Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Archive for the ‘Home Remodel’ Category

Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020

turn your bathroom into a spa tureks plumbing servicesSpa dates are always a welcome idea for many people. However, while it might seem like a great idea to go and de-stress, not everyone has the time to go to a spa. With so much happening in our lives, we need a place in our homes where we can relax and de-clutter our minds. Your bathroom is one of the most intimate rooms in your house. It is also the perfect spot to turn into a spa. You can choose to turn your bathroom into a mini-spa allowing you to get the full relaxing experience you would get in a real spa. This saves you money and time, allowing you to relax without having to get out of your busy schedule. Here are some interesting ways to turn your bathroom into a spa. 

Reduce the Clutter

You will find it hard to relax in a congested place. Make a point of de-cluttering your bathroom by storing your beauty and toilets away from your bathroom, perhaps in a medical cabinet. You can use the remaining space to hang an art piece or two. 

If you do not have anywhere to take your soaps, then consider working with shelves. These work well with small bathrooms. A few tiers of some decorative shelves will transform your bathroom. 

Consider Making Candle Arrangements

Candles are a great way to transform the ambiance of your bathroom. An artistic yet straightforward arrangement of your candles will give your bathroom the spa experience. Also, consider having a few plants in your bathroom. Low succulent ad air plants work best. Succulents are easy to maintain and allow you to use creative containers to build the right accent for your bathroom. 

Get Some Fancy Towels

Spas generally have an abundance of perfectly arranged towels. Get some fancy towels for your bathroom and make similar arrangements. This works especially well with small bathrooms because the towels will be more visible. 

You might include an artistic rack to display your towels. It allows your bathroom to look more intentional, just like a spa. 

Glam Up Your Floors

Instead of the traditional floor mat in your bathroom, get some bathroom rags. They will not only keep your feet comfortable and warm but will also create a luxurious feel in your bathroom. Go for trendy yet comfortable styles for that spa look and feel. 

Include Some Relaxing Sounds

Relaxing sounds are a great way of making sure that you actually relax in your bathroom. You might find this useful if you do not live alone. The sounds help drown out noises from other occupants in your house, allowing you to have some time to yourself. 

Currently, there are flexible options for music and sounds such as apps that you can download on your phone that allow you to stream music. You can also download a white noise app that provides you with a wide range of sounds that are aimed at helping you relax. Have a waterproof speaker with you to reduce the risk of getting your phone wet. 

It is possible to find tranquillity even in the most unlikely places. Get your bathroom remodeled by the best plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, and transform it into a spa you will hardly ever want to get out of. Contact Tureks Plumbing and enjoy fast and professional services all year round.

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Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

Wednesday, December 11th, 2019

Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation - Tureks PlumbingMany homeowners put off remodeling their bathrooms and kitchens because the price tag of the renovation can be quite overwhelming. However, upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg if you implement the following money-saving tips recommended by the bathroom remodel experts at Tureks Plumbing Services.

Put Together a Plan

There is nothing (cost-wise) as bad as starting your bathroom renovation when you don’t have a clear idea of what exactly you are trying to achieve and how you will achieve it. You are likely to make expensive mistakes. So, try to put a plan together and stick to it so that you can save money on your bathroom renovation.

To avoid making rookie mistakes, have a designer or remodel expert help you. These experts will come up with the most cost-effective ways to attain what you want. The cost you incur by hiring these professionals will pale in comparison to the savings that you make once the project gets underway. 

Don’t Shift the Plumbing

Tureks Plumbing Services strongly recommends that you keep the plumbing fixtures where they are if you want to keep the cost of the bathroom remodel affordably. As much as we make money by charging homeowners installation fees during remodels, we want to build relationships with our clients. So, we typically will advise against moving the plumbing if you’re on a tight budget (unless it is absolutely necessary). The money you save in this way can go towards other aspects of your renovation project, such as buying materials. Talk to an Appleton bathroom remodel professional first if you aren’t sure what you should do. 

Give the Mirror a New Frame

Think about this for a minute; when you say that you want to replace the mirror in the bathroom, are you tired of the mirror itself or the appearance of the frame no longer appeals to you? Oftentimes, the mirror itself may not be the problem. Rather, the frame may have started looking old, or the edges of the mirror could have started showing signs of wear.

Either way, giving the mirror a new stylish frame will cost less than replacing the mirror and its frame, and you will also transform the look of the bathroom mirror. How is that for hitting two birds with one stone! Our Appleton bathroom remodel experts can help you to select a frame that will match your stylistic needs during the renovation project.

