CSTR's Profile

My family actually has one of these "wet bathrooms" at a vacation home on the Mediterranean. There is no shower stall, just a shower wand on the wall, and sloping floor with drain. You basically have to sit on the toilet to give yourself a shower. I always thought it was bizarre and a result of a builder trying to save money. I am surprised to hear that there are other bathrooms of this type!

I am familiar with the situation in Chevy Chase and live in a similar nearby community. In my neighborhood, there have been many infill "McMansions" added over the last few years. They definitely stand out from the more modest bungalows and capes on the street. Most of the new homes are being built to replace some seriously run-down properties, though. We're talking questionable electrical, plumbing, crumbling plaster, leaking roofs, you name it. Land values in areas like this are very high, and the only way for an owner to make a profit is to tear down and build something much larger. You would likely take a loss if you did a down-to-studs remodel with existing square footage. Many of the infills do try to at least keep a similar "style" as the nearby homes. I have seen many well-done craftsman-style new homes. Overall, I welcome the new additions. They are generally replacing unattractive properties, and bringing up property values for the whole neighborhood.