Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Archive for the ‘Kitchen Trends’ Category

Kitchen Remodeling Designs and Ideas

Tuesday, March 15th, 2022

Kitchen Remodeling Designs and Ideas

kitchen remodeling designs and ideas appleton wiLooking to do a kitchen remodel in Appleton WI? Our Kitchen Remodel Team is here to provide you with ideas for your kitchen renovation. Whatever layout you have, these kitchen design ideas will help you rebuild your décor, style, function, and flare.

Getting Started With a Kitchen Remodel in Appleton WI

The first step to kitchen remodel in Fox Valley WI is to find the perfect contractor. At Tureks, we’d be pleased to set up a no-obligation appointment to discuss your project and all of your alternatives. On your first visit, our staff can give you a good idea of what Turek’s can accomplish for you. We do everything from demolition to completion. This includes tile, flooring, and cabinetry. Then, we will go over all of your alternatives with you to make your dream a reality. Below, we share kitchen remodeling designs and ideas that can truly transform your space.

Change Your Backsplash

First, adding a tile backsplash to your cooking and food prep area is an aesthetically appealing, practical, and long-lasting design solution. It gives you lots of room to express your ideas. If you use subway tile, our Appleton WI Remodel team explains that you can even create a pattern that compliments the appearance you want.

Paint Your Cabinets

With a bit of elbow grease and some basic DIY skills, you can spruce up a kitchen design with new paint. Additionally, cabinet hardware can instantly transform your space. Typically, our team at Tureks Plubming advises to consider neutral tones or a bright shade of white for a clean, classy aesthetic.

Add Open Shelving

Have you seen more and more kitchens in 2022 are opting for open shelving? Open shelves create display space and make a tiny kitchen feel more significant. Typically, our Kitchen Remodel near me team installs these types of shelves at upper-cabinet height.

Improve Your Appliances

Installing new energy-efficient equipment, such as a newmicrowave, ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerator, and water-saving dishwasher is key! This is one of the most popular kitchen renovations. Our friends over at Gilmore Heating Air and Plumbing, HVAC Sacramento, explains that this is the best way to refresh your kitchen while saving on your monthly energy bill.

Make a Cozy Nook

Please make the most of an underutilized area while also adding extra storage space by converting it into a multipurpose nook for working, informal eating, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Don’t forget to add plenty of plump cushions to your nook for optimal comfort. Take a look at this corner bench project to get some ideas.

Replace Flooring

If you want a complete kitchen makeover, it’s time to replace your flooring. Nowadays, there are numerous options. In fact, you can consider a wood-look alternative, such as vinyl or this glazed ceramic tile. What’s great about this is that you can also put on the wall as a rustic backsplash if you want a durable, easy-to-clean option and enjoy the traditional appearance of hardwoods.

Contact Tureks Plumbing Today to Get Started With Your Remodel

Ready to get started? Please set up a consultation with our team today! We’d love to discuss your dream kitchen goals.

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2021 Kitchen Trends

Wednesday, January 13th, 2021
2021 Kitchen Trends

2021 Kitchen Trends

More and more Fox Valley homeowners are starting home projects because they’re spending more time at home. Who could blame them? We’re here for all the kitchen and bathroom remodel projects! That being said, renovations can be time-consuming and costly without the right help. Below, we’ve shared a simple guide to 2021 kitchen trends.

With trendy new kitchen brands popping up left and right, there are plenty of creative design concepts and clever twists to improve your home. We hope this guide inspires you or helps you during your home remodel. You can always count on Tureks Plumbing for home remodeling services in Appleton, WI. 

Marble Counters

We currently love marble. Whether you want a minimalist or modern look, this next-level style will elevate the space and increase your home’s value. 

Wood Finishes

Another common trend we’re seeing is wood finishes. Exposed wood beams, wooden cabinets, oversized islands, and accents warm up the room, bringing earthy tones to the space. 

Moody & Dramatic

Now more than ever, moody and dramatic kitchens are in demand. Many Fox Valley homeowners are incorporating dark accent walls, dark cabinets, or dark pieces. If you’re going for a modern-rustic feel, we recommend textured woods and black accent colors. 

Color

Those who aren’t into the moody and dramatic kitchen elements are for the colorful and warming kitchen trends. A little color goes a long way. Here are our favorite ways to add a pop of color into the kitchen: paint colored kitchen islands, window treatments, and appliances. If you don’t plan on selling your house, then go wild! However, if you’re not in your forever home, consider adding items that are non-permanent, like art or chair cushions.

Not One, But Two Islands

Moving towards larger kitchens and open-concept rooms, the kitchen island has become the focus of many kitchens. If you’re interested in a modern and luxurious kitchen, double islands are an excellent addition. Not to mention the additional storage. 

Smart Home Design

As we advance in technology, we learn more ways to live efficiently. If you plan on remodeling your kitchen, you might as well add smart home technology to it. Today, there are plenty of smart appliances that will make your life so much easier. Our friends at Specialized Audio and Video, a smart home automation company in NorCal, agree that homeowners everywhere need this technology. It adds a modern look and feel, not to mention resale value is tremendous. Some features you may like include smart ovens, smart fridges, smart dishwashers. You can save time, money, and energy when you have a smart home design. 

