2014-2015 Student Design Competition – East Tennessee Gentleman’s Farm
Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a "minor wall change' in the bath?
Do not go outside of the original footprint you were given. No changes can be made now that the
plumbing is in place. Some minor changes can be made. Follow instructions regarding door
relocations as an example.

Can you move the 2" x 6" interior wall in the shower?
The plumbing is completed so no, the 2” x 6” interior wall cannot be moved.

If not, can you extend it farther into the room? Can you move or eliminate the interior 2" x
4" wall that delineates the water closet?
Yes as long as you provide Dean and Barbara with a separate toilet compartment in the space.

Can you construct a new wall (either 2" x 4" or 2" x 6") within the space?
Yes, as long as you meet the IRC space requirements for space in front and beside the fixtures.

No exterior openings are requested, but can you add a window? If so, are there any
limitations as to where new windows can be located or their size (width and/or height)?
Since this is a real project with new construction, no additional windows can be added that were not
originally asked for in the plans.

We noticed on the statements regarding the client background that under the heading
"General Construction Information" No. 7 indicates that the ceiling height on the main floor
is 9' (108"). However, on the architectural plans the note in the title block states (3) "Floor
One ceilings to be 8"-O" unless otherwise noted.
The Red Door Homes house plan is a standard layout for a specific model home and the homeowner
has the option of making changes that can alter the original plan. In this case Dean and Barbara
decided to increase the ceiling height. Therefore the new height (“Otherwise Noted”) has been
added to the “General Construction Information” the students will use and a later plan the framers
are using for construction.

What about the walk-in closet? How would that impact the 2nd floor rooms? They do not
align with the bath.
The alterations for the closet on the main level will have no effect on the second floor.
Floor trusses were used for the second floor framing. Therefore, walls do not need to align for
structural support. The walls are only partition walls at this point.

They do not align with the kitchen on the first floor.
Actually the kitchen walls parallel with the front of the house line up with the basement walls which
are directly above the thickened concrete slab in the basement. It is true that the second floor walls
do not line up with the main level because of the use of floor trusses as stated above.

Can the closet footprint shrink so we can use part of the space for the bath plan, or can we
only alter the entry for the closet?
The closet size must remain as noted on the plan. However, the entry to the closet can be altered.

It seems crazy that they didn't recommend any window area in the space, can the students
incorporate windows? 5 acres= beautiful surroundings!
Red Door Homes have standard home packages. Altering the basic plan is encouraged but will result in
additional costs. Dean and Barbara are working within a budget just as most of our clients. Since little
time will be spent in the closet and bathroom, they decided to invest “window funds” in other areas
where they could enjoy the views from their home. As an example their corner bedroom will have three
windows. Also a window in the closet on the south side of the home would add heat and unwanted
sunlight into the space. Therefore, no windows are to be located in the master bath/closet space.

I'm wondering if you can ask the Designer if we need to deduct drywall from our dimensions from
the 14" beam on the left wall. In other words, right now that wall is 174" . Does it become 173-1/2"
(deducting drywall from the cased opening wall) or does it become 173" (deducting from the beam
as well as the cased opening wall).
Answer 1A
The dimensions for the kitchen shown on the NKBA site are finished wall dimensions. Since you cannot
alter any of the room dimensions there will be no need to add or subtract for drywall since the finished
wall dimension includes the drywall. The plan is shown below and can be found at the following
location:
http://www.nkba.org/Libraries/College_Student_Engagement/KitchenPlan.sflb.ashx
This project is so out of square already, my fear is if we don't deduct 1/2" from the beam, it will REALLY
be out of square even more.
Answer 1B
The kitchen is out of square 1/8” on the long wall and ¼” on the short wall. The finished dimensions stop
at the beam as noted in the drawing.

Is there a way I can get a FINISHED dimensioned wall plan ? Not the one that comes with the
project but finished...
Answer 2
The dimensions for the kitchen shown on the NKBA site are finished wall dimensions and include the
drywall. The plan is shown below and can be found at the following location:
http://www.nkba.org/Libraries/College_Student_Engagement/KitchenPlan.sflb.ashx

In working on figuring the finished interior kitchen wall dimensions for cabinets from the kitchen
on the First Floor Plan based off the “working dimensions” examples, it does not seem to be
coinciding with the dimensions on the kitchen floor plan below? For example is the 173 ¾” wall
shown below finished or do the students need to deduct for ½” drywall? Same goes for the
balance of the kitchen floor plan dimensions. Are these dimensions to the studs therefore the
students need to +/- ½” drywall or are these finished interior dimensions? The reason we ask is
a lot of the students are coming up with a finished interior wall dimension of 172” where the
kitchen floor plan shows 173 ¾”. Also, in reading the ceiling height is figured to include ½”
drywall on the ceiling to the vinyl floor material, correct? Therefore when the students add the
engineered wood, they will deduct of the height of the material from the now 108” high ceiling?
Originally we were planning to have the students design the kitchen and master bath using the
house plans. That is still the method we will use for the master bath. However, in May, we notified
everyone that the kitchen design for this year’s competition will actually be installed in Dean and
Barbara’s home. That is when we posted the finish dimensions for the kitchen. The link to the
finished kitchen dimensions
is: http://www.nkba.org/Libraries/College_Student_Engagement/KitchenPlan.sflb.ashx
When you open the page you will see the dimensions which are drywall to drywall. The ceiling is
108” vinyl floor to drywall ceiling. There is no need to compare the floor plan dimension to the
finished wall dimensions. You will be working with the dimensions posted on the site.
The beam extends down from the finished ceiling 14” and is also finished with drywall.