Replace Just Parts of the Toilet

Did you know that changing the toilet seat and cover is enough to make your toilet look new? It is certainly more affordable to buy just a toilet seat and the cover instead of dumping the entire toilet in favor of a new one. You will save money on buying the new toilet, and you will save money on installation fees to fix the new toilet if you aren’t up to the task yourself. Tureks Plumbing Services has seen this done in lots of homes, so there is no reason why you can’t reduce how much you spend during your bathroom remodel by implementing the same money-saving tip.

Make Salvage Yards Your Favorite

You can also save money during your bathroom remodel by buying the materials you need at salvage yards, antique sales, and other home stores. One big benefit of shopping this way is that you can get one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your bathroom truly unique. You can get everything from cast iron tubs, a shower curtain valance, sinks, light fixtures, and everything else. The savings that you make when you shop in this way can quickly add up.

Go for Open Shelving

While the bathroom is a private place, not everything there needs to be hidden away. For example, why should you tuck your floral towels inside a dark cabinet? Do your pretty soaps deserve to be hidden inside a cabinet? Open shelving allows you to leave in plain sight those items that add color and beauty to your bathroom. Open shelving is also easier on the pocket. Appleton bathroom remodel experts say your bathroom will look larger than it is when you choose open shelving. This is definitely a good thing, especially if your bathroom is on the smaller side. 

Lighting is Your Friend

Nothing can transform a bathroom as dramatically as upgrading the lighting system. Change out the fixtures from those that were installed by the builder and replace them with the stylish ones you love. If possible, install a skylight so that natural light can flood into the bathroom during the day and make this space more inviting. These changes can be made without breaking the bank, and your bathroom will never be the same again with this new lighting. You can also look into installing a new or larger window in your bathroom for enhanced natural light. 

Buy Leftovers Online

Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., general contractors in Sacramento, says most people buy a lot more materials for the remodel projects than they actually need. When the project is completed, they are stuck with those materials, and they will do anything to get rid of them in order to free the space that they are occupying.

For this reason, the bathroom remodel professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you hop online on sites like eBay and Craigslist in search of someone who is giving away what you need. Many people sell leftover tile and vanities. These leftovers are deeply discounted and will save you quite some money. You can then buy the extra amount you need from a hardware store to supplement what you have bought affordably online.

Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

As you can see, you don’t need to have a huge budget in order to remodel your bathroom. Use the tips above to keep your costs as low as possible, and get in touch with us at Tureks Plumbing Services for an affordable home remodel.

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What Kitchen Countertop Should I Choose?

Wednesday, July 24th, 2019

kitchen countertops - tureks plumbing servicesWhen it comes to the overall look of your kitchen, color is almost the single determinant of what you will end up with after a remodel project. For that reason, the home remodel contractors in Appleton, WI put together the following general guide so that you can choose the right countertops for your kitchen.

Softly Veined or Flecked White Kitchen Countertops

White or off-white is a very popular color among people who opt for natural or manufactured stone kitchen countertops. The multi-tonal grain or flecks give the countertop a subtle natural richness.

If you plan on having a traditional kitchen, softly veined or flecked white is the ideal color rather than stark white. Stark white competes for dominance with other features, but the flecked or softly veined white countertop tones down the other dominant features without directly drawing attention to itself.

This color is also ideal for people who want to strike a balance between having a white countertop without having to see each speck of dust or crumb clearly visible. The flecks and soft veins tone down the white color and hide some of the particles which inevitably land on the countertop.

Pure White Kitchen Countertops

It is hard to find a countertop which is pure white if you want natural materials, such as stone. Pure white is more easily available in manufactured materials. Don’t worry about maintaining a pure white countertop as these manufactured materials resist stains and need minimal care. Go for a pure white kitchen countertop if you love crisp, modern kitchens.

People with small kitchens would also be well advised to select a kitchen countertop that is pure white. This is because such a countertop will create an illusion of expansiveness in that small space.

Tureks Plumbing Services also recommends a pure white countertop if your kitchen has other bold materials and finishes, such as cabinets made from dark wood. The pure white countertop will break the dominance of those bold features and create some type of contrast. They’ll also bringing some brightness to the darker tones in the kitchen.

The nautical blue and white color combination are still popular, and a pure white countertop matches well with this color scheme. The countertop will pop beautifully since the blue features will make it stand out a little more.

Woody Colors Kitchen Countertops

Wood comes in many variations of color, and you can select one of these wood colors for your countertop. For example, wood in lighter colors is good for a countertop in a kitchen whose owner wants a casual or rustic atmosphere.

Home remodel professionals in Appleton, WI also suggests that you go for a countertop made of wood if your kitchen already has other elements made from wood. 

If you have pure white cabinets, Fox Valley plumbers report seeing wooden countertops creating a warm effect on the stark white cabinets. Wood is also a good material for a countertop if you would like your kitchen to have a warm and approachable feel to it.

