Archive for Remodeling
Roof Rats – Are they even rats?
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We have all heard the term “roof rat” but what are they really and how did they come to be? I have always thought these were an Arizona myth until I saw one scampering across my backyard one night.
Roof rats first appeared in Arizona back in 2002 and are still a major problem today. There are a few species of rats known, varying in size (13-18in from head to tail) and color (brown, gray, black). They prefer to nest in high places such as trees and attics, but will burrow under plants, buildings, basements and even sewers.
A ½” hole in a house is just enough for a roof rat to climb into, turning your home into a new breeding place. They are best known for getting into the structure of the house, eating through electrical wires, and causing other destructive damage within the house. They also have been known to ruin citrus crops. Although these can lead to extensive repair bills, the worst is when they die in your house and start to decay, leaving a “lovely” smell throughout your ventilation system.
This can all be prevented by calling Qualtire Plumbing & Construction to come out and secure all holes and make sure the rats won’t be getting into the house as well as going into the attic and checking for existing rats. Other actions can be beneficial as well such as keeping your yard well kept, picking up excess fruit, and disposing garbage properly. You want to make sure you do not use D-Con to kill the rats because that could potentially kill your pets or other animals as well.
Always remember that Qualtire Plumbing & Construction has been your Phoenix plumber and remodeler since 1964, and we are always just a phone call away.
In the eyes of a Plumber’s son
~Andrew Ryne~
Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures for a Hot Day
Posted by: | CommentsWe’ve been fortunate to have this lovely weather these past few weeks, but let’s face it…the heat will be here before we know it. With that in mind, everything will increase in price as well. We’re already paying high prices for gas so let’s invest in some new plumbing features to help reduce costs!
I know everyone is on a budget so if you cannot invest in a whole bathroom remodel, then just focus on the little things such as an upgraded faucet or a new toilet. When selecting a new faucet keep in mind a few things. It’s better to go with American-made brands rather than foreign-made because if the faucet needs to be repaired, it is much easier to get a part for the American-made faucet. Foreign parts may require to be shipped from that country which could take a while and cost a fortune. Plus, they may not make that particular faucet anymore so the part may not be found. Prices also affect the quality. You are what you’re getting when you buy certain faucets: the cheaper ones will not last as long and may break often, while the more expensive ones will last longer (I’m not saying go out and buy a $500 faucet, but don’t go out and buy a $20 faucet either).
We do live in a desert and we are in a drought so when selecting a toilet, keep in mind that there are water-saving toilets. Today’s market the toilet uses 1.28 gal per flush but you can get a 1.6 gal per flush in some models. If your toilet is 10 years or older, it uses 3 gal per flush. With that, it might behoove you to invest in a modern toilet to help save water as well as money. There is a toilet called the Persuade Dual Flush by Kohler. This toilet has a unique feature which allows the user to flush 2 ways, depending on what goes down the toilet. It’s like a urinal and toilet combined. In addition, certain cities will actually reimburse your toilet expenses if you upgrade to a water-saving model!
Another way to save water is through your shower head. These days you can get different heads that will produce 1.25 to 2gal per minute using pressure compensation technology. This allows the user to use less water while maintaining the water pressure that most people desire.
All in all, upgrading your plumbing fixtures will not only recreate your bathroom but will also save you money using water-saving technology.
In the eyes of a plumber’s son,
Andrew Ryne
Saying “I love you” with a Brand New Bathroom Remodel!!
Posted by: | CommentsFebruary is here which means love is among us all…but how do we embrace it? Some say roses or chocolate, but those only last a few days. Don’t you think your love should last longer than just a few days? The nicest way to say “I love you” to your honey that will last a lifetime is with a brand new bathroom remodel!!
Ceiling to floor, bathrooms come in many shapes and sizes so we will customize to your needs. Any couple could want that spacious his-and-her vanity but what about a nice jacuzzi tub for those special nights, especially for a newly couple. Maybe it’s more a contemporary look for a business person with a state-of-the-art custom shower with multiple shower heads jetting from all directions. Or maybe just getting older where it’s all about the comfort and safety within the bathroom so a walk-in shower and comfort level toilet might fit your needs.
Whatever your heart’s desire, we at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction, will work with you to create the perfect romantic getaway you can escape to right in your own home. We will customize to any lifestyle from the retro modern to the traditional Victorian.
This month we are having a lovely special of 15% off your next plumbing, construction, or electrical bill so call today to transform your bathroom into a paradise you and your loved one will enjoy!! Once again, Happy Valentine’s Day to you from all of us here at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction.
Kitchen Cabinets
Posted by: | CommentsJuly and August have been Kitchen Remodeling Months here at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction. We have discussed painting, countertops, fixtures, tile, stoves, etc. Now comes the big one – cabinets. In order to do a complete makeover of your kitchen, new cabinets are a must. It increases the value and look of your kitchen. Cabinets come in a variety of sizes and finishes to satisfy your taste and budget. Factory-made cabinets are the most cost effective, and custom cabinets are the most complete for your existing space.
Because we always like to offer affordable options, another possibility is refacing or painting your existing cabinets. With refacing, you can even order just doors and hinges. This is a nice budget conscious way to go. Just remember, your cabinet boxes should be in good shape.
Call us at 602-246-0656 for a free in-home evaluation of your kitchen. Qualtire Plumbing & Construction has been your Phoenix plumbing and remodeling company since 1964, and we are always here to answer your questions.
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!
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.
What About Kitchen 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 kitchen 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.
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.
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. 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. 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!
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?
Posted 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?
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
