Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing Remodel’

Kitchen Backsplash Trends To Consider For A Kitchen Upgrade

Tuesday, November 9th, 2021

Are You Considering a Kitchen Remodel? Here Are Trends In Kitchen Backsplash 2021

kitchen backsplash trendsPerhaps you’ve recently moved into an older home and want to make it truly your own by making a few changes. Alternatively, you may have updated some aspects of your home, making others appear obsolete. Making a new backsplash is an easy way to enhance your kitchen. What are the most recent kitchen backsplash trends? Our Kitchen Remodel Appleton WI professionals share below. 

Kitchen Trends In Kitchen Backsplash

When it comes to kitchen backsplash, there are plenty of trendy and traditional materials you can choose from. To name a few, slate, granite, travertine and glass have been enjoying a fair amount of popularity among designers and homeowners in 2021. These materials are closely followed by wood and metal typically used as accents.

Our Appleton Kitchen remodel specialists share that tumbled stone backsplashes and anything with pastel hues have considerably lost their popularity in the kitchen design world.

Size and shape

Overall, larger ceramic tiles have become more popular for backsplashes. Many designers use tiles ranging 1″ X 3″ to 4″ X 12″. Some designers combine different tile shapes, colors and sizes for a more dramatic effect. You might also want to vary the depth of the materials used in your kitchen backsplash to add dynamism. Also, more and more designers are opting for vertical patterns over horizontal ones.

Using large tiles for small kitchens (and vice versa)

Can you use large tiles for the backsplash to make your small kitchen appear larger? It is possible to use large tiles to make your small kitchen larger but there are a lot of other things to consider. For one, you have to remove the clutter around your kitchen. Second, you need to use the tiles to create a horizontal line.

On the other hand, if your kitchen looks too big and you want to trim its size visually, you can use small tiles and colors.

Here, there is no single rule of thumb to follow. You can use large or small tiles no matter what the size of your kitchen is.

Matching the backsplash with other kitchen elements

The general consensus among designers is that the backsplash color should complement other elements in the kitchen including the cabinet, floor and countertop. That does not mean that you need to find an exact match. Rather, you should choose a color for the backsplash that complements the color of the other elements.

White subway tiles

Although white subway tiles remain a popular option among designers and their clients, many are veering away from these because of the basic look these offer. If you are leaning toward a more classic and clean look, you can use these tiles.

Similar materials for backsplash and countertop

A lot of designers avoid using the same materials for both as these can make the kitchen look overwhelming. It is possible to avoid this by using exotic stones.

Extending the backsplash up to the ceiling

If the wall where the backsplash is going to be placed has no wall cabinet, you can extend the tiles up to the ceiling, depending on your taste and the overall design of the kitchen.

Inspiration from Europe

One trend that is popular among Europeans is reducing the space allocated to wall cabinets, allowing the backsplash to take center stage. A lot of Europeans are also favoring the installation of tiles up to the ceiling because these are easier to clean and are more hygienic.

One good rule of thumb when choosing a backsplash color and design is to consider the kitchen lighting. The more natural light you have in your kitchen the darker you can go. If your kitchen is lacking in natural light, you will want to try and lighten up the space with lighter colors.

If you are considering a kitchen remodel, contact the remodel professionals at Turek’s Plumbing Services and let them help you start designing your beautiful new kitchen today!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in July, 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?

Wednesday, July 14th, 2021

Kitchen Remodel Cost

2021 How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? 

Are you planning a kitchen remodel this year? The pandemic sparked a lot of home projects. Starting kitchen remodel projects are a much bigger project than people anticipate. The first step to sticking to the budget is understanding the cost of an average kitchen remodel. So, how much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2021? Our Fox Valley home remodeling experts share more about kitchen remodel costs. 

Planning a kitchen remodel?

Before the pandemic, a homeowner could spend $4,000 to $47,000 on a kitchen remodel. On average, a typical home remodels project will hover between $11,424 and $29,178. Now that the prices of wood and materials are high, it’s likely that material could be double or even triple of what it was a year ago. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a Sacramento ground-up construction company, point out that the type of material you choose will determine the cost. Furthermore, the more unique, the more expensive. Things to consider are wall painting, cabinet refacing, kitchen sink upgrades, and the installation of a tile backsplash.

What are the factors that influence your kitchen remodel cost? Where will your budget for a remodel go?

Cabinetry and hardware account for the bulk of the expenses, taking as much as 29 percent of the overall budget. This is followed by installation costs (which usually account for 17 percent of the budget), followed by appliances and ventilation (which account for 14 percent of the budget), and countertops (which take 10 percent of the remodel budget). Other costs include design fees, lighting, flooring, doors and windows, faucets and plumbing, walls and ceilings, and other expenses.

If you want to trim your budget, there are a few areas where you can cut corners. For example, instead of hiring professionals, you can do some of the installation by yourself. Or instead of using custom cabinets for your new kitchen, you can opt for stock cabinets. Another strategy that you can try to keep costs low is to break the project into smaller pieces. This allows you to upgrade your kitchen while spreading the work and expenses across a longer timeline.

What are the other factors that you need to consider when you are planning a kitchen remodel?

