Home Improvement--General/Expert Profile


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Expertise

I will answer questions about anything to do with bathroom remodeling: design considerations, safety, function, materials (cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures and fittings, lighting/switching, heating and ventilation, tile, stone, concrete, tub and shower enclosures, flooring, etc.), saving water, trends, ROI, and appearance.

Experience in the area

25+ years as a bath-kitchen design specialist, hundreds of completed bathroom projects (all styles, all investment ranges). Author of "THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling," co-host of a home improvement program on a local radio station for over three years. Currently hosting "Today's Home" on Lifestyle WebRadio every Sunday afternoon (http://www.todays-home.com).

Organizations

NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association), NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), PRO (Portland Remodelers' Organization), IDPC (Interior Design Protection Council).

Publications

"THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling" (my book, published in 2003), Designers' Illustrated Magazine, Gentry Magazine, Kitchen-Bath Business Magazine, Kitchen-Bath Design News Magazine,Interior Coordinator Magazine (Japan); San Jose Mercury News, San Mateo Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Statesman Journal, Portland Tribune, Oregonian.

Education/Credentials

Multiple degrees: Bathroom Design, Residential Interior Design, Kitchen Design, and Lighting Design. Regularly attend classes and seminars to maintain current knowledge about codes, trends, sustainability, new products, etc.

Awards and Honors

Awards: Henry Adams Designer of the Year, CoTY, Master Design, Best of the Best, Chrysalis, Excellence (best home in its category), and NABE (best how-to book, 2003). "THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling" received #1 listing in the City of Chicago publication, "Hiring The Pros".

Past/Present Clients

To see photos of completed projects, visit my website: http://www.dp-design.com/portfolio

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
Carol02/15/12101010 
Bob01/22/12101010Covered all the bases, and then some .....
Oren12/13/1110 
Ken11/23/111010I appreciate your reply. Ken
David11/19/11101010Quick, thorough response...along with a good .....

Recent Answers from Diane Plesset

2012-03-11 chip free cut:

Hello, Phil.    My husband and I have done a lot of d-i-y tile projects over the past 25 years.  I'm answering this as a homeowner, not as a professional, and encourage you to seek answers from tile installers

2012-02-13 tile:

Hello, Carol.    Unfortunately, I don't understand your question completely, so I'm going to have to make some assumptions.  Reference to a bathtub surround and replacing wallpaper with tile suggests that

2012-01-31 windows:

Hello, Marcia.    I don't know where your contractor gets the idea that you'll have mold and mildew problems with glass blocks. Epoxy grout is an excellent way to prevent mold and mildew. If you have a

2012-01-25 Bathroom Fan:

Hello, Sandra.    So glad you listened to a little voice inside, telling you that something isn't right.  Please don't rely on the fan exhausting into a small space.  The roof vents are not adequate. Eventually

2011-12-05 broken sink:

Hello, Oren.    You have two options, both requiring you to CAREFULLY remove the existing cracked lavatory.  Don't forget to wear safety goggles and heavy protective gloves.  Also, protect mirrors and

 

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