Everything Taller.

Teetorbilt

I've been getting more requests for higher countertops, toilets, etc. Anybody else?

The current standards were derived back when the average male was 5'10" and females were 5'3", pretty much passe' now. How are you tackling this?

We're starting a job in a week where the couple are both 6'+ and we are stuck with standard boxes.

Here's what we devised: A raised platform (2-1/2") with varying levels to accommodate the range (it will sit on the same tile as the flooring as it is partially exposed). Meld the 5-1/4" base from the dining room into the kitchen by ripping it and using it for the toekick. The upper cabs will also be jacked to 20-1/2" from the usual 18" (I'm 6'2" and hate having to duck to find receptacles). Fortunately, we have those stupid soffits which will allow all of this to happen. Some crown at the cab tops allows for some indirect lighting.

I'm open for ideas/improvements.

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mdshunk

One thing that is often seen in ADA kitchens is the dishwasher raised up so that is it nearly up against the upper cupboard. That's nice, even if you're not in a wheelchair. When a dishwasher is on the floor, it seems like you're bending over to the floor to load the plates and such.

Like you, I'm starting to see a trend toward 36"H vanities. I've been making it a point to ask first, lest my receptacles and switches end up behind the backsplash. That would be a catastrophe.

Teetorbilt

My workbench is 36", I built it to fit ME.

One thing about going too high is resale. These folks originally wanted to go higher but we talked them down for that reason.

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You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

Mike Finley

Higher cabs are a request we get almost every 1 out of 3 people we talk to. Bathrooms were the most notrious around here for some reason putting in super low vanities. Most people are just totally pleased just to get back to a normal height cab, without even considering going even above normal.

Multi height cabs in kitchens are something I have been seeing for the last few years, especially on islands.

ron schenker

I had 2 requests recently for higher shower heads
Could be common in the future...Teetor, I think you may be onto something here

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DesPro

Several years ago I had a similar situation with customers of taller stature. I was able to accommodate their request with custom built cabinets which I built @ 38 1/2" height. We also used a drop in range with a drawer below. I see that custom cabinetry isn't an option for your situation though.

Some options to consider may be thicker countertops. 2" + thick concrete counter tops and also wood tops with ogee edge profiles are gaining popularity.

With the raised platform you mention, you could just use a taller end skin on the exposed ends to cover and use a matching veneer panel for toe kick cover. They should be available from most stock cab manufacturers.

As md mentioned, I am also getting more requests for raised dishwashers. 36" tall vanities are being requested on 95% of our bathrooms now.

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Mike Finley

Shower heads are funny, I've never been turned down yet when we ask the customer if they want to raise the shower head when we are doing a full replacement. Usually the answer is along the lines of hell yes!

Teetorbilt

ron, you aren't refering to the 'shower limbo' are you? I've been doing it for 40 years, hate hotels. They make an adjustable extension that I have considered taking on trips, along with a couple of wrenches and some teflon tape.

I re-plumb mine to come straight down from the ceiling.

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

747

I think those are sharp.

reveivl

Funny this should be mentioned, just came from a kitchen remodel estimate today where the customer wants the sink counter raised up. The counter top isn't so much the issue, but when you're washing dishes your hands are another six inches lower. Hard on the back.

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From where does knowledge come? If you need to know what is in a box, you could ask someone (not reliable), you could pray, (not useful), you can consult with the scripture (not helpful) or you could open the box (science)

Richard

Average male height now is 5' 9.2"

Average female height is 5' 3.8"


Went to HD and the guy showed me 2 vanities side by side....the one was like the one I have in my bathroom, the other was higher and suprisingly perfect! The higher one required no bending your back over to reach the faucet. I couldn't believe there we're 2 different heights to be honest.

--I think people are simply realizing there are other options out there which make more sense and are more practical. Of course the higher option (which should be standard) is more costly...

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Rich

K2

Vanities have to accomodate small children. We started raising master bath vanities 20 years ago but the rest of the baths stayed at 30". I also think growing kids should be a consideration on kitchen top height.

We did a home for a guy that was 6'8" and to decided raise standard exterior doors. We found that people have no problems with a raised threshold. It seems people naturally step high enough to clear 3 or 4 inches.

I think there are still some women who don't care for high shower heads. Something to do with alot of money at the hair dresser.

TimNJ

Whenever we travel my wife always gets a laugh at most of the showers. She is only 5'2" but I am 6'. The absolute worst was a place we stayed in Calif. I stepped into the tub and the spout came out of the wall at about shoulders and then curved down. When I turned on the water it came out at about where my stomach is. My wife was practically rolling on the floor when she saw me get in.

ch0mpie

funny, I'm just finishing up a kitchen remodel where the ho wanted to go lower. The bottoms were standard, but for the tops we went 15" instead of 18" above the counter. HO is 5' maybe 5'1"

Mr. Wms

Just remodeled a bathroom and the homeowner asked
Is it any way possible to raise that shower head?

I raised it to almost 7'. They couldn't stop thanking me.
When I installed the bathroom in my basement I installed
a shower head on each end at almost 6 and half feet.
Sometimes taller is better and more convenient.

joasis

The one feature i add to our spec homes is raising the dishwasher....you would be surpised how many people comment on why didn't they think of that earlier? No bending over to load it....and another thing about taller cabs, I am hearing nothing about soffits over cabinets not...either it is left open, or cabinet uppers go all the way to the ceiling. In my own home, the vanity height will be 36"....all baths. My little girl is growing fast, and if someone short int here, have a 4 inch booster platform under the sink...make them feel young again!

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tcleve4911

We're seeing dishwasher drawers a lot. 36" vanity is starting to be commonplace. Higher toilets. 6'8" interior doors. 42" rail heights. 8'0" plus ceiling heights.

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UpIACrete

What height do you guys use for raised dw?

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joasis

40 inches is where I set them. If you have a raised bar, the bar top can cover the DW and looks pretty good too.

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MKamis

I think we're seeing a lot of this because more and more HO's are realizing that it is THEIR house, and it should suit THEM. I'm seeing less and less concern about resale value, and more about enjoying the space you live in.

As it turns out, some of the best looking homes are those where resale is of no concern, and people just go with what they like. Since it's different, others take note and usually like it too!