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Should I Hire a Contractor for a Small Kitchen Renovation 2021?
Many of us have taken on new and exciting DIY projects during the pandemic. If you have DIY-ed before, you know it’s not as easy as the TV shows make it out to be. Many Fox Valley homeowners are wondering if they can swing small projects like bathroom remodels or small kitchen renovations. So, the big question is, do you contact a home remodeling contractor or DIY? In the article below, we explore the pros and cons of hiring a professional.
Save vs. Splurge on Kitchen Renovation?
“Should I hire a contractor for a small renovation?” seems like a legitimate question. That concern is especially relevant since the typical cost of a remodel starts at $12,567, according to recent data from HomeAdvisor. Meanwhile, the average cost of a minor remodel for a kitchen is at $25,340, Forbes reports.
These are figures you’re not likely to ignore. So it might make sense to think you could do the project on your own to cut down on cost.
While there are merits to that decision, there are also disadvantages to it. For starters, can you save money if you decide to become your own contractor?
You may save money because you don’t have to pay a professional fee. You may also cut back on expenses by learning some of the work, so you don’t have to hire a carpenter, painter, or tiler. There are video tutorials on just about any home improvement project.
But what happens when your amateur work creates problems in the future?
Quality Work Goes Beyond the Surface
Online video tutorials might give you a clue as to how you can move bathroom fixtures or repave the driveway. Only a licensed plumber or kitchen remodeler has the training and experience to handle such complicated jobs. Fox Valley plumber would know if fixtures need to stay where they are because of the pipe placement. Meanwhile, an asphalt paving service would apply the right mix on your driveway, preventing issues like premature potholes.
Professionals like Tureks Plumbing not only know how to do any remodeling job, but they also ensure to make it as appealing as possible. After all, the whole point of renovation is to enhance the beauty of your property. If a DIY job ruins a kitchen renovation or an exterior improvement, you could lose more money when your home’s resale value dives.
It’s an Investment
You may only need a small renovation, and you may think that your DIY approach would save you thousands of dollars. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a renovation company in Northern California, agrees that problems with improper installation, wrong materials, or lack of preparation could force you to spend more to repair future issues.
Before you decide to be your own contractor for a small remodeling project, think about the following:
Your safety in doing DIY work on your home
Your patience in completing a project
Your schedule in making sure you finish the remodel in time
A kitchen remodel can enhance the beauty and the value of your home. But you need to do it right to ensure favorable results. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services for the best kitchen remodeling services in Appleton, WI. We can also help with bathroom remodeling and plumbing repairs. Give us a call today to learn more!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in July 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The Kitchen Remodeling Checklist Everyone Should Have
Here at Tureks Plumbing Services, we are dedicated to making sure our clients get the best deals from us, not only in terms of work done but also regarding reliable and useful information. Today, we focus on kitchen remodeling. We will take you through the basics and add information from our experience that may prove useful to both first-timers and experienced renovators. Yes, I know it sounds hard, especially if you’re not a do-it-yourselfer. We recommend hiring a professional for your kitchen remodel, so find a kitchen remodel company in Appleton, WI, as soon as you can.
Below are a few of the things to consider if you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen, down to the smallest detail.
A Wall-Mounted Faucet is Better for Your Kitchen
When selecting a tap, you may be predisposed to pick a standard deck-mounted design. However, if you’d prefer a model that’d make it easier to maintain a dry and clean sink surface, Fox Valley plumbers recommend a wall-mounted faucet as the better option.
Don’t Forget About the Finer Details
On your kitchen remodeling checklist, make sure to include the small bits most people usually overlook or forget about. These may include electrical outlets or kitchen vents. There’s no point in focusing on marble countertops and beautiful tiles and forgetting to include plans for proper ventilation. Nobody wants to have a state of the modern art kitchen with the latest appliance models and gleaming countertops, yet you have only one electrical outlet located in a corner next to the door or a kitchen filling up with smoke every time you cook because you forgot to include vents in the remodel. Make plans for the little things, people!
