Author Archive
Go Green with Hybrid Water Heaters
Posted by: | CommentsDid you know that in the Phoenix area your water heater is the second largest user of electricity? Hybrid electric heat pump water heaters can save you about $320 in your electric bill per year. That’s $3,200 over a ten-year period! And don’t forget, they qualify for a federal tax rebate of up to 30%.
Qualtire Plumbing & Construction is offering $500 off a new GE Hybrid water heater and installation. It saves electricity by using a heat pump on top of the water heater that takes warmth out of the ambient air and pumps it into the water tank. It draws cold water from the bottom of the tank and circulates it through the heater pump and back into the tank. The process will also cool the outside air which can be an advantage in your laundry room or garage.
Some other advantages are that it comes with a ten year warranty, has the Trusted Energy Star rating, fits in the same location as your old water heater using existing water and electrical connections, and has multiple settings for vacation and high demand for when you have guests.
Call Qualtire today at 602-246-0656 for more information or to schedule a technician to come to your home and see if this water heater is right for you. Remember Qualtire Plumbing & Construction has been your Phoenix plumber and remodeler since 1964. We do our own warranty work, too, so you always know who to call!
What About Countertops?
Posted by: | CommentsToday let’s discuss countertops and backsplashes and how they can make that tired old kitchen look new. I used to think that when you updated your kitchen you had to do cabinets, countertops, sinks, the whole ball of wax. I have since leaned that is not altogether true.
A couple of years ago, my wife decided we needed to spruce up the kitchen, The cabinets were not quite ten years old, so she suggested that we install new granite countertops and backsplashes. Viva la difference!! Almost instantly, a new look but not at a huge cost.
We suggest when installing backsplashes, you can use matching granite or a complimentary tile splash with your solid countertop. Accent tiles come in myriad colors and styles, so you can get very creative with your backsplashes to give your kitchen a custom and unique appearance.
There are a number of products out there to fit any budget. From the new formicas to custom soapstone, you can get any look you like. Call Qualtire Plumbing & Construction at 602-246-0656 and schedule your free kitchen consultation. As I have said before, we have extended our kitchen remodel specials into September so take advantage of the savings and update that kitchen before the holidays.
Gas or Electric Stoves?
Posted by: | CommentsSometimes your stove can just be an unused appliance since we all rely on those microwaves so much these days. But the right stove can make a big difference in meal preparation. Here are some basic differences.
1. Cleaning
Traditional stoves were hard to clean. Generally, you had to take them all apart just to get at the mess. Newer electric stoves come with easy clean glass solid tops, eliminating this problem. Gas stoves require a little extra effort as you must clean the burner grate and the area underneath.
2. Cost
Electric stoves either traditionally or the new easy clean are generally less expensive to purchase than gas units. If your house has only an electric outlet for the stove and you would like to purchase a gas stove, you would have an additional cost to install a gas line to the unit (if you have a gas provider in your area). This cost will depend on how far from the gas meter the stove is located. Qualtire Plumbing & Construction does provide free estimates for gas lines and services such as these. Operational costs are fairly comparable.
3. Convenience
Gas will get hotter faster and also cool down faster. Electric sometimes takes a little more getting used to as it heats slower and cools slower. When you are cooking with electric and are through, you need to remove the pan from the burner as it stays hot. Gas stoves will cool as soon as you shut the gas off so pans don’t have to be removed immediately. Professional cooks, as I’m sure you’ve noticed if you watch the cooking shows, often prefer the gas stove.
4. Preference
Since there are pros and cons to each, it really just boils down to what you like and are comfortable with. Appliances are an important part of updating that kitchen, and stainless steel is still quite popular whether you choose a gas or electric stove.
Being out of town some this past month, I haven’t written as many kitchen remodel blogs as I had intended so I’m going to continue with kitchen remodeling ideas into September. If anyone has any specific topics you would like to discuss or have me address, please let me know. Qualtire Plumbing & Construction has been your Phoenix plumbing and remodeling company since 1964.
What Can We Say About Kitchens?
Posted by: | CommentsWhat can we say about kitchens that has not already been covered a multitude of times? That’s the hard part.
Maybe something as simple as a new kitchen faucet to replace that old, crusty dripping one; or maybe a complete kitchen remodel with new modern cabinets, counter tops and lighting. Whatever your project, we can handle it from design to completion.
As Karen said previously, this month we will be discussing individual items that will make your kitchen look like new.
You might want to start with new plumbing fixtures, i.e. faucets, sinks, garbage disposals. These items are readily available and can be installed for a nominal cost. Just make sure you install all new piping, valves, and those non-burst faucet supplies under that new, maybe stainless steel, sink. The reason for starting with the sink is to eliminate any existing leaks which could cause future problems – mold or mildew. We want to make sure our “new kitchen” is leak free before we proceed.
Qualtire Plumbing & Construction has been serving Phoenix and the greater valley as your trustworthy plumber and remodeler since 1964. One of the unique aspects of our company is that we are licensed plumbers, general contractors, and electrical contractors and can consequently handle your kitchen remodel from start to finish. We don’t outsource!
You Want to Paint the Walls What Color?
Posted by: | Comments“Well,” the contractor said to the clients, “What colors did you say you want to paint the bathroom walls?” They replied that they wanted it to look just like that cute, little casita they had stayed in while on their honeymoon in Acapulco. The walls should be a deep blue, the ceiling a purplish-red, and the trim a bright yellow.
What an idea if you live in a tourist destination like Acapulco, but they may want to rethink that color scheme in Phoenix, Arizona. A few things to consider when repainting a bathroom or any other room for that matter:
1. How long am I going to live here?
2. Resale, resale, resale.
3. What is the look I am trying to achieve? If I want boldness, how can I achieve this and still think resale?
Most of our clients generally end up with some neutral colors on the wall with maybe a contrasting color on the trim or an accent wall. Ceilings are mostly white to reflect the lighting. Your bolder colors can come from curtains, towels, toilet covers, a nice rug, pictures, or other decor. This will allow you to redecorate every few years, if you wish, at a minimal cost.
Paint selection is a huge part of that bathroom remodel with such a variety of colors and shades to choose from. Just come by our showroom at 3518 W. Bethany Home Rd., and our design staff can help you.
This about wraps up bathroom remodeling blogs for this month. We’re headed out for a short San Diego vacation next week. When we return, we are going to turn our attention to kitchen remodeling for awhile. However, if there are any other bathroom remodeling ideas you would like us to address, we would be happy to do so. Qualtire Plumbing & Construction has been involved in bathroom and kitchen remodeling in Phoenix since 1964. As always, we’re here to answer any questions you may have, contact us via email or by phone 602.246.0656
Ten Reasons You Should Do That Bathroom Remodel Now
Posted by: | CommentsHere are some reasons to update that bathroom now:
1. Prices have never been lower. Because of the recession, labor and material prices have dropped dramatically.
2. Re-sale. Better to be ready when the market rebounds. If you have no plans to sell, why not remodel that bathroom and enjoy it now?
3. That dirty mildew in the corner of the shower is not going away by itself.
4. Your wife will love you for thinking of her!
5. You can enjoy your new whirlpool tub for many years.
6. Save money and water with those new water-saving plumbing fixtures.
7. No maintenance for years to come.
8. The grandkids will love that big, deep, soaking tub.
9. Design work can actually be fun and exciting. Shopping for new materials can be fun also.
10. Last but not least, when completed by a competent contractor, it will be a painless and enjoyable project. You can then luxuriate in your new modern bathroom.
As I have stated in the past, be sure and check with the Registrar of Contractors before hiring anyone to do a bathroom remodel. Your bathroom is just too important to hire anyone but a licensed contractor. Qualtire Plumbing & Construction has been a plumbing contractor in the valley since 1964 and is always here to answer your questions call or contact us today about our bathroom remodeling.
Showers, Showers, Showers!
Posted by: | CommentsYou use it every day and it gets “grody,” with mildew, stains or even mold. What to do? Well here are a few suggestions fr updating or remodeling your bathroom.
Maybe just a good old fashioned cleaning will solve your problem. Just be careful not to use harsh chemicals on the surfaces. If your shower is over twenty years old, the chances are you will need a complete replacement. Look at the walls and baseboards adjacent to the shower, and this will tell you if your base is leaking.
The solutions are varied and, of course, depend on your budget. For an inexpensive fix, maybe just a fiberglass base and walls may be what you want. The durability and life expectancy of this may not be long if used on a daily basis. A more permanent shower solution is one that will last 20-25 years and can be achieved with cultured marble, porcelain tile or even solid surface products on the base and walls. You can be quite creative with various accents and contrasting colors to give it a unique appearance.
In addition, don’t forget a new shower door to top off the project and give it a “classy” look. Or for an extra unique custom look, you might think about a walk-in shower in which case you don’t need a shower door.
We are enjoying talking about bathroom remodeling ideas this month and, of course, a new modern shower is a great way to update that bathroom. New plumbing fixtures, such as a shower valve, shower head and faucet, (as discussed previously), also help modernize that bathroom.
Qualtire Plumbing & Construction is always here to answer your questions. Call us at 602.246.0656, and we would be happy to share ideas with you. Also, don’t forget to check with the Registrar of Contractors before hiring anyone to do your work. When it comes to remodeling and working in your home, hiring a licensed and reputable contractor can make all the difference.
Custom walk-in shower
Custom tiled shower with dual shower heads
New Shower Valve & Faucet Can Make all the Difference
Posted by: | CommentsYou’re in the shower this morning getting ready for work, and the water gets cold and then hot. Talk about annoying. The problem may be the water pressure to the house (as discussed previously) or the shower valve itself. The new shower valves have a built-in tempering device that allows you to set your valve at a certain temperature, and it will remain at that same temperature for the entire shower – no matter what other fixtures are being used in the house. No more constant adjustments while trying to shower.
Now if you’re updating that shower valve, how about a new bathroom faucet to match? Plumbing fixtures can make all the difference in updating that bathroom. I remember when there were just a few main styles to choose from, but now the sky’s the limit; the “waterfall” style, the high-rise spout, brushed nickel finish or oil-rubbed bronze – you have a plethora of choices.
Since this is Bathroom Remodeling month at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction, we’re trying to focus on ways to remodel that bathroom with various affordable options. Changing the plumbing fixtures is a great way to achieve a more modern look without getting into extensive remodeling. Stay cool, everyone. It’s supposed to be 115 degrees today!
Natural Stone in your Bathroom
Posted by: | CommentsLet’s talk about stone products in your bathroom today. Whether it be granite, tumbled, honed, or beautiful travertine, it’s important to remember that these products need to be maintained over the life of the stone. This entails cleaning and sealing on a regular basis. Depending on the stone chosen, please follow the directions as to which products should be used.
Now what is a regular basis, you ask? It depends on how often you use the shower or tub. If it is used on a daily basis, we recommend that it be sealed with a quality sealer every six months for it to maintain its color and texture. Because natural stone absorbs moisture and over time this can cause damage, maintenance is imperative to prolong the life and condition of your beautiful natural stone product.
Call Qualtire (602.246.0656) for a free evaluation of your stone shower or counters. In addition, if you are interested in adding a beautiful stone product to remodel your bathroom, we would be happy to assist you. Remember this is bathroom remodel month at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction.
Please check us out on Facebook and Twitter, and I hope you all have a great day.
A Whirlpool Tub for You
Posted by: | CommentsWell, here it is July, and it’s still hot! Looks like we will have to find a way to cool off. I’ve got an idea; how about a new whirlpool bathtub? Just think, sitting in that tub with the Diamondbacks game on TV; well maybe, the World Cup instead.
New whirlpool tubs have come down in price over the last couple of years, so now it is affordable for almost any budget.
Talk about sprucing up your bath this month, that will certainly do it. In fact, you probably won’t be able to get the kids or grandkids out of it. Our granddaughters sure look forward to the whirlpool tub when they stay the night at our house!
When thinking of remodeling that bathroom, check this out for a real nice addition to your master bath.
Enjoy a Whirlpool Tub
This particular one is a corner tub, but different sizes are available. Remember July is bathroom remodel month at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction. Call 602.246.0656 if you have any questions.
