Q. I have a 10 x 13 room i would like to turn into a bath/laundry room. My question is would this be a big enough area for this kind of plan ?????/

A. Reviewing some sample bathroom plans would give you your answer. I did that for you now and Yes - You should be able to draw up a new layout with a 10x13 room size. There are washer and dryer combos also that can fit into a closet size and a a small half bathroom can be small as 5x6. So a 5x6 bath and a 3x3 closet would be about 8x9 if I am thinking correctly leaving you enough room to add 3 additional feet and have your washer and dryer side by side. Two bath sizes I found were closest to your room size. The first bath ideas plan was 10x12 http://www.homeplansforfree.com/Free-bathroom-designs/thumbnails.php?album=27 However the 10x11 size master bath floor plan seems to be more adaptable to your bedroom setting http://www.homeplansforfree.com/Free-bathroom-designs/displayimage.php?album=31&pos=2 Slide Show of the 10x11 Plan Designs http://www.homeplansforfree.com/Free-bathroom-designs/displayimage.php?album=31&pid=225&slideshow=5000 Perhaps you could use the walk in closet space for your washer and dryer. New Bathroom Planning Blog http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Blogb2/bathroom-ideas.php Free Bathroom Designs http://www.homeplansforfree.com/Free-bathroom-designs/index.php

Q. I just want an average price that professionals charge for doing a irrigation plan.

A. Send your plans in to an irrigation company like hunter or rainbird and theyll send you the irrigation plans for free :)

Q. Will be remodeling a bathroom in my home and have narrowed it down to these designs. Which style bathroom do you like best and why? (never mind the colors in the bathroom in photos) Thanks. http://www.dongardner.com/images/plans/interiors/746bath3.jpg http://www.dongardner.com/images/plans/interiors/964bath.jpg

A. Everyone is looking at the colours of the bathrooms and you asked not to, so I won't. I like the layout of the first one. I do not like the glass shower for either of them...to keep this clean will be a nightmare (just had to let you know this). I do not like the odd shape of the second one...I suppose the odd shape would be alright if the placement of the fixtures were different. I think most people are used to more of a square room and not a pentagon shaped one like in the second picture. I think both rooms are about the same size, so that doesn't make a difference. Both are similar in style, (same tub/fixtures/shower), so it is the layout of the room and room shape you have to choose from. I would have to see the adjacent room to say which looks better.

Q. When remodeling a home,to confirm design eligibility do you need to have the same criteria as a architect or engineer or is there some where we can send the plans.

A. Typically, yes, you need to have not only the 'design' approved, but also the work itself. Cosmetic alterations arent usually a problem, but if you are altering the structure, electical, gas or plumbing lines, then often you are required to pull permits, have inspections, etc. Check with your local building codes enforcement (municipal or county, depending on where you live). Have Fun

Q. I have a job interview tomorrow for an internship and I have been reading over this a lot in the past couple of days, I still don't think that I could explain what they do if asked in an interview. Could someone please explain this in terms that a non business major can grasp: "We are a progressive, team- oriented legal/pension consulting firm of 30+ employees. We concentrate in the design and administration of qualified retirement plans for closely held businesses. We are a tax law consulting firm that designs, administers and consults on qualified retirement plans. The firm works with business owners, accountants and investment advisors who want to maximize plan contributions for owners, family members and select employees.We have developed an IRS-approved plan that goes far beyond the traditional 401(k) contribution. The plan is adaptable to business changes and meets all government non-discrimination requirements."

A. They are a law firm that specializes in working for companies that want to set up a benefit for their employees. They mostly deal in retirement programs whether that is a company sponsored and funded program or an employee funded 401k program. Or any place in between. They may have accountants working with the lawyers as well as investment specialists. Is that better???

Q. I am looking into eventually custom building a home, and I have read in a few sources that to get the unique kind of designs I am looking at I will have to hire an architect. Whats a rough estimate on how much they cost for a residential project?

A. It really depends on what you're looking for. In Brendan's case, (3-1/2 weeks to design a home), those type of projects are what we refer to as McMansions or Track home on Steroids. Although the developer/ designer/ builder will sell these as "Custom" or "Semi-Custom", they are merely regurgitated versions of the same floor plan with room add on here and there (referred to as architectural features). Their design intent relies on sheer mass to equate grandeur. In this process, these projects lack any originality, finesse and sensitivity to aesthetics or scale. Hiring an architect can be expensive depending on where the project is located. Typically, an architect will charge somewhere from $10/s.f. and up if the house is 5000sf or bigger. It will cost you more per s.f. for smaller projects. If you like the look of the McMansions, you can either go directly to the builder or to Barnes and Noble bookstore and look through magazines that sale pre-made plans. You can also hire a designer to come up with something for you, but it won't be that different from the pre-made plans. Just remember that a designer cannot be held liable for negligence for the work he performs, so buyer beware.

Q. I am looking for a company that creates home remodeling plans in the San Antonio / Medina County area.? I am looking to remodel our home and add on the the side of the house and did not know where to start. I figure I need the plans and have to sit down with the person doing the plans to help create them. Then, do you find a contractor? get a bank loan? etc. Please help.

A. My suggestion would be to get in touch with qualified contractors first. They can refer you and guide you through the rest of the process. I really recommend these guys - http://best-offers-online.com/estimates , they have local contractors that they pre-screen and my brother in law used them to find his home remodeling contractor.

Q. I am in my second year of teaching. I know that teachers have a retirement plan, as it comes out of our checks. Many companies visit our school trying to sell insurance, other plans, etc. I am interested in knowing whether or not I need to do an additional 401k plan. I was approached last year by a person at out school offering 403 plans. This year it was 401K. Do I need to take part in these plans? What do teachers really need? I have heard from retired teachers that their retirement was enough without these types of plans, but I know that times have changed. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. :)

A. Here in Texas, a teacher's retirement was always the best incentive to be a teacher. But now they have raised the retirement age and basically lowered how much salary you base your retirement on. Who knows what will be next. If you can, start your own 401. Teachers can have 403b plans, but a 401 is the same. Actually, it seems like you have more control over a 401. 403b's are only sold by insurance companies and they only offer a few funds to invest in. Hope you have a good year. Remember, be ready for the year before it starts. Not that you always can, but it helps to try. Good Luck!