If you’d prefer a professional who ensures everything is taken care of down to the smallest detail, then contact Tureks Plumbing Services for all your kitchen remodel needs in Appleton, WI today.
Don’t Get Caught Up in the DIY Craze
The world of DIY offers many brilliant ideas on how to redo your kitchen cabinets and the numerous different cabinet styles that exist. Trust us. There are very many ideas out there. However, these may be very confusing, so you should try not to get carried away in the glamor that is DIY. That is unless, of course, you plan on doing and redoing your kitchen cabinets because the design didn’t come out like in the video, which may be time-consuming and stall the rest of your remodel.
For timeless and durable styles, there are about six cabinet styles you can choose from. Ikea offers these custom cabinet styles at affordable prices, which eliminates the need to source for material to build from scratch and the confusion that comes with deciding what you want from the internet. If you’d prefer a professional opinion, look up a Fox Valley kitchen remodel company.
Be Prepared to Spend
We aren’t going to lie; for your dream kitchen to become a reality, you may need to put a price on it. Kitchen remodeling is not cheap, despite the many shows that peddle “on a budget” kitchen remodels on your TV. Figures from Remodeling Magazine estimate the average cost of an entire kitchen remodel at about $66,000, and this is just the basic stuff. If you’re looking to do an “upscale” kitchen renovation, which is basically starting from scratch, it may cost you over $100,000.
HomeAdvisor.com estimates that about 29% of the cost goes to hardware and cabinetry, with Installation raking in 17% of the cost while ventilation and appliances account for 14% of the cost. It is important to note that remodeling may not necessarily increase your home’s resale value. Owners looking to sell their houses may recover only about 60% of the remodeling costs.
Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial renovation company in California, recommends sticking to the original layout. This is where you can save big on time and money. There are plenty of different ways to work with different layouts. If you need help, our Appleton kitchen remodel professionals can guide you. It will cost less, and you won’t need to move your wiring. It is recommended that for electrical work, you hire a professional as it may be dangerous.
What Are Your Kitchen Needs?
When planning, you should put into consideration your cooking needs. For example, do you require an oven? A larger freezer for storage? Taking into account which will be using your kitchen and what you would like to add to your kitchen in the remodel may help you decide on the remodeling design and make decisions based on this information.
Also, when deciding on what countertops to get, focus more on practicality rather than on the aesthetic. Materials like soapstone and marble need to be maintained and are costly. If you are on a budget, ceramic tiles, cultured granite, or laminate are some of the affordable options to choose from.
Single or Double: Which Sink is Better Suited for You?
When it comes to sinks, a double-bowl sink is better suited for anyone, really, especially if you’re a multitasker like me. A single-bowl sink is better for a small kitchen, but wouldn’t you prefer to have easy access to the disposal, wash your dirty dishes in one sink and rinse them in the other without getting soap all over the counter? I know I would.
For professional installation of the sink of your choice or any queries you might have on either, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. We’re always happy to be of service.
Look Out for Discounts on Preloved Appliances
Our friends at Specialized Audio and Video, a whole home automation company in Sacramento, know that smart appliances are the greatest thing. You can preheat your oven, look inside your fridge, all from your phone. Now, this may not be for everyone, but if you live a busy life, smart home automation may be for you.
However, kitchen appliances depreciate in value. If you’d prefer to get reliable appliances for a fraction of the cost of a new one, look for sturdy, slightly used items. They’ll do the same job a new one would anyway. Additionally, there’s no need to buy appliances you do not actively need for the sake of it. Please add this to your kitchen remodeling checklist: Buy only what you need or will use on an almost daily or daily basis.
Make a Checklist to Ensure You Have Everything You Want
As humans, we often forget. With the hustle and bustle that goes on in worksites, packages may be left unopened till the last minute. A checklist helps make certain what you ordered is exactly what you received. If it isn’t, it may be returned for the right item. That’s why it is important to sort out any wrong orders before workers install the wrong item. This helps avoid renovation disappointments.
