Archive for bathroom remodeling
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.
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.
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
Elderly Friendly or Handicapped Bathroom Remodel
Posted 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
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.