Finally, some people just love wood and cannot get enough of it. If you are one of those people, by all means, get a wood countertop and satisfy your love for this versatile and timeless material!

Black or Dark Colors Kitchen Countertops

For those of you who love dark colors, you aren’t left out if it is time to remodel your kitchen and get a new countertop. You can opt for a dark or black countertop if other features of the kitchen are dark and you would like everything to blend in.

If you have brightly colored cabinets, a dark countertop can bring a dark hue to this atmosphere and the countertop will really shine. Also, for those who want a unified black and white kitchen color theme, a dark or black countertop will fit in perfectly.

There is no shortage of countertop colors, so you should not limit yourself while imagining what your perfect kitchen should look like. Our home remodel professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services will be on hand to bring your dream to reality, so don’t hesitate to reach out for our help!

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How to Remodel Your Kitchen

Monday, July 22nd, 2019

tureks plumbing services how to remodel your kitchenIt can be hard for an inexperienced person to know what steps to take once they have decided to remodel their kitchen. Consequently, the risk of overlooking something important is high, and this can throw the entire project in disarray. Tureks Plumbing Services offers the following tried and true steps that you can follow to make sure that the entire kitchen remodel project goes like a charm.

Decide How You Want to Use the Kitchen After the Remodel

Think about the lifestyle of your household for a moment and note down how exactly you want to use your kitchen once it is remodeled. For example, what kind of layout do wish to have? How many people do you expect to work or gather in your kitchen? Is your current kitchen large enough or you may need to build an addition to it? What kitchen features and appliances would you like to have? Plumbers in Appleton, WI recommend that homeowners gather pictures from different sources. This could be an interior design magazine and compile them in a scrapbook so that these pictures can be used when fine-tuning the final features and look of the kitchen.

Work Out the Scope and Budget of the Remodel

The next step that you should take after getting a rough idea about what you want is to write down the different tasks that have to be done during the project. This is technically called a scope of work. For example, the scope of work can include installing new floor tiles, replacing the existing faucets, and repainting the walls. Along with this scope of work comes a budget. So, you also need to think about how much you are willing to spend on the entire project.

Home remodel contractors in Appleton, WI experts reveal that the scope of work and budget you generate at this point is unlikely to be the final since many changes will be made as you verify the costs of different items and adjust the scope of work within the budget available.

Identify the Professionals You Will Need

Depending on the nature of the work you’re wanting in your kitchen remodel project, you are likely to need the service of different professionals ranging from an interior designer, architect, plumber, and a general contractor or builder.

Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you involve these chosen professionals as early as possible during the remodeling project so that they can help you with getting the needed permits and advise you on the selection of different materials.

Agree on a Schematic Plan

The next big task that you have to pay attention to is the schematic plan of the project. Home remodel contractors in Appleton, WI caution that homeowners should resist from obsessing with what their kitchens will look like during this process. Only because you can detract from the necessary details of deciding the floor plan and other decisions regarding the sizes and locations of different appliances or features. The schematic is important because it organizes what will go where so that there is room for everything, and it all fits together.

Talk to the Fox Valley plumber you are working with about ordering different materials since the lead times may vary. You also don’t want to work to stall while the professionals wait for the ordered items to be delivered.

Specify Finishes and Fixtures

The next step in the process of the remodel entails specifying what fixtures and finishes you want for your kitchen. This is the point at which all those photos you have been collecting become valuable. From those photos, you need to select one overall style for the kitchen, such as the traditional, classic, cottage, or modern kitchen style.

Once that is done, move on to selecting the different fixtures and their finishes. For example, you may want a granite countertop, matte black faucets, colored floor tiles, and a glass backsplash. Maybe you want to include home automation in your kitchen? Our friends at Specialized AV, a company that offers smart home automation services in NorCal, say it’s an upgrade every homeowner should consider. Be detailed in specifying exactly what you want because the decisions that you make at this point will determine the final appearance of your kitchen once the remodel is completed.

Finalize Designs and Construction Documents

Now is the time to finalize the designs (floor plans, mechanical and electrical drawings, etc.). Headwaters Construction Inc., a Sacramento construction company, says that these final drawings will determine what the contractors will include in their bid for the project in the next step of the kitchen remodel process. Tureks Plumbing Services also adds that the final drawings made at this stage will be submitted to the authorities for any needed permits or approvals before the work begins.

Receive Bids and Select a Contractor

If you hadn’t hired a contractor, now is the time to receive bids from about three contractors and then select one whose bid is the most competitive. At this point, you can still change some of the materials and finishes if the costs quoted by the contractors exceed what you had expected. For example, you can change from a granite countertop to faux granite without changing the overall desired look of your kitchen, according to experienced Fox Valley plumbers.