Gold Finishes

Did you know that the sinks and appliances are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes? Yep! Anything your heart can imagine. Of course, nongeneric appliances and sinks will cost more than traditional ones. However, if you’re going for a unique and custom kitchen, adding gold finishes will truly enhance the space. 

Unique Lighting Fixtures

If you’re looking for an affordable way to improve your kitchen, start with light fixtures. You’d be surprised to see how different the kitchen looks when you change out the light fixtures. Make sure to choose a fixture that fits the theme of your kitchen as well as the space.

Contact Tureks Plumbing 

When you need bathroom or kitchen remodeling services in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing. We provide excellent remodeling services and have many years of experience in home renovations. Call us today for a free estimate.  

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Choosing the Best Kitchen Countertops

Wednesday, April 1st, 2020

Choosing the Best Kitchen Countertops - Kitchen remodel Appleton WIKitchen Remodeling: Choosing the Best Kitchen Countertops

One way to transform your kitchen in a big way is by replacing your kitchen countertops. Stop to think about how much wear and tear your countertops go through. No wonder there are so many stains and scratches. So, now that you know your countertops need some love, you’re probably wondering what the next steps are to replacing them. Let’s start off with fun stuff: choosing the best kitchen countertops. Yes, choosing the best kitchen countertops can be a daunting task because there are so many options to choose from! Don’t worry, home remodel experts at Tureks Plumbing are here to help!

Quartz Countertops

Quartz closely resembles stone but isn’t as demanding to maintain as natural stone is. This type of material is a combination of different minerals, resins, and colors. For this reason, you can find quartz countertops in different colors or patterns that closely mimic marble or granite. Home remodel contractors in Appleton, WI add that marble resists abrasive pads, stains, serrated knives, and hot pans very well. Quartz countertops make an excellent choice for your kitchen since the countertop will last longterm. 

However, the corners and the edges of this type of countertop are prone to chipping, and you will need expert help to fix such damage. Tureks Plumbing Services, the best kitchen remodel company in Appleton WI, recommends that you select a countertop that comes with rounded edges to reduce the likelihood that the edges will chip.

Granite Countertops

The beauty of granite countertops is that each slab will be unique from all others, so you can be sure that any granite countertop that you buy and install will be one of a kind. Expect to pay more for those countertops whose vein patterns or colors are even rarer. 

Granite has made a name for itself as a material that does a good job of resisting scratches, cuts, and heat. According to home remodel experts in Appleton, WI, granite countertops with a matte or polished finish perform even better in terms of resisting stains.

Nevertheless, you will need to regularly reseal the granite countertop if it is to retain its stain-resistant attributes. Tureks Plumbing Services also cautions that granite countertops are prone to chipping on the edges, so you are better off selecting one that has round edges to reduce this risk. If the countertop chips, ask a professional to fix the damage.

Limestone, Marble and Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is rarer than granite, so that alone makes this an attractive material if you would like your kitchen to be really unique. Kitchen remodel companies in Appleton, WI, explain that soapstone is also excellent at resisting being damaged by heat. If the countertop is scratched, the damage can be fixed by sanding the affected part and then applying mineral oil there.

Marble and limestone are classic materials that have stood the test of time as countertops, so you won’t go wrong if you opt for them. Additionally, limestone looks like natural stone, although these countertops don’t have the veining or grain patterns of other forms of natural stone, such as granite. Marble and limestone also resist heat damage. Headwaters Construction Inc, a commercial construction company, adds that marble countertops are by far the most popular choice. 

As for the drawbacks, soapstone can be scratched, become nicked, or cut easily. Additionally, some stains are hard to wash off the surface of the countertop. This shortcoming is also present in marble and limestone. Marble is also particularly prone to heat damage, according to the kitchen remodel experts at Tureks Plumbing Services.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops have come a long way over the years, and they are more attractive than they were in the past. Many kitchen remodel contractors say that laminate countertops are one of the most affordable options, and they are easy to install, so you may think of them if your budget is tight.

Laminate countertops can also resist stains and heat damage. However, laminate can suffer permanent damage if cut directly, so the kitchen renovation professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you use a cutting board to prevent such damage.

Solid Surfacing

Solid surfacing is available in a huge array of patterns and colors. This material can be put to use on the backsplash, sink, and counters. It creates a seamless look since the joints between different segments are almost invisible. 

Solid surfacing is also resistant to the majority of stains, while small nicks and scratches are easy to repair. Make sure you use a cutting board to protect your countertops.

Recycled Glass Countertops

When you want a countertop that is fun and looks contemporary, then go for a recycled glass countertop that has large shards. If you prefer a more muted look, then opt for a countertop that is made from ground glass. Most recycled glass countertops have the ability to resist heat, scratches, stains, and cuts. 

However, the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services have observed that the quality of these countertops tends to vary from one manufacturer to another, so you need to do your due diligence before selecting a product.