One crucial factor that you need to consider is how long you are planning to live in your home. Simply put, if you are planning to sell your home in the near future, you should resist the temptation to splurge. Experts recommend spending somewhere between five to 15 percent of a home’s value for a remodel. Within this range, you can expect to recoup your investment for your kitchen’s upgrade.

You should also consider the average cost of kitchen remodels in your area. If you are planning to sell your home, your kitchen should be within the same range as the other kitchens in your neighborhood. If you over- or under-spend on your kitchen, potential buyers will notice that and might affect the performance of your home in the property market.

On the other hand, if you are not planning on moving out of your current home in the foreseeable future, you can indulge and spend as much as you can afford. You can recoup your investment through the regular use of your kitchen. 

If you have questions about kitchen remodel costs, contact the professional plumbers in Fox Cities at Turek’s Plumbing today! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with our latest plumbing news!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in September 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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How to Deal with Tree Root Problems

Monday, July 24th, 2017

How to Deal with Tree Root Problems

Majestic trees never fail to boost curb appeal. They look grand and beautiful, and they also provide shade and protection from the wind. In some cultures, they symbolize longevity and abundance. They are also sources of sustenance for animals and humans.

However, trees can be the source of problems too, especially when their roots grow into underground structures, or they spread wide and compromise the stability of above ground fixtures. There are many tree root problems, but perhaps one of the most inconvenient is the way they damage underground plumbing systems. Households suffer from clogging and backflow due to roots growing into pipes and septic tanks. They can also cause flooding when pipes crack due to the pressure of invasive tree roots.

Getting rid of tree root infestation in sewer lines or underground plumbing structures is imperative. According to a plumbing company that services Applegate and Fox Valley, Wisconsin residents, there are some effective methods that can be tried, but they all need to be executed by experienced professionals.

  1. Using a mechanical auger

A powered sewer auger is sent down the sewer line with a rotating spiral head with teeth that cut the roots easily. This is effective in cutting down some roots and clearing the sewer line some. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the roots won’t grow back in, so this method of root removal would have to be done frequently, which is rather inconvenient.

  1. Poisoning roots with copper sulfate crystals

This is a highly recommended method for making sure roots don’t grow back. Copper sulfate crystals create a poison zone within the soil outside the pipe and this prevents roots from growing into the sewer because they die in the process.

* Other chemicals have a similar effect; foaming root killers work similarly to copper sulfate crystals and not only kill roots but also prevent regrowth.

  1. Blasting roots away with a hydro jetter

A hydro jetter can blast away roots so chemicals can be applied properly to kill off any roots still present in the plumbing system. Using this is effective but expensive.

Repairing damaged plumbing systems is costly, so in the future, take preventive steps against tree root infestation. If you’re thinking of growing trees in your garden or lawn, find out first where your utility lines are and make sure to plant away from those structures. Likewise, choose tree species that don’t have invasive root systems such as Amur maple, American hornbeam, Adam’s crabapple tree, and Cornelian cherry dogwood.

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Here Are 9 Things That You Need to Know About a Kitchen Renovation

Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

kitchen renovation

Planning a Kitchen Renovation? Here Are 9 Things That You Need to Know First

Think you’re ready to create the kitchen you’ve always been dreaming about? You’ve spent countless hours perusing magazines, blogs and Pinterest looking for designs to use. You think you have saved enough for your kitchen renovation. You’ve even found a reputable contractor. Does this mean that it’s a green light for the kitchen remodel?

Not just yet.

Here are a few crucial matters that you need to be aware of before proceeding with the renovation of your kitchen.

Set a budget

The quickest way to waste money with a renovation project is to proceed without a set budget. Before even proceeding with the planning and design stage of the project, you should have a rough idea of how much it will cost you and how much you truly can afford.

Having a budget allows you to avoid overspending. And even if you think you have enough money for the remodel, you need to make an allowance for unforeseen costs. Here, it pays to be flexible. If you’re willing to swap some of your wants for needs, you can find a happy medium for your dream kitchen and your available budget. Be sure to discuss your budget with your contractor so that you can have a fair idea of what to expect as well as possible alternatives.

Consider the timelines

Simply put, kitchen remodels can leave your home in a big mess. If you think that it will take just a few weeks to complete a project, your contractor can give you a realistic timeframe. In turn, this will allow you to make the necessary arrangements, like renting a storage space.

Plumbing works can complicate the project

You might have a specific idea of the look that you want to achieve for your kitchen. However, pursuing that idea can turn even the simplest projects into complex ones, especially if it involves additional plumbing works. Again, talk with your contractor so that you’ll know how much that idea will cost you, and find out about cheaper alternatives you can try.

Pay attention to codes and regulations

Some types of works involved in a kitchen remodel require securing the pertinent permits from the local government. Make sure that you do not cut corners. Otherwise, you can undermine the value of your home when you are planning to sell it or refinance it. Take note that lenders and potential buyers want remodeled homes which comply with prevailing building codes.

Everything in its rightful place

During the design stage, you should have a fair idea of the kitchen equipment and tools you own. Here, you’d like to make sure that your new kitchen can accommodate all your cooking tools and implements.