Get Ready for Demolition Work

If your kitchen remodel includes extensive work, such as demolishing sections of the existing walls, you need to plan for this disruptive activity. For example, plumbers in Appleton, WI, recommend that you prepare alternative space where you will be preparing your meals since the kitchen is likely to be unusable during this phase of the project. Some people even temporarily move while the remodel is undertaken. Talk to your contractor and get ideas on how to prepare for the demolition, and indeed the entire remodel.

Prepare Your Punch List

When the kitchen remodel is nearly complete, you need to observe everything carefully and identify all the little details that haven’t been attended to as required. For instance, there could be a spot that needs touching up with paint, or a cabinet handle that doesn’t work, or even a scratch on an appliance. The list of these items is called a punch list. Give the contractor this list and let them come back to address those little details. Don’t think that the contractor is negligent for not seeing and correcting those issues.

Once the punch list has been addressed, you are ready to start using your newly remodeled kitchen! Tureks Plumbing Services is always available to provide routine maintenance so that plumbing issues don’t detract from your enjoyment of the visual and functional aspects of the remodeled kitchen, so get in touch today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Your July Home Checklist

Friday, July 19th, 2019

July home checklistSummer is in full gear, and the month of July can come and go in a blink of an eye. With all the holidays and fun family parties, there’s a lot of things that probably need to be done in and around your home. If you aren’t careful and use a checklist to prioritize what you need to attend every month. Use this handy checklist compiled by the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services so that you cover all your bases in this month of July.

Clean Your Porch Lights

You can either clean the porch lights in situ or remove them and use a dishpan to clean them, depending on the type of lights you have. If the fixtures are removable, then take them down carefully since this makes it easier to do a thorough job of cleaning them. If they aren’t removable, then turn their power off and use a moist cloth to clean them. Finish off the job by drying the fixtures using a soft cloth. This is also the time to replace any light bulbs that aren’t working, so don’t forget to get replacements before you start cleaning!

Check Your Home’s Safety Devices

It is a good practice to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month, so no exceptions should be made for the month of July. Check the batteries and replace them if they are due for replacement and consider replacing any detector which is older than ten years. If you are replacing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, consider getting those who are interconnected since this type can alert all home occupants once a hazard is detected. Also, check the expiry date of your fire extinguishers and replace those which are passed their expiry date.

Attend to Your Pets

Summer can be particularly hard on your furry friends if you don’t make ample arrangements for them. For example, avoid leaving your pets at a kennel when you travel since this is very stressful for them. Instead, plan to have a pet sitter so that your pets remain in a familiar setting. Also, remember to have someone watch your pet if you ever decide to leave it inside your car while you run some errands. Provide ample water and access to shade each time you leave your pet at home during the day.

Give Your Windows a Thorough Cleaning

You don’t want dusty windows to limit the amount of sunlight streaming into your home this summer, do you? Get your vinegar solution or commercial glass cleaner and give your windows a thorough cleaning both outside and inside. Complete the task by using a squeegee to dry them. If the windows are very high, don’t risk using ladders to access them. Instead, get a telescoping window washer or hire professionals to undertake this task.

Check All Insect Screens

Summer is almost synonymous with mosquitoes, so you need to make sure your defenses against these pests are intact. Check the window and door screens to confirm that there are no tears or holes to let mosquitoes in. Buy a screen repair kit and fix any damage you observe or get help from home remodel professional in Appleton, WI. With the screens repaired or replaced, no insects will invite themselves into your home.

Improve Your Water Usage Habits

Use the month of July to run a check on your water conservation plans. For example, change the time you water your lawn to the cooler hours of the day so that you limit water loss to evaporation. This could also be the best time for you to install a smart sensor in your sprinkler system so that you can conserve more water. Check for and repair any water leaks inside and outside your home. Our expert plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services are at your service to check for and fix any plumbing issues that you may have on your property.

Protect Your Landscaping from Fire Hazards

The heat of summer also poses fire risks if your area is particularly dry during this time of the year. Protect the landscaping from outdoor fires by removing any dry weeds, fallen leaves, and any other materials that can ignite if a fire broke out outside your property.

Get Ready for Your Summer Guests

This is the time to clear out any items you had stored in the guest wing of your home. Bring fresh towels in, lay the bed, and place a basket containing bottles of water in a visible place. It is also necessary to get all the needed toiletries into the room before your guests arrive. A bunk or trundle bed is a good idea if your overnight guests may have kids.

Repair or Replace Fence or Garage Door Components

Inspect your fence and identify any components that are old or in disrepair. This is a more taxing home remodel project in Appleton, WI so doesn’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you aren’t up to the task. If you are handy with tools and have ample time, then, by all means, do it with one or more of your family members.

