also, washing your hair in this tub would cause a lot of splash outside of the tub onto the bathroom floor.
Then he told us the price. Between $10,000 to $15,000.
We moved on to the next exhibit.
Here's something that really grabbed Art. Stainless steel storm doors with epoxy coated mesh screens. Could this be the answer to our rust? It was a little pricey but definitely something to look into.
Then there were some bidet toilets that were cheaper than the Toto brand, but I don't know exactly how good they are.
There were a lot of good ideas to consider at this Building and Remodeling Show. However, knowing us, you know we're going to have to do a lot more research before we decide on anything.
I like those screen doors. Where can we buy them?
ReplyDeleteA walk-in tub?! Now I've heard everything!
ReplyDeleteWe had a small H&R show here this weekend I went too but really, since we've pretty much done all the remodeling here I was just not much interested. Although, I did find interest in the outdoor kitchen/patios since that is next on the agenda!
ReplyDeleteWalk-in baths are extremely expensive. I presume the prices will come down as the years roll by. Like you I wonder about the life of the seals. Cleaning them would be a chore, too.
ReplyDeleteHome improvement shows are fun to consider the possibilities. I would like anything that didn't rust. We put eaves fans in our attic and it has been very good to have them. We still have two months before the springtime fix up shows begin.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the fans, I should say we put in gable fans, and vents in the eaves.
ReplyDeleteNot my favorite kind of show, but that might be partly because we are renters and don't own a home. It was fun to visit this one vicariously with you, though! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow! I didn't know the walk-in tubs were so expensive. Wouldn't the "stainless" steel door frame still eventually rust in Hawaii? DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteRJ's idea is better IMHO. To begin with, people shouldn't be even walking on their roofs. You don't know where the waterproof membrane may get accidentally punctured, then you'd never find the source of the leak. The tub with the walk-in door seems too expensive. I think where they went wrong is bundling all the features of a jucuzzi with an old person tub which is more a necessity not luxury and shoulda left the design bare bones or upgrades extra or optional. If that includes the installation/demolition then I dunno perhaps it's not that outrageously expensive.
ReplyDeleteI wondered about those walk in tubs I've seen advertised. Guess I will pass.
ReplyDeleteIn fact the good think about those shows is that you see a wonderful bunch of things you that would be nice but realize you can live with out when you see the price.
sounds like a nice afternoon, we'll stay posted to see what comes out of it!
ReplyDeletewhat a fun place but dangerous if you are avoiding fixit projects...lol!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun afternoon, but I would have walked on too after learning the price of that bathtub!! Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I can't believe how much those walk in tubs cost! Why???
ReplyDeleteOur son just installed two Japanese water saving toilets in his house. I'd never heard of them. I am famliliar with the two items you mentioned, and would like to see them in action. Seeing is believing you know.
ReplyDeleteI am always on the lookout for ideas for home improvement. I would have enjoyed the show, maybe. Dianne
ReplyDeleteHave you & Art been to Lowes? (I sound like a commercial :-)
ReplyDeletebut they had lots of stuff I liked and it was somehow cleaner and nicer atmos and energy than CM or HD.
Warm Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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Gigi: The place is called Screens & Things on 2960 Makumoa Street.
ReplyDeletewww.screensandthings.net
It was rather pricey though. The 36" door was $600.
Cloudia: We live at Home Depot, Lowes, City Mill and Hardware Hawaii. I find City Mill and Hardware Hawaii the friendliest, most helpful places. They have hard to find stuff there. Home Depot is generally more economical than Lowes. However, Lowes has the best shave ice stand outside.
ReplyDeleteI always wondered how much those walk in tubs were, wow, thats a lot,,I'll never have one,
ReplyDeleteLaurie: I should have said that the cost included the installation. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love home shows -- they give me great ideas.
ReplyDeleteThis is funny as I know Lowes and home Depot far better than my husband...lol...
ReplyDeleteWow ,both me and Chandan would love to be there .Still busy with our home renovation
ReplyDeleteWe try to do one remodeling project a year for our home. Next is the kitchen...never been to a BIA show. Generally I don't like showrooms or be helped by salespeople (I always feel I'm wasting their time)...I'll just wait till Lowes or HD carries them.
ReplyDeleteL. from W.
L from W: Wow! The kitchen! That's a big project! We've got too many things we're still not done with at our house. It'll be another year or two, I think, before we're close to being done... maybe.
ReplyDeleteWell, not the way we "remodel"....we did our bathroom last February and spent only $1200 (we kept our old tub). We try to figure out how to do it as cheaply as possible. Maybe that's why I don't need help at showrooms.
ReplyDeleteL. from W.
It's been fun catching up on your blog today Kay. I love going to home shows, great places to get good ideas. Of course, a bottomless check book would be great too ;)
ReplyDelete