Armed with the information above, your kitchen remodel will proceed without a hitch. If you are overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done, get in touch with Tureks Plumbing Services. Our Appleton kitchen remodel experts will help you during every step of the way.
Every now and then homeowners desire to remodel their kitchens. The remodeling can be anything from repainting and adding a few items to changing the entire design of the kitchen. A kitchen remodeling project can cause a lot of changes. It also has the potential of interfering with your utility lines.
Whether you go for a small or large remodeling project, it helps to know how to protect your utility lines. This ensures that there are no disruptions in gas, water, or electricity. Here are some of the ways to protect these utility pipes during a remodel.
Gas Lines
Most gas lines either carry natural gas (methane) for heating or propane for cooking. A common remodeling project that might involve your gas lines is installing new gas appliances or moving the ones you have to a different location. This could warrant a shift or extension of the gas lines.
Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company, says to make sure to note where the existing gas lines are located and plan around them. Contact a professional if your remodeling project will involve moving them to avoid leaking gas into your house.
Electricity
Most, if not all, appliances in your kitchen use electricity. Every now and then, homeowners buy new appliances that require bigger or smaller spaces. Your project might introduce appliances that may not adhere to the standard outlets installed or those that require more power that is not provided by the outlets. Additionally, it may also affect lighting.
Plan adequately on how to go around these issues to prevent accidents or damage to your appliances or entire wiring system. This involves planning for general illumination in your kitchen to provide direct light to task areas such as sinks and food preparation areas.
If your plan involves rewiring the kitchen, make sure to remove the old wiring systems first. You can also involve an electrician or the local planning department in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Plumbing
Your plumbing system can be affected by your Appleton kitchen remodel. Any alterations that might affect the flow of water can lead to blockages and leaks. These will have an adverse effect on your kitchen and the entire house.
Make sure that your sink has a free and unobstructed supply of both hot and cold water lines. If you plan on having a dishwasher or moving the one you have, make sure that the plumbing is done right to provide the machine with enough water.
Additionally, make provisions for waste pipes. These are especially tricky to adjust because their functionality is usually set on a gradient. Therefore, make sure to involve a professional plumber.
Remodeling your Kitchen the Right Way
Kitchen remodels can be a fun and exciting way to bring some life into your home. There are also necessary as people move in and out of your home or when you buy new and modern appliances.
It is always important to ensure that all utility lines are well taken care of. You can easily do this by involving a kitchen remodel company in Appleton WI. Tureks plumbing offers a fast and guaranteed service delivery for all homeowners. Contact Turek’s Plumbing today and get the best remodeling services.
The Best Time of Year for Home Improvement Projects
You are not alone if you have an extensive list of home improvement projects that you are eager to get underway. As you may already know, it isn’t advisable to get all those projects started at the same time. You can plan the work in accordance with the most appropriate time for each project.
Seasonality and the weather are factors that Turek’s Plumbing Services, the best plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin, recommends as a way to prioritize different home remodeling projects as detailed below.
Kitchen Remodels
The kitchen is justifiably called the heart of any home, so planning to remodel this space is perfectly understandable. Not only will you increase the value of your home, but you will also make the kitchen customized to your style.
In terms of timing, kitchen remodels are best started in summer, according to Appleton kitchen remodel experts. You can plan your vacation so that you are away while the bulk of the work is done. The indoor nature of the work saves the contractor’s team from the hot weather outdoors.
Sacramento, CA construction company, Headwaters Construction suggests saving costs by scheduling the kitchen remodel towards the end of summer when contractors’ schedules aren’t so tight.
Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom renovation can also boost the value of your home, so it is a good investment to undertake. Appleton, WI bathroom remodel professionals recommend that bathroom renovations be done during summer or early fall. Scheduling the project out of season may result in some cost savings. A typical bathroom remodel costs approximately $8,820.