When was the last time you checked your garage door? Wear and tear naturally happens over time. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, recommend annual garage door maintenance to avoid garage door replacement.

Assess the Safety Measures of Your Pool

If you have a pool, now is the time to check and upgrade the safety measures that are in place to safeguard your kids, family members, and guests from avoidable risks. Do you have a safety cover on the pool? Is the gate up to code? Is the pool fence free from damage? Ask a professional to help you upgrade any safety mechanisms that are required by law or those you wish to include as extra layers of protection. The additional features you can consider include an alarm that lets you know when someone opens the pool gate.

This to-do list is by no means complete, but you can use it as a handy guide to jogging your memory about the other things that you need to get done in and around your home. For all your plumbing-related remodel projects, contact Tureks Plumbing Services, and we will be glad to help make your dream home a reality.

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Top 10 Tips for Increasing Your Home’s Value

Friday, June 28th, 2019

top tips for increasing your homes valueIf you aren’t planning on staying in your home for the rest of your life, you may want to consider remodeling or making improvements to the property. Here are 10 of the most powerful ways to increase the value of your home as revealed by the plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services. This list was created after compiling the views expressed by the homeowners who talked to these plumbers as plumbing work was being done on the property.

Pay Special Attention to the Kitchen

Regardless of how enthusiastic or lukewarm you are about cooking, a home’s kitchen is sure to be a popular room in your home. The greatest return on investment can therefore be obtained by making improvements to the kitchen in your home. Those improvements can be as small as replacing a broken faucet, or as comprehensive as installing new appliances or new cabinets. If you remodel your kitchen, potential buyers will be impressed with what you have done and your home will stand out from all the others on the market in your area.

Don’t Neglect the Bathroom

The bathroom is an essential part of one’s home. So, you can bet that your bathroom will play a role in determining whether a potential buyer will love or hate your home. This relatively small space can be upgraded by simply giving it a new coat of paint or installing a new vanity and other fixtures. The plumbing experts at Tureks Plumbing Services can take a look and advise on what needs urgent attention for an incredible bathroom remodel.

Curb Appeal and First Impressions…

What a potential homebuyer sees first once they approach or step onto a property forms a lasting impression that is hard to shake off. Make that first impression count in your favor by improving the curb appeal of your property. Fix any damage to the walkways, give the exterior walls a fresh coat of paint and keep the lawn well-tended. If you want to buy new plants for the yard, be careful and select only those which won’t be difficult to maintain since the cost of maintaining those plants may discourage some potential buyers.

Go for Energy-Efficiency

You can’t go wrong today if you choose to implement upgrades that make your home more energy-efficient. These upgrades can vary from switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs to installing a solar system on the roof. We asked our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a Placerville heating & air company, about energy-efficiency HVAC systems. The HVAC professionals agree that energy-efficiency is the way to go, especially if you’re looking to sell your house. A new HVAC system is what people often look for when buying a home. The improvements that you make will attract those who are conscious about the environmental footprint of their homes.

Repaint the Entire Home

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve the appeal of your home is by repainting the entire property. However, you should be mindful that your personal color preferences may not mirror those of other people, so select colors which are less likely to put off a lot of people. Neutral colors, such as cream and off-white tend to have a bigger appeal than shouting colors, such as red or purple. Go for lighter colors and you will increase the pool of the people who will fall in love with your home when they view it.

Get as Much Storage as Possible

No one will ever say that a home has too much storage space for their needs. Just think about it, wouldn’t you do with a little more storage space in your home right now? As you remodel your home, think of all the creative ways through which you can increase the storage capacity of that home. For example, plumbers in Appleton, WI have seen homeowners singing the praises of how helpful the pullout storage underneath the stairs is. If you can create more storage space, homebuyers will love your home.

Custom Closets for the Master and Mistress of the Home

No homebuyer will not have a big smile on their face when they see a large walk-in closet in the master bedroom. If you don’t already have one, make this your number one upgrade for the master bedroom. The beauty of getting this luxury is that you can see what is available on the market and select what is within your budget. The next person to live in that home will be glad you invested in those custom closets.

Make the Home Look Larger

Perception plays a big role as homebuyers are making a decision on whether to acquire the home or not. For that reason, it is wise for you to think of ways to make each room look larger than it may be in reality. One way to achieve this perception of spaciousness is by selecting furniture whose dimensions are ideal for the space available. Furniture that is too large for a room can make that room appear to be smaller than it is.

Maintain the Character of the Home 

Not everyone is looking for a home that is decked out in the latest fashion. As you may know, tastes and preferences differ, so your home built in accordance with an older tradition may be a gem if you get vintage furniture for it during the remodeling project. That may just be the home someone has been looking for, and you will smile all the way to the bank if you ever decide to sell it.

