The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (Part 1: The Microwave)

Who would have thought that one can be philosophical about appliances? The 1966 film, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly certainly makes an appropriate backdrop to the subject I am about to discuss. In both the movie and the kitchen, all three are neither great nor necessary but with creature comfort on the line, it seems apparent that all three are needed to bring about that end goal.

I refer to the microwave, the cooking ventilation, and the dishwasher but more specifically, the built-in microwave, the vented range, and the dish drawer in that order. I am the first to admit that the microwave is used more than the stovetop in my household. The vent, while inadequate, is still a must on those occasions when we cook some rather savory meals. And the dish drawer will never keep up with the demands of any kitchen let alone the hectic traffic in mine.

To those who are considering a remodel, consider this another thoughtful insight into the rigors of appliance selection from the viewpoint of a kitchen and bath designer who has experienced the joys and pitfalls of specifying appliances and overseeing their installations for numerous clients over the years.

Admittedly, the microwave is a wonderful kitchen appliance. It offers the convenience of being able to defrost your food, heat pre-cooked meals and pop popcorn with a singular push-button effort. Statistically, most consumers use the microwave primarily for such purposes and, thanks to its accessibility, virtually every household has one of a seemingly endless number of models available in the market at a wide range or prices.

But with the pros are the cons. The convenience of  having a microwave in our kitchen is a double edged sword. Prepackaged ready meals (otherwise known as TV dinners) have become an industry standard that have eagerly replaced their home-cooked counterparts.  It's value is subjective–dependent upon the preference or ethics of the individual cook but, opinions notwithstanding, the appliance is a dominant feature of any kitchen. Even many proponents of the slow food movement have this appliance in their home. That's why I call the ubiquitous microwave, The Good.

My preferred application is to install this unit within the cabinetry. It saves precious countertop space and is a far more appealing option to the microwave hood which lacks versatility (where can you install this other than above a stove top?). Some smaller "countertop" models offer an adapter kit that allows you to install the microwave below an upper-cabinet. It's an adequate retrofit option but tends to leave little usable or accessible countertop space underneath.

My favorite is a GE Profile model that has been around for quite some years. The PEM31 microwave series is available in all colors including stainless. It features 1.0 cubic feet of interior space, 800 watt sensor cooking and an optional trim kit for that built-in look. Like the appliance itself, you don't need the kit, but it may help it look conveniently better.  Images below show the difference, with and without the kit. GE's stock photo on the first image features an install with the trim kit. I suppose that if you're jonesing for that look, then this may be for you.  On the second image, I opted against the kit to minimize the microwave's presence within the space in a recent kitchen remodel.

The PEM31SMSS installed with the JX827 trim kit (image courtesy: GE)

The PEM31SMSS installed within the cabinetry without a trim kit

 

Why this particular microwave? Years of specifying one particular model over another  have yielded a fairly consistent result. Clients do appreciate it's basic but practical features along with it's compact size and overall simplicity in relation to the kitchen design. There are no bells or whistles that they will pay for but never use. The microwave fits the space like a glove. And the model has been a mainstay of the GE lineup for years that finding a replacement should be easy if another is needed down the road.

Arguably, there are other microwave ovens out there that have more features. The hamper-style doors on some built-in units are ergonomically appealing. The drawers are an innovative design for ADA functionality. The speedcook option on certain models add even greater convenience (caveat: will you use it?) and if you're looking for a right-hinged microwave–well, stop right there. To my knowledge, they simply don't exist. I don't have the philosophy behind this manufacturing logic but the hard fact is that you likely won't find one in the market.

Blondie (portrayed by Clint Eastwood) was The Good in the movie. In retrospect, he wasn't really that good. He was a bounty hunter in search of treasures. He found it at the expense of his seedy companions. He used it. He capitalized on it. One could surmise my tangent into the deep as strange but I argue that one should find meaning everywhere. The microwave is an analogy in speed's inherent usefulness to cater to the banalities of everyday life but do so within the limits of good and practical design. So, I'm not telling you not to do it. I am saying–use it well.

