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Patrincia · May 24, 2005, 08:41 PM

Thanks so much for this site, it is very informative!

We are about to close on a new construction home. This house is located out of state, and we just discovered that the 3 toilets have been placed 2½", 4½", and 6" away from the wall. The builder said they were placed that way because of the floor joists, but that sounds like he just doesn't want to fix the problem to me.

I did some research and learned about 10", 12", and 14" rough-ins. We are waiting to find out what size toilets were installed. Assuming they used the standard 12", I know changing the fixture to a 14" rough-in toilet will correct some of the spacing issues, but I was wondering if an offset flange could also be added without disturbing the ceramic tile flooring?

I'd like to sound knowledgeable on the issue when talking to the builder about correcting this situation. I'd appreciate any assistance anyone can give.

speedball1 · May 25, 2005, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by Patrincia

Thanks so much for this site, it is very informative!

We are about to close on a new construction home. This house is located out of state, and we just discovered that the 3 toilets have been placed 2½", 4½", and 6" away from the wall. The builder said they were placed that way because of the floor joists, but that sounds like he just doesn't want to fix the problem to me.

I did some research and learned about 10", 12", and 14" rough-ins. We are waiting to find out what size toilets were installed. Assuming they used the standard 12", I know changing the fixture to a 14" rough-in toilet will correct some of the spacing issues, but I was wondering if an offset flange could also be added without disturbing the ceramic tile flooring?

I'd like to sound knowledgeable on the issue when talking to the builder about correcting this situation. I'd appreciate any assistance anyone can give.

Good morning Patty,

Tippty-tap, shuffle and slide! I hope you're enjoying the soft shoe tapdance the builder's giving you because that's all his excuses are. Unless they are special order toilets are normally a 12" rough in. Let me
give you another explanation. The plumber missed the walls on layout, not once but three times. Even if the floor joists were in the way, (and they often are) they could have been headed off to accommodate the toilet rough in. A offset flange is used when the plumber missed by a inch or so but 4 to 6" offset flanges are just begging for trouble. And yes the tile would have to come up to install them. Six inches off the wall and all the builder's giving you is a song and dance? Next he will be attempting to snow you that a "island toilet" is the latest thing. The plumber screwed up, the contractor doesn't want to eat the cost of making it right and you're left with bathrooms that look like they they were plumbed by Cuckles The Clown.
My advice? Do notclose on this house until EVERYTHING is installed to your satisfaction. Stick by your guns! You're in the right! Good luck, Tom

Patrincia · May 25, 2005, 07:50 AM

Tom,

Thanks so much for your advise... you confirmed our suspisions! How can we find out whether the toilets (or anything else for that matter) meet "code" in the county that the house is located in? Will a general house inspector be knowledgeable enough, or is there some kind of city official that we should contact?

speedball1 · May 25, 2005, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by Patrincia

Tom,

Thanks so much for your advise... you confirmed our suspisions! How can we find out whether or not the toilets (or anything else for that matter) meet "code" in the county that the house is located in? Will a general house inspector be knowledgeable enough, or is there some kind of city official that we should contact?

A complaint to the BBB, (Better Business Bureau} should get some action. In the meantime refuse to close until it's been repaired. Has the house been CO'd by the inspector yet? Do not accept shoddy workmanship. As a home buyer you don't have to. Hang in there! Tom