Is your current ventilation system sufficient?

All those odors in your kitchen have to go somewhere, right? Check with your contractor if your home’s vents are sufficient or if additional work is required.

Shopping for appliances

When shopping for appliances, you have to find the right balance between your wants and the resale value. If you are planning to sell your home in the near future, choose appliances which will appeal to the broadest number of potential buyers.

Function over form

Envision how you would like to use your kitchen and then let the design emanate from that. Your goal is to have a kitchen that looks good but also allows you to enjoy the activities that you like.

If you are thinking about a kitchen renovation for your home, contact Turek’s Plumbing in Fox Cities today.

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5 Best Tips for Hiring a Remodel Contractor

Wednesday, July 27th, 2016

remodel contractor

5 Best Tips for Hiring a Remodel Contractor

Remodeling your home to improve style and function? When you are thinking about starting any home improvement projects, it is important to hire a contractor that will ensure that the project be carried out properly and according to the budget you have in mind.

There are many such professionals in the construction industry and if it’s your first time needing to hire one, you may be inclined to hire the first one you meet in your locality in Wisconsin.

Not Necessarily.

It’s imperative to be meticulous when it comes to hiring a remodel contractor because having the same job title doesn’t always mean that all remodel contractors have the same values and can deliver the quality of work your require. To ensure you hire a good one for your remodeling project, here are the five best tips to follow.

Do a Background Check on the Contractor’s Credentials

There’s a very big difference between the experience and expertise of contractors who have been in the industry for 15 years and that of contractors that have held the title for only 5 years, even if they’re from big companies. Likewise, see if a contractor has different kinds of certifications from national trade organizations; certification means that as a professional, your contractor has studied and worked hard to meet stringent standards.

See if the Contractor is Easy to Talk To

Communication is integral to the best accomplishment of the remodeling project, so you need someone who can easily understand what you’re saying and whom you can easily understand as well. Also, ask as many questions as you can; the answers provided will reveal so much about how experienced the contractor is.

Talk to the Contractor About the Price of the Project

From this conversation, you’ll get a fair assessment of how aligned the contractor is with your requirements, as well as how knowledgeable or experienced he is in this aspect of the job. Is he able to properly describe the materials necessary for the job? Does he understand quality requirements despite budget constraints?

Ensure the Contractor Will Provide the Information you Need

Your contractor should be able to provide information on the requirements you need to fulfill in order for the job to be carried out according to industry standards. The best contractors will ensure that all the necessary permits are secured before starting any project. Contractors are in charge of procuring all necessary permits; therefore, your job is to know what these permits are to determine how compliant your contractor is.

Find Out the Cost of the Job for the Contractor

Remember, price often reflects quality, but don’t just go for the remodel contractor that charges the highest. You should always ensure that the contractors rates are completely justified. 

If you are thinking about a remodel for your home, contact your Fox Cities plumber at Turek’s Plumbing today!

 

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Steps for a Bathroom Remodel Plan

Friday, July 8th, 2016

Bathroom Remodel Plan

Necessary Steps for a Bathroom Remodel Plan

Are you considering a bathroom remodel plan to add value to your home and to incorporate your style preference? There are steps you need to take in order to ensure that you do achieve these ends and avoid having regrets later on.

 

Evaluate the existing space 

First, you need to study the bathroom and figure out what areas and features you would like to improve on. How’s the lighting? Do you want different mirrors? Would the room do better with a complete overhaul? By evaluating the space, you can get a better idea of how you want the renovation to turn out?

 

Compare with other homes 

You need to look into comparable homes in the neighborhood and see what they offer in terms of bathrooms. For instance, if all the other homes have only one bathroom, you could boost your home’s value by adding a second bathroom.

 

Consider your future plans 

Your plans would dictate what kind of renovation would make the most sense. For instance, if you plan to move in the next five years, a neutral upgrade to suit mainstream tastes is ideal; however, if you see yourself staying put for at least another decade, if not for life, then you can go ahead and remodel based on your personal tastes.

 

Determine your budget

Bathrooms can be really expensive to remodel. You don’t want to skimp on items either, especially the sink, the toilet, and other highly utilized features, so figure out what your budget is in order for you to make a practical plan. It’s also a good idea to pad your budget with 10 to 20 percent more money in case unforeseen problems arise. You never know what may be uncovered by your workers. If they find a leak, rot, unsafe wiring, or anything else that can’t be ignored, you’ll need the funds to address it right away as well.

 

Consult a professional

After you’ve worked out what you want and how much you can invest in the project, you’ll need to choose a contractor to hire. You want to work with one who has had plenty of experience installing bathroom features, from the flooring to the plumbing lines. It’s a good idea to consider contractors who have a showroom so you can have a good idea of the kind of work you can expect from them. Once you’ve picked a contractor, you can present your ideas and discuss what’s feasible, what’s not, and what alternative solutions you might want to consider.

 

Planning a bathroom remodel is much more involved than selecting pieces that suit your taste. It’s a highly technical undertaking, so it’s good to get a pro to weigh in on your ideas. If you are thinking about a bathroom remodel plan for your home, contact Turek’s Plumbing. 

 

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