The New Way to Remodel: What the RRP Rule Means for You.

To my dismay, I was recently reminded by my remodeler that his labor and material costs may go up on projects involving any homes built prior to January 1, 1978.

Why? Because, in my experience, labor costs can be as much or more than materials. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices that all contractors must comply with effective April 22, 2010. Though enforcement was temporarily delayed to allow contractors to meet their certification requirements in June, all firms are required to be fully certified as of October 1, 2010.

The new regulation called the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, aimed at preventing lead-poisoning, dictates that firms performing renovation and repair must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination if working on pre-1978 homes which are determined to have lead hazard. As an EPA-certified renovator, non-compliance can include fines of up to $37,500 per day so it was certainly understandable to hear my remodeler emphatically address this issue with me.

But what does this really mean? In the remodeling industry, it has a huge impact. All the extra steps required by the EPA–from initial lead-testing to by-the-book material handling and disposal to documentation–will increase overall costs for both the contractor and the homeowner. While the financial ramifications of this new rule has yet to be accurately quantified, some projections for direct and indirect costs are coming in at about 15% and likely more depending on the scope of the renovation.

Throughout this blog post, you will find highlighted text that links directly to some very interesting information that I have culled online regarding the RRP Rule from the EPA website along with third-party insights from remodeling sources. Also, here's a quick consumer FAQ on the common concerns that have come up since I heard about this issue percolating at the beginning of the year. 

What is RRP?
Good question. I didn't even know what it actually stood for until a few months ago. It is the Renovation, Repair and Paint (Rule) that went into effect on April 22, 2010. It defines the specific procedures to be followed on any professionally remodeled homes that were built built prior to January 1, 1978. 

I do want to remodel my home but what happens if my house is that old?
If you are considering having a professional renovate your home, he/she must first confirm the build date of the house and determine potential lead hazards by way of a lead test if its age falls on or before January 1, 1978. 

Who will do this test and how much does it cost?
Lead tests must be EPA-certified as part of the RRP compliance. You may utilize a dedicated lead testing firm or inquire with your certified contractor if he would perform this service. Tests can vary from $200 to $600 dollars depending on the company. 

What happens if the test come up positive for lead?
The contractor is obligated by law to provide you with pre-renovation lead-hazard pamphlet that you must sign acknowledging that you have been provided with and understand the information on the nature of your hazards as well as steps you can take to safely handle your renovation. Any lead-hazard areas affected by the remodel will be dealt with in accordance to the strict procedures set by the EPA. You are also obligated to disclose the existence of lead hazards in your home should you decide to sell it. 

Can't I just select a non-certified contractor who will do this for less cost and less hassle?
Essentially, all contractors who renovate homes of all types and age are required by federal law to be EPA-certified or face fines for non-compliance. I suppose, in theory, you may be able to secure the services of one, certified or otherwise, who is willing to do this with disregard to the existing law.  However, to engage in such a practice could potentially expose you to a stop-work order, at the very least, and with an even greater financially liability, at worst.  

So how much is this really going to cost me?
Because the law is so new, contractors are still trying to figure out what this additional "cost of doing business" will be and until such time that they have fine-tuned their costing schedules to reflect the added expenses involved in this "new way" of remodeling, the best projections we have at the moment point towards a 15% increase. This percentage can vary by geographic location, size of the remodel and extent of the lead hazards found on the premises.

A new but unintended blog layout.

I cried in my proverbial soup. But how does one deal when the original template was modified by accident with no opportunity of retrieval.

On the other hand, there's something to be said about a new "do" and I hope this layout works just as well for you. It seems a little more pleasing to the eye.

So onward and upward I go and accept this new layout with grace and a little more fine-tuning down the road.

I listed this under "Quick Updates" though by no means was the process a quick and painless change. It took me the last three hours just to clean up this new blog layout and as for the painless part...maybe someone else got that tonight.