Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘home remodel Appleton WI’

Budgeting for Your Bathroom Remodel

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020

Budgeting for Your Bathroom Remodel in Appleton, WI

budgeting for your bathroom remodel - Tureks Plumbing Services

If you are trying to budget for your bathroom remodel, there are two key factors (the materials you select and who will do the work) that will help determine cost. Here are some suggestions that our experienced professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, recommend that you think about to keep costs affordable in your bid to transform your bathroom into the stuff dreams are made of.

The Construction Itself

Depending on the specific work you would like done, you could do it yourself, hire a general contractor, or act as a contractor. If you opt to hire a general contractor, Headwaters Construction Inc., a Sacramento commercial construction company, recommends that you get bids from multiple contractors and check their references before choosing one.

To save some money on the project, consider doing some of the work (such as any needed demolition) yourself or with the help of friends. Additional savings can also be made if you compare sourcing the needed materials through the contractor or buying them yourself from thrift stores or online sellers. Pick the option that will deliver savings.

Labor Costs of Bathroom Remodel

Regardless of whether you act as the contractor or hire a general contractor, several skilled tradespeople will be involved. Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you limit having to move fixtures from their existing layout so that the costs associated with such work are avoided.

Also, some general contractors are highly sought after, and their rates could be higher than average, so you might want to shop around for experienced ones whose rates are pocket-friendly while delivering outstanding quality work.

Choosing Fixtures for Your Bathroom Remodel

Here is where costs can add up rapidly if you don’t have a plan to execute the bathroom remodel without breaking the bank. For example, choosing a standard toilet will be a lot cheaper than opting for a designer model, which costs thousands of dollars as opposed to less than two hundred for the basic model. This isn’t to say you can’t splurge on one item or so; just be conscious about mixing top of the range fixtures with standard ones so that your budget doesn’t get blown out of control.

The Tiles for Your Bathroom Remodel

The cost of tiles is one of the big items on any Appleton bathroom remodel budget. The tiles themselves are costly, and so is the labor needed to install them. To minimize these costs, consider using tile on just select sections of the bathroom, such as the floor and the areas immediately above the tub. Alternatively, you can use the expensive tile as accents in the space and give the walls a great coat of paint. 

The Countertops for Your Bathroom Remodel

Since the square footage that will need to be occupied by a countertop in the bathroom is small, you can use your smarts to get natural stone or other premium materials without denting your pocket. For example, Tureks Plumbing Services has seen pedestal sinks used in bathrooms that didn’t cost a lot of money to renovate. You can also buy a single-sink vanity and give your bathroom a new look.

All in all, the cost of remodeling your bathroom will depend on where you live (which sets a baseline for the labor charges) and the specific materials that you prefer for the project. The key to bringing your dream bathroom to reality lies in taking your time to plan and research the different options before coming up with final decisions on each aspect of the remodel. At Tureks Plumbing Services, we have tons of experience under our belt in executing bathroom remodels to meet different budgets and needs. Contact us today for a home remodel or plumbing services in Appleton, Wisconsin, and we will discuss how your desired project can best be executed cost-effectively.

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8 Bathroom Remodel Trends for 2020

Wednesday, April 15th, 2020

bathroom remodel trends for 2020 - Tureks Plumbing ServicesBathroom Remodel Trends for 2020

2020 is well underway, and you may be wondering what bathroom remodel trends are likely to define this year and beyond as you plan to remodel your bathroom. At Tureks Plumbing Services, we make it our duty to keep homeowners in Appleton, WI informed about the latest home improvement trends. Here are the key trends that we have observed in 2020. Use this information to select the trend that appeals to you. You can even combine different trends so that you fully express your style!

Bathroom Remodel Trends: Biophilic Design

The name of this trend may sound alien, but there is nothing alien about it. It simply refers to putting you in touch with nature, and more bathroom remodels are taking advantage of this approach.

The bathroom renovation experts at Tureks Plumbing Services suggest that you can utilize this trend simply by adding as many plants as possible to the décor of your remodeled bathroom. Alternatively, you can opt for materials that mimic nature, such as green paint that lends a natural look to your bathroom. 

In terms of lighting, a skylight can go a long way towards bringing a touch of nature into your bathroom, and so can a dimmer which allows you to adjust the lighting inside the bathroom to mirror what is outdoors.

Bathroom Remodel Trends: Be Colorful

“Bold colors are back,” said our commercial construction friends at Headwaters Construction Inc. They add, “You can go with this trend if you aren’t one to shy away from making a bold statement in the design of your home or commercial building.” We get that bright colors can sometimes be overwhelming. Instead of using bright paint, you could also use colorful appliances or artwork to help make the room pop.

Bathroom Remodel Trends: Terrazzo Still Reigns

Terrazzo, which is a mixture of cement, marble, and natural stones, staged a comeback years ago, and it appears to be here to stay. This versatile material is most likely to be found on bathroom walls and floors, and even on sinks.

Home remodel experts in Appleton, WI also adds that Terrazzo can last a long time. So, it is best to opt for variants that look like natural stone. Select Terrazzo with smaller fragments and not larger ones so that your renovated bathroom can have a timeless look.

Bathroom Remodel Trends: Open Shower Design

Open Italian showers are making a huge mark in 2020, particularly versions that are fully equipped and are multi-functional. For example, the shower can have an integrated misting system and an anti-fog mirror. Professionals from Tureks Plumbing Services have also seen many bathrooms in which the tub and shower are both located in the same area!

However, our bathroom renovation experts notice that some functional challenges can arise when you place the bathtub and shower in the same open area. For example, soap residues from the shower can reach the tub and vice versa, so the demands of keeping a clean bathroom increase significantly when these two features are close to each other. It is, therefore, best to weigh this consideration before going with the open shower design.

Bathroom Remodel Trends: Console-Style Vanity

The era of massive bathroom furnishings seems to be coming to an end. We see more console-style vanities in not just smaller bathrooms but larger ones as well. This trend is especially ideal for smaller bathrooms since it can create an illusion of spaciousness.

Bathroom remodeling experts in Appleton, WI, suggests that to maintain the minimalist feel of this design, take any extra materials, such as perfumes, out of the bathroom so that only the essentials are left.

Bathroom Remodel Trends: Refined Tiling

Tiles that look extravagant are so yesterday. In their place, tiles with character or detail are the new thing in 2020. Price is no longer the determinant of what makes a tile trendy or nice. So, keep your eye on how a given designer has given life to a particular tile. While selecting refined tiling, remember less is more. Instead, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you opt for elegant tiles that are likely to retain their appeal for years to come. For example, flashy tiles are a more significant fashion risk when compared to light or dark tones that remain appealing for longer.

Bathroom Remodel Trends: Linear or Minimalist Bathroom Lighting

This year is going to see linear or minimalist lighting taking bathroom remodels by storm. This particular trