Thomas Borcherding

Kitchen Island Outlet Requirements – New Code Changes Author: Thomas Borcherding | Updated On: New Building Code Changes For Kitchen Island Receptacles With the release of IRC 2024 comes sweeping new changes for kitchen island outlet requirements. Historically, kitchen islands have been required to have outlets on them. However, the IRC May 2024 edition has … Read more

How Far Should a Range Hood Be From the Stove Top? Author: Thomas Borcherding | Updated On: What Does Building Code Say About Range Hood Distance From Stove Top? We will be looking at what International Residential Code (IRC) has to say about clearance above cook tops. The IRC is adopted by most municipalities within … Read more

Consequences of Remodeling Without a Permit in St. Louis, MO Author: Thomas Borcherding | About Homestar | Updated On: Should You Get Remodeling Permits in St. Louis, MO? Decades of remodeling experience have taught us that many homeowners do not agree with the concept of permits (you can learn more about our St. Louis home … Read more

Can You Put a Shower Head on an Exterior Wall? Author: Thomas Borcherding | About Homestar | Updated On: Can a Shower Head Be Placed on an Exterior Wall? I understand why you may be tempted to relocate your shower head to an exterior wall. There is only so much you can do within the … Read more

Grab Bar Installation Guide: Do Grab Bars Require Blocking? Author: Thomas Borcherding | About Homestar | Updated On: Do Grab Bars Require Blocking? Grab bars are becoming increasingly sought after, especially in bathrooms where wet conditions create slip hazards. Grab bars are known for creating resale value, as they appeal heavily to older home-buyers and … Read more

Are Fernco No-Hub Couplings Allowed in St. Louis County? Author: Thomas Borcherding | About Homestar | Updated On: Are Fernco No-Hub Couplings Allowed in St. Louis County? Fernco, much like Band-Aid, has created a product so successful that the brand name is often used to describe off-brand products. Specifically, Fernco is known for the no-hub … Read more

St. Louis Kitchen Remodeling Cost (2025) Author: Thomas Borcherding | About Homestar | Updated On: What Is the Cost of Kitchen Remodeling in St. Louis? Kitchen remodeling here in St. Louis, let alone anywhere, is not a small endeavor. It requires substantial capital and a well-thought out design. It is common to experience sticker shock … Read more

St. Louis Bathroom Remodeling Cost (2025) Author: Thomas Borcherding | About Homestar | Updated On: Bathroom Remodeling Is a Large Investment As one of the leading St. Louis bathroom remodelers, I know how expensive bathroom remodeling can get, as well as the sticker shock that quotes can produce. Bathroom remodeling is a costly endeavor. When … Read more

How Tall Should a Shower Curb Be? Shower Curb Height FAQs Author: Thomas Borcherding | About Homestar | Updated On: Shower Curbs: A Necessary Evil From my experience as a professional bathroom designer, most people would opt for a curbless shower when given the choice between a curbed or a curbless shower. However, curbless showers … Read more

Can You Put a Shower Niche on an Exterior Wall? Author: Thomas Borcherding | About Homestar | Updated On: Can a Shower Niche Be Installed in an Exterior Wall? As one of the leading bathroom designers here in St. Louis, I know how hard it can be to incorporate enough storage for a family’s needs … Read more