Have the Home Organized Professionally

You may be amazed by what a professional organizer can do when you ask them to organize your home just before potential buyers come to view it. Professionals can put everything in its place and leave the home looking clutter-free. The way the home is organized will give buyers an idea of how to organize their belongings once they move in, and that unconscious impression may tip the scales in your favor.

As you can see, there is no shortage of design tips if you want to remodel your home with the intention of catching the eye of future homebuyers when you finally decide to put the home on the market. Needless to say, our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services will be available to help with any plumbing issues during your home improvement project. Get in touch and leave the rest to us! We hope you’ve enjoyed these tips for increasing your home’s value.

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Top 5 Home Remodels: Do’s and Don’ts

Wednesday, June 19th, 2019

Top 5 Home Remodels: Do’s and Don’tsEvery homeowner at one time considers remodeling their home for a variety of reason. You may want to add more living space or restructure your home to match your tastes and preferences. One question many don’t consider is whether that remodel is a worthy investment which will pay for itself by increasing the resale value of the property. Don’t be one of those homeowners. Read the following discussion and learn which five home remodels will make sense from an investment point of view and those which will hardly give you a return on your investment once you decide to sell the home.

5 Remodels That Bump Up the Resale Value of Your Home

Kitchen Remodels

There is nearly universal agreement that you can never go wrong if you decide to remodel your kitchen in order to increase the resale value of your home. However, you need to ask yourself whether your top priority is what you as an individual want or your priority is to make improvements which will have the greatest effect upon the resale value of the home. Your best bet is to go for carefully planned improvements which don’t require you to tear up walls or move plumbing lines. Such costly remodels rarely give a decent return on investment and yet simple improvements like adding cabinets made from affordable materials give a better return on the investment.

Adding More Living Space

Another remodel which can increase the resale value of your home is adding some living space to that home. For example, a bedroom addition can increase the total square footage of the home and thereby increase its resale value. The expert plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services warn that the addition should be sizeable enough to justify some of the fixed costs, such as the cost of building a new foundation after tearing up an exterior wall. An addition of a few square feet makes the remodel to lose economic sense from an investment perspective.

Improving the Curb Appeal

As you may know, the way a product is packaged plays a big role in how potential buyers regard that product. In the same way, the external appearance of your property can increase or lower the resale value of your home. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc. say that any remodel that improves curb appeal, therefore, has a positive effect on the resale value of your home. Giving the exterior walls a new coat of paint is one simple project to boost the curb appeal of the property and increase its resale value. If resources allow, replacing old windows and exterior doors can also give you a decent payback when you sell the home. Remember, first impressions count, so ensure that your home gives a favorable first impression.

The Master Bedroom

The decision on whether to buy one home and not another rests squarely with adults. It, therefore, makes sense to remodel the master suite so that it is more appealing to the adults who will live in that home. Once again, opt for upgrades which aren’t very expensive and yet they improve the beauty and functionality of the master suite. For example, an inbuilt walk-in closet is an affordable improvement which will appeal to the adults who will live in the master bedroom.

Bathrooms

The bathroom is another section which can make or break the home in terms of its resale value. Fox Valley plumbers recommend that you pay the most attention to the bathroom in the master suite as well as the one in the guest room rather than on the one for the kids. Make simple adjustments to the cosmetic appeal of the bathroom, such as installing new faucets and repainting the walls rather than major changes to the layout.

5 Remodels That Hardly Improve the Resale Value of Your Home

Pools

A pool should be down your list of priorities if you would like to make improvements which can increase the resale value of your home. Plumbers in Appleton WI explain that while many homeowners would like to have a pool on their property, few of them are willing to incur the cost of maintaining those pools so they leave pools on the list of nice-to-haves rather than priorities. Consequently, it doesn’t make sense to add a pool to your home if you are primarily interested in increasing the resale value of that home.

Kids’ Spaces

Similar to pools, kids’ spaces, such as climbing walls, aren’t the ideal remodel to think about when you want to improve the resale value of your home. The kids will be thrilled to have such a space, but the adults who make the buying decision may wish that the space was used for something else, such as a man cave.

Wine Rooms

Wine rooms only appeal to wine enthusiasts, so don’t expect the addition of a wine room to increase the resale value of your home. You are better off investing in a home improvement which will appeal to most homebuyers rather than investing in improvements which appeal to a small niche of property owners.

Small Additions

Tearing out an exterior wall in order to enlarge your kitchen or bedroom by a few square feet will not give you a good return on investment because the fixed costs (roof, foundation, etc.) of the project will make such an addition uneconomical. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors add that making small improvements can increase your home’s value. Those who upgrade their home’s garage door can see about a 4% increase. 