I understand the door going into the bathroom is not to be moved but can it be altered. Altered by
changing the door swing (flip the door left to right or swing into bedroom), make it a pocket door,
and/or make it wider for accessibility.
On page 5 of the Entry Brochure under Bath Information, Bullet #8; it states that the bathroom door can
be moved or altered along the existing wall where it is now located.

The wall you are calling a plumbing wall is 2x6 construction and needs to remain. Are we to
assume the vent stack is located in it? Since walls for shower valves and heads do not require a
wall to be a deeper than normal. (multiple shower heads and body sprays may dictate a 2x6
wall)
The main vent is not in the 2 x 6 wall at one end of the shower but it is full and dedicated to the shower
supply, controls and drain. The stack for that bath is in the East exterior wall. Since the space below the
master bath is unfinished, you are free to move any plumbing.

if a student wanted a cabinet that is not part of the catalog provided (example floating vanity),
can they spec a cabinet similar and "modify" using annotation (example, no toe kick)?
The answer would be no since base and vanity cabinets are designed to rest on and be supported by the
floor. To switch the structural support from the floor to the wall would not be something the average
cabinet installer could do. However, I have used 24” deep refrigerator cabinets as “floating” vanity
cabinets. They would be 3” deeper than a standard vanity but the added depth would be offset by the
creative use of a standard cabinet. I would however suggest the addition of side supports or legs for the
added weight of the sink and top.

I do floating cabinets often, the weight distribution would stem from bracing behind the wall,
often on three sides if and where there was an alcove, so if we put that bracing in in our
construction plan for the subs to facilitate between studs? Would that suffice?
The liability would be on Waypoint Living Spaces. You would ask them to warrantee a product they
did not make. For this contest we should stick to the catalogue, using the catalogue is a fair solution
for everyone.

Is a construction plan still required for the kitchen seeing as though there cannot be
any modifications done at this time?
.
A construction plan would be required if you added a support wall (1/2 wall) for an island or peninsula
counter. This would also apply to walls built for a pantry cabinet or built in ovens.

It is noted that the cook surface can be designed in the island, however, seeing as
though most plumbing rough is complete, can the students still design the sink in the
island?
All mechanical elements will be changed to meet the winning student’s design. The ceiling in the room
directly below the kitchen has not been installed so access to all utilities is possible and expected. The
main panel for electricity is just below the mudroom. The students will have a clean slate for their design
of the kitchen using the space show on the drawing with finished dimensions.

What is the budget for the kitchen project?
As stated on the client survey form under General Client Information number 9 - The total budget for
Dean and Barbara’s kitchen is published as $25,000 – $35,000. Waypoint Living Spaces has estimated
that the cost of the kitchen cabinets should fit in a range of $12,000 - $16,000 for a kitchen that
size. When estimating your project keep the following facts in mind:
 There will not be a labor charge since that cost would be included in the price of the home unlike
a remodel job.
 Dean and Barbara are furnishing the refrigerator, dishwasher, hood and garbage disposal. They
have also purchased a range but will consider a cooktop/oven for the final kitchen. If you plan a
cooktop/oven in your design you must add the cost of the two added appliances to your budget.
 The countertop, flooring, sink/s, backsplash, lighting and similar items must be included in your
budget.

May we change the 1-1/2" vanity drain to 2" shower drain
Yes – changing the size to 2” is permissible

The clients are “furnishing the refrigerator, dishwasher, hood, and garbage disposal.” Should
the students still specify those items in the Floor Plan Specifications?
Yes. I will use the range as an example:
FLOOR PLAN SPECIFICATION LIST: EXISTING 30” RANGE
MECHANICAL PLAN LEGEND: Correct Symbol plus EXISTING 30” RANGE, 240V,
40AMP

Yes
Should the cost of stools be included in the $35,000 budget?

Do the students need to indicate costs/total budget in their competition entry? For example,
would they need to include a budget sheet showing the costs for fixtures, finishes, additional
construction, etc. (items NOT furnished by the clients)?
We are not asking for an itemized budget but the students must consider the cost of the items they
include in their kitchen design. In the past the students had no budget so many designed products
without considering the cost to the client. Since this project will be installed by the Dean and Barbara
and they are working with a budget, the students need to consider the cost of the kitchen project. For
example if a student designs the kitchen using a rare $12,000 stone counter material, gold fleck tile
for the back splash, a $3,800 sink and a rare Brazilian hardwood floor, their project will not make the
cut into the finals. Dean and Barbara are committed to implementing the student’s design that is
judged the best. But the winning design must fit within their budget.

The clients see this home as a long term investment and plan on designing the main level to meet
their needs as they “age in place”, with that being said should we assume we are to utilize the
“Access Standard” of the guidelines?
No, they are in their 30’and 40’s now. Maybe in 25 years we can redo this project with seniors in mind.

Seeing as though no plumbing changes can be made now that the plumbing is in place, can the
toilet be relocated within that space?
No and the reason is that the 3” drain for the toilet would be a major change at this point. The floor
trusses in this home are running parallel with the wall behind the toilet. You would need to know the exact
location of the trusses so the hole cut for the toilet flange would miss the trusses that cannot be cut. The
ceiling is in place below the bathroom so we cannot give you an exact location for the trusses. However,
minor changes can be with smaller pipes such as the 1 ½” and 2” PVC DWV and the PEX supply system.
Those changes can be made through the floor.