Home Additions/Upgrades
If you are planning to go big on home improvement, then a home addition maybe for you. A lot of care is needed for projects costing $38,500 or more. In terms of timing, winter is a no-no for a home addition, particularly if foundation work is involved. The experienced plumbers and technicians in Appleton, WI recommend that you undertake this project in late spring or early fall. This carries the risk that work may still be ongoing during holiday festivities, so proper planning is needed to avoid such an eventuality. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who repair and replace garage doors, say that replacing your garage door can significantly increase the value of your home.
Deck Installation
Many homeowners are exploring the possibility of deck installation or deck expansion in order to have more access to the outdoors. A lot of people believe this project should be undertaken in summer, but such timing means that one will not enjoy the deck during this season. A better time to install a deck is towards the end of fall or early in spring. This way, the deck will be beckoning when summer sets in! The bonus of this timing is that you could also get some good deals since you will have the work done during the off-season.
HVAC Repairs
This may not be what comes to mind when you think about home improvement projects. However, this activity is a necessary to keep your home comfy throughout the year. If possible, have your home heater maintained just before summer. Also, you should repair the AC during winter when it isn’t needed. This off-season timing will help you cut costs, and technicians will be readily available. Don’t delay to call a professional should your HVAC system develop a defect during temperature extremes.
In-Ground Pool Installation
In-ground pools can cost approximately $44,575. It is important that your timing is perfect if you want to keep this cost low. Most people have their pools installed in summer, and that sets them up to incur premium labor costs since demand is high at that time. Turek’s Plumbing Services recommends that you go against the norm and have your in-ground pool installed in autumn. This will be a slower process but worth it in cost savings.
Tuckpointing and Masonry Work
As the weather changes during the year, brickwork and masonry can develop cracks. Foundation problems and water leaks may result, so you don’t want to put off this project when these defects develop.
If you have the luxury to select the timing of the repair, spring is the best time for tuckpointing and masonry work. During fall, contractors are preoccupied with fixing chimneys, so it is harder to get hold of the best pros. Additionally, spring offers suitable weather conditions for mortar and concrete to set.
Timing is of the essence if you are planning a home improvement project. The wrong timing can make the work harder to execute, or it could even make the project more costly. It is therefore best to plan ahead, wherever possible, and select the most suitable time for each project on your list. At Turek’s Plumbing Services, we have amassed experience in undertaking kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels and plumbing works, among other types of home remodels. Contact Appleton, WI plumbing service and we will be happy to make your dream come true![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
When 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!
It 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]
The second quarter of 2019 is well underway and some clear trends are coming to light regarding the laundry room designs. Here are some of the designs seen by Fox Valley plumbers. Use these ideas for inspiration if you are thinking of remodeling your laundry room this year.
Addition of a Dog-Washing Station to Your Laundry Room
You can increase the utility of your laundry room by including a dog-washing station if you want to avoid washing your furry friend in your own bathroom. You can use stone pavers as a durable flooring material for the laundry. Sub-way tiles on the walls will go well with the pavers on the floor. White tiles can be installed in the dog-washing station, and the laundry room can be finished off with open shelving and white cabinetry to keep the space clean and bright.
High Contrast Laundry Room
Plumbers in Appleton, WI have also observed that many homeowners are opting for laundry room designs that utilize high contrast. For example, the cabinets and walls can be painted pure white while the floor can have a wooden look. There is no shortage of color combinations if you want a laundry room with high contrast.
Go Gray in Your Laundry Room
If gray is your thing, then you are not alone. This laundry room design is increasing in popularity among homeowners. You can buy and install pale gray cabinetry and match them with countertops that are deeper gray. Needless to say, you will be better off with washing machines that load from the front so that you push them underneath the countertops. As you are aware, gray can make the laundry room look a bit dark. So, Tureks Plumbing Services advises you to include wall-mounted sconces so that anyone using the laundry room can easily distinguish the different colors of the fabrics being cleaned or sorted/folded.
Bring the Woods in Your Laundry Room
You can also opt for a wood-themed laundry room. Plumbers in Appleton, WI say that they have seen many homeowners having laundry room designs that have faux wood finishes. This starts from the flat-front cabinets which are made from melamine that resembles wood to a tan backsplash that is shimmery. The flat fronts of the cabinetry minimize the accumulation of grime and dust, says a leading Fox Valley plumber.