Removing Features

It is equally unwise from an investment point of view to remove an existing feature in the home, such as a fireplace, in order to repurpose that part of the home. Potential homebuyers may not appreciate the removal and they will opt for other homes which still have that feature.

At the end of the day, the property is currently yours and you are entirely free to implement whatever remodels you see fit. Just bear in mind the discussion above and don’t expect too much from a remodel that is a non-starter in terms of improving the resale value of the home. However, you can never go wrong when you focus on making the plumbing system the best that it can be. In that aspect, Tureks Plumbing Services is standing by to receive your call so that our professionals can get to work and fix anything that may not be performing at its best.

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8 Kitchen Trends in 2019

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

kitchen trends in 2019 - Tureks Plumbing Services

8 Kitchen Trends in 2019

2019 is well underway and you may wish to know which kitchen trends are on so that you pick one for your upcoming kitchen remodel. Here are eight stunning kitchen trends in 2019 that will get your creative juices flowing as you plan that kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Trend #1: Concealed Vents

Nothing sticks out like a sore thumb more than a range hood that is exposed within your kitchen. The hot trend as the year begins is that of concealed range hood vents. Such features give the kitchen a seamless look that will have you loving this space in your home!

Kitchen Trend #2: Wood and White

Another trend that is going to gather momentum this year is a kitchen that has two tones, such as wood and white combined. As an example, picture everything below the countertop as being made from wood with white trim, and then everything above the countertop is white, especially the open shelving used in lieu of upper cabinets.

Kitchen Trend #3: Curated Collections

Curated collections are also going to be a big trend in 2019, if the reports by plumbers in Appleton, WI are anything to go by. People are now opting to keep their rare handmade collections, such as vases and crocks, out in the open. These collections can turn your cooking space into an amazing display of diverse precious pieces.

Kitchen Trend #4: Industrial Countertops

Chances are high that you will be seeing a lot of textured countertops this year. For example, the countertop may be made from concrete and have splotches or a patina that makes the countertop look rusty. Such stunning designs will increase as people get tired of the glossy finishes in kitchens.

Kitchen Trend #5: Matte Black Cabinetry

Black matte is captivating, and this finish is promising to take 2019 by storm. To get its full splendor, select a countertop that contrasts with the black matte finish. A brighter color is recommended for this purpose so that the uniformity of the cabinetry can be broken and brightened.

Kitchen Trend #6: Mixed Metals

Brass is no longer going to be lonely in kitchens during 2019. It is now official; metals are now being mixed to create a stunning look. For example, you can have a faucet made out of copper, as well as a brass lampshade hanging just above your centralized kitchen counter. Mixed metals bring out the best in each other, and your kitchen is the better for it!

Kitchen Trend #7: Forged Iron Shelving

Another kitchen trend that plumbers in Appleton, WI are beginning to see more of is forged iron shelving. Forged iron is making a comeback as a material of choice in kitchens, and black is riding this wave too as the go-to color for this trend. This combination creates an elegant yet edgy atmosphere in kitchens.

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The Best Time of Year for Home Improvement Projects

Thursday, December 20th, 2018

the best time of year for home improvement projects - Tureks plumbing

The Best Time of Year for Home Improvement Projects

The success and cost of a home improvement project may depend on how well you time that project. However, many inexperienced homeowners don’t know what they should consider starting a home improvement project. This article discusses some considerations which will help you to select the best time of year for home improvement projects.

Consider How the Weather Will Impact the Home Improvement Project

The weather plays a key role in easing or making it hard to execute a home improvement project. For example, it will be harder to dig the foundation of a home addition during the winter. Instead, such a project will be easier to do in the warmer, drier months of the year. Similarly, the hot weather is an ideal time for power washing the exterior walls since they will dry quickly. However, that same hot weather is unsuitable for refinishing hardwood flooring because the new finish will dry too quickly.

Talk to your plumber in Appleton, WI, about the specifics of your home improvement project so you can figure out the best time to start your project.

Hire A Professional for Your Home Remodel

Your desire to have a home improvement project done may be subject to the availability of the professionals. For example, it can be hard to get an HVAC technician to come to your home on the same day that you call and ask to have your HVAC system upgraded during the busy seasons.

Similarly, the warmer months of the year mark peak time for most tradespeople since many homeowners are having a home remodel projects done before the cold weather sets in. This means that you may have two options when selecting the best time of year for home improvement projects.

First, you can plan ahead and book the needed professionals, such as those from Tureks Plumbing Services, early enough so that they will be available at the time you want the project to be done. You can then sit back and wait for the agreed time to reach for the work to kick off.

Secondly, you can try to schedule your home improvement project for the off-peak season. For example, you can schedule an interior painting project during the colder months.

