What Can We Say About Kitchens?
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!
If anyone has any specific issues you would like us to discuss, by all means, please let us know. We’re always here to answer your questions and give you the best advice we can. You can call us at 602-246-0656 or email us at info@qualtire.com.
Does Your Kitchen Need Updating?
By · CommentsWe’ve returned from San Diego, and it’s time to get back to work. Summer vacations are winding down, and the kids will soon be back in school. So we would like to turn our attention to kitchen remodeling. Does that kitchen of yours need a little updating? In these challenging economic times, we tend to let things slide for awhile. And then one day, we look around and think maybe, just maybe, we’re a little tired of that 70′s, 80′s or even 90′s look we have going on in that kitchen of ours. But what can we do within our budget constraints?
So we’ll take the next several weeks and address various aspects of a kitchen remodel. From cabinets and counter tops to flooring, plumbing fixtures, and appliances, we’ll discuss different ideas and ways to modernize that kitchen.
Qualtire Plumbing & Construction has been providing Phoenix and the greater valley quality plumbing and remodeling services since 1964. Kitchen and bathroom remodeling are our specialties, and we’ve seen myriad style changes through the years. One of the best ways to maintain your home value is to make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are updated and modernized periodically.
If anyone has any specific issues you would like us to discuss, by all means, please let us know. We’re always here to answer your questions and give you the best advice we can. You can call us at 602-246-0656 or email us at info@qualtire.com.
You Want to Paint the Walls What Color?
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
Main Shut-Off Valves & What You Should Know
By · CommentsDo you know how to shut off the water to your house in case of an emergency? With our “hard” water conditions here in Phoenix, shut-off valves have a tendency to fail.
First of all, do you know where your shut-off valve is located? Usually, it’s in the front of your home, but it can be located elsewhere. Make sure you know where it is and test occasionally for proper functioning. Additionally, make sure you can turn it on and off. Turn off and see if water stops by opening a faucet or two in your house. It may take a few minutes for flow to stop completely. If water continues after five minutes, it may not be working properly.
If you need assistance, we can check this for you and do a complete plumbing inspection of your house for only $59.00. Since monsoons aren’t the only thing that can flood your house, regular plumbing maintenance and repairs can prevent that emergency from occurring.
Thanks for your time, and call us at 602.246.0656 if you have any questions. Qualtire Plumbing & Construction is your Phoenix plumbing company and always just one phone call away.
Ten Reasons You Should Do That Bathroom Remodel Now
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!
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
Elderly Friendly or Handicapped Bathroom Remodel
By · CommentsIf you need to remodel for a handicapped bathroom or to make it elderly friendly, you may need to consider floor space, vanities, bathroom counter tops, cabinets, etc. and if they provide the necessary space and accessibility. Towel bars, for instance, may need to be lowered, and a comfort-height toilet may be preferable.
Grab bars are important and can be installed by the toilet, tub, and in the shower. A hand-held shower may replace your traditional shower head so that someone can use a chair or bench and still shower independently.
Floors should not be slippery, so vinyl and slick tile are not good choices. A tile with a matte finish or sanded texture is an option.
As you are probably aware by now, July is bathroom remodeling month at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction. If you would like a free evaluation of how to make that bathroom remodel handicapped or elderly friendly, just give us a call 602.246.0656. Hope you all have a good week.
New Shower Valve & Faucet Can Make all the Difference
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!
Watch out for Flooding
By · Comments
Craig
Hi. I’m Craig, and I’m sure I have been to many of your homes for various plumbing repairs and home maintenance issues. I have been a professional service technician at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction for the last fifteen years. The office staff has been after me to write some blogs, but being that I’m more of an “out in the field” kind of guy, I’ve been reluctant to do so. They’ve teased me about calling my columns, “Craig’s Corner” or “Chat with Craig,” but I had to put my foot down and say no to that. So anyway here goes.
We’ve all heard the horror stories about some-one’s house being flooded. Make sure it’s not you by maintaining your water shut offs and shut-off valves at each faucet, toilet, water heater and washing machine. Check them periodically to make sure they are working properly.
Specifically with your washing machine valves and hoses, if hoses are more than four years old, they should be checked and probably replaced with steel no-burst hoses. I always suggest that if you don’t have the newer no-burst hoses, keep your valves in the “off” position if your washer is not in use.
Qualtire Plumbing & Construction is offering this month to replace your old hoses with the steel no-burst hoses for just $75.00. The Service/Diagnostic fee will be waived. That’s a pretty good deal, so hopefully I’ll be replacing some of those hoses for you soon. Thanks for taking the time to read, and I look forward to seeing you.
Natural Stone in your Bathroom
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.
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