Get Upbeat with a Sunny Look in Your Laundry Room
Does the prospect of spending time in a gray laundry room turn you off? Many homeowners hold the same view, and they are expressing themselves by going with a sunny look for their laundry room. You can start by picking cabinetry that is painted classical yellow and combine this with patterned floor tiles. The ceiling and walls can have a bright color, such as white. This combination will deliver a sunny cheery look to your laundry room. For additional usability, why not throw in a bar stool or two? Folding a huge stack of clothes will be a whole lot easier if you sit while at it.
Gold is King
Another variation of the sunny look seen by the plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services this year is the gold look in laundry rooms. This design is particularly stunning when it is used in a laundry room that serves as the main entrance into a home. Who says laundry rooms can’t be glamorous! This look can be attained by simply painting all the lower cabinets a rich gold. Other features can be in other bright colors so that the gold stands out prominently.
There you have it; six of the most popular laundry room designs that have so far made a mark on 2019. Did a light pop in your mind regarding one of those designs? Were you inspired to come up with a variation of any one of the designs discussed? Talk to our plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services and we will help you to make the laundry room as functional as possible. We are also ready to fix any other plumbing issues that may exist in the rest of your home.
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.
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.
There are things that can date your home, and one example is “popcorn ceiling.” This pertains to bumpy ceiling surfaces with a sprayed-on texture that may include glittery sparkles. They are also hard to clean, difficult to repair, and can easily catch dust.
Despite these cons, popcorn ceilings became popular in the late 1950s since they made easy work of hiding imperfections in the finishing.
When it is time for you to move on to a different look, there are three ways to deal with popcorn ceiling. But before taking on the challenge, learning whether they contain asbestos or not should be done first; this way, you’ll know how to deal with it.
Asbestos fiber, when inhaled in large quantities, may cause lung disease, scarring of the lungs, and lung cancer. Once your ceiling has been confirmed to contain asbestos, appropriate precautionary steps must be taken, and only the experts must deal with your popcorn ceiling.
Here’s an overview from Tureks Plumbing Services of the three ways of dealing with popcorn ceilings.
Scrape off Popcorn Ceiling
Scraping the popcorn ceiling off is probably the easiest way to remove it. The process is similar to getting samples for testing, but this only works on unpainted ceilings.
All you have to do is wet the ceiling and scrape the dampened texture off with a large knife until you are left with a clean, smooth surface. But instead of doing the entire ceiling at once, you have to complete small areas at a time.
Once everything has been removed, and the ceiling is dry, use joint compound to fill in the holes. After that, sand it to achieve a popcorn-free ceiling.
Cover Popcorn Ceiling with drywall
If your ceiling is not at risk for asbestos but is painted, it might be impossible to scrape off. The porous popcorn material had soaked it up, so covering it with drywall is a better option. This is also recommended if your ceilings contain asbestos since the harmful substance will be trapped instead of being sent into the air and atmosphere while scraping.
This method involves affixing ceiling-grade gypsum board over the existing popcorn ceiling. You have to screw it into the framing. For a seamless job, you must be proficient at taping and mudding.
Another way to deal with popcorn ceiling is to skim coat over the ceilings using a different texture. This method will involve cleaning and preparing the current substrate with quick-set drywall mud. After that, a bonding agent like joint compound will be applied.
A finish compound may also be applied to create a new texture. But often, this method leaves the ceiling still bumpy, which might not be beneficial to your home decorating endeavor.
Determining which of these three methods to use to get rid of popcorn ceiling will depend on the condition and age of your ceiling. But remember that all these routes are quite messy, so make sure to cover all your exposed body parts and wear a respirator during the project. Also, remove furnishing, relocate your pets to another room, and cover the flooring. If you have any questions or concerns, please give Tureks Plumbing Services a call!
The Best Time of Year for Home Improvement Projects