Consider Your Home Improvement Budget

Your budget may also influence when the best time of year for home improvement projects may be. For example, it can be hard to get discounts on major materials and labor during the peak seasons.

Conversely, you will get good deals when you schedule the project during an off-peak season. For instance, it may be more affordable for you to have a new bath installed during the winter instead of peak summer time. 

You can therefore specifically target off-peak seasons for all your home improvement projects. In case you want to negotiate hard for discounts and concessions from the suppliers and professionals. But, don’t ignore the specific project requirements (such as the ideal weather conditions).

Your Household’s Home Improvement Project

It may be hard to come up with a recommendation of an ideal time when certain projects should be done by everyone since each situation is unique and those unique conditions may dictate the correct timing for different homeowners.

For example, you may want to install a Jacuzzi in your home just in time for your wedding anniversary. This may cause you to schedule a home improvement project during an “unorthodox” season. However, this will compel you to ask experienced plumbers, like Tureks Plumbing Services, to execute the work you need.

As you can see, what may be the best time of year for home improvement projects for one family may be inappropriate for another family. Share as much information as you can with a Fox Valley plumber or any other suitable professional so that issues of project timing can be worked out without compromising the other crucial considerations.

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6 Ways to Afford Your Dream Home Improvement Project

Tuesday, December 18th, 2018

Tureks Plumbing Services - Ways to afford Your dream home improvement project appleton wi

6 Ways to Afford Your Dream Home Improvement Project

One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is affordable home improvement projects. Here are some ways to save for a home improvement and keep that project within budget.

Put Aside Money Until You Can Afford the Improvement

They say good things come to those who wait, and the same applies to home improvements you’ve been longing to do. You’ll most likely complete the home renovation if you start putting money aside now.

For example, you can dine out less frequently in order to reduce your expenditure. The money that you save when you eat in can go towards the home improvement project. Of course, it helps when you know how much you will need for the project. So, talk to Tureks Plumbing Services about the project you have in mind. The estimates you get will help you structure a budget.

Get Money Out of the Equation as Much as You Can

Another way to afford your dream home improvement is a trade or sweat equity. Instead of draining your account to pay for the work, why not search for people to whom you can render your services in exchange for theirs?

For example, you can offer your accounting services to a Fox Valley plumber in exchange for the plumbing services of that individual or company in a home improvement plumbing project. Admittedly, it will take some extra work for you to reach out to the professionals you want to implement this barter arrangement with.

Reconsider How You Source Materials

Where and how you get the materials needed for a home improvement project may also offer avenues for you to save and keep the project on track budget-wise. For example, instead of buying the plumbing materials you need from a hardware store, why not check out the garage sales in your area so that you can reuse what others no longer need? Tastes and preferences evolve, so chances are you will get good quality materials using this approach.

Flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores are other places where you can find budget-friendly materials. Explore these options and only buy new materials if you fail to find what you want. Remember to have those products refinished (where possible or necessary) so that they can look as good as new before they are installed by a local plumber in Appleton, WI.

Shop for Affordable Contractors

The cost of labor takes a sizeable chunk of your home improvement budget. It, therefore, follows that any savings that you make on this item alone can go a long way towards making the entire project affordable.

Consequently, you would be well advised to devote some time to search for an affordable contractor for your project. For example, search for a vendor who is willing to regard your project as a side hustle while undertaking main contracts. Such a contractor is likely to be more affordable than another who looks at your project as their main employment during that time.

Remember to get bids from different Fox Valley plumbers so that you get an idea about the reasonable rates.

Do Some of the Work Yourself

Another of the clever ways to save for a home improvement project is by taking on some of the work yourself so that you avoid having to pay someone for that work. For example, home improvement project estimates will usually include the cost of prepping for the project and cleaning up once the project is completed.

Do as much of the work yourself as possible so that you cut the project cost. For example, you can remove the bathroom tiles yourself in preparation for the installation of a new bath. Similarly, you can take care of disposing of the debris after the project instead of leaving it for the Fox Valley plumber.

Rethink Your Choice of Materials

Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a tilt-up construction company, agrees that you can also reduce the cost of any renovation project by opting for budget-friendly materials. For example, you can buy laminates instead of splurging on granite countertops for your kitchen. The lower-priced product will look as attractive as the top-of-the-range option, but at a fraction of the cost.

Use this approach for all the materials that you need for your home improvement project. The experts at Tureks Plumbing Services can help you select reliable materials for all budget ranges.

Now you know the different ways to save for a home improvement. Get to work implementing those techniques so that you bring your dream to life. Fox Valley plumbers are waiting to help you in any way they can. So, don’t hesitate to ask for their input if you have budgetary constraints.

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