Bucher Block

This material can make your kitchen look warm and cozy, and it is also easy to install or repair. Kitchen remodel professionals point out that different finishes come with their own pros and cons.

For example, penetrating oil finishes reduce the stain resistance of the material while varnish increases stain resistance. You should carefully weigh the available options and select what will address your specific needs.

As you can see, there is generally there’s not too much of a difference between countertops. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our home remodel contractors are waiting to help you through the process.

Interested in our home remodeling projects? See what projects we’ve been working on.

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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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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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Kitchen Storage Must-Haves

Wednesday, June 12th, 2019

kitchen storage must havesIf you don’t plan the kitchen storage correctly, you will be irritated daily as you use this important part of your home. The process of organizing this storage starts with assessing what you own. The next step in the process entails preparing storage space for those kitchen belongings following the three sections or workspaces within the kitchen. This article discusses the different items which you can store within the three work zones in your kitchen.

Work Area #1: The Refrigerator

This work zone marks the area where two primary activities take place. First, any groceries or food items you buy reach this area before they are stored or prepared. Secondly, the first preparatory steps as you cook often take place within this work zone.

The first thing you should do, therefore involves positioning the fridge close to the entrance into the kitchen. This will save you from having to walk across the entire kitchen with heavy groceries to access the refrigerator at the end of the room.

One of the features of the refrigerator work area is a countertop. This provides space where you can place groceries before you sort the items by the type of storage that they need. For example, you can pick the items which require refrigeration and place them in the fridge while the dry goods can go into a storage cabinet.

Plan to store your staples within the refrigerator work area. The items or tools you use for this initial preparation, such as mixers, graters, salad molds, and measuring cups should be stored in the cabinets within the fridge work zone.

The appliances used to prepare dry goods, such as the coffee maker, also go in the refrigerator work zone. Similarly, cookbooks are best stored in this zone because the initial preparation of dry goods happens here.

The exact amount of storage space that you need for this zone will depend on your needs as an individual. For example, an empty nester will need a lot more storage space than a single person who is just starting to acquire kitchenware. The important thing to remember when planning the storage space for this zone is that the area should be divided into about four categories (dry food storage/pantry, original food preparation equipment and tools, the refrigeration space and space for storing small appliances or utensils you occasionally use, such as bowls and trays).

Work Area #2: The Sink

The sink work zone sees the most traffic because it is needed by the refrigerator zone and the cooking area. It is therefore wise to place the sink zone in the middle of the refrigerator and cooking spaces so that this vital area can be accessed conveniently.

A sizeable countertop is paramount in this area, and it should be as clutter-free as possible so that it can be used easily. 

Fox Valley plumbers explain that food prep and cleaning up happens in this area, so don’t skimp on space for these important activities.

Recycling and trash containers should be thoughtfully positioned in this work zone so that it is effortless to get rid of the trash generated during the food preparation process or the cleaning that happens afterward. A plumber in Appleton, WI can help you to select the best recycling and disposal equipment for this work zone.

Glassware, dishes, cleaning supplies, and the other items which you use daily during food prep and clean up should be stored within the sink work area for easy access. Cutting boards and knives should be stored within this zone, but close enough to the refrigerator zone so that any activity in the fridge zone that requires these items can be executed without the unnecessary inconvenience of walking a significant distance to get the needed item.

Drinking glasses can also be stored in this zone close to the point at which they are cleaned. Drawers or wall cabinets can work for this purpose, depending on your preference.

Keep items which are related closely to each other in this zone. For example, put coffee mugs in the drawers closest to the coffee maker.

Once again, the size of the space for the sink work area will depend on your belongings, but it should also be divided into four areas, namely, trash and recycling; dishwasher, sink and cleaning supplies; glasses, flatware and dishes; and finally cutlery, small appliances, and cutting boards.

Work Area #3: Cooktop/Range Area

As the name suggests, this zone is the area where cooking takes place. The ovens, range, or cooktop are the main features of this work area. This zone should be located closest to the dining room so that what is prepared doesn’t have to be moved over a long distance to the dining room/area.

A countertop is paramount in this area for the placement of hot items which have been removed from the oven or cooktop.

The storage space around this area should contain the different items, such as bowls and platters, which you use to transfer food to the dining room. You also need to set aside a cabinet for the cookware used frequently. Warming appliances should also be stored within this zone.

Spices, pans, and pots, as well as other cooking utensils, should be stored as close to the oven and range as possible for easy access during the process of cooking. You can store these items in drawers or upper cabinets, whichever suits you better.

Divide the storage space by the categories of items most used in this work zone. For example, one section can be for the cooking surfaces (stove, for example). Another section should be for microwaves or ovens. Next, reserve space for storing bakeware, cookware, and some small appliances. Finally, the items used when serving food also deserve their own space.

Use the number of people in your household as a guide when deciding how big each storage space should be. Once you organize the kitchen storage appropriately, it will be a joy to enter this space and prepare a meal for you and your loved ones each day. This cannot be possible when the plumbing isn’t just right, so partner with our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services for high-quality plumbing installation and maintenance for your dream kitchen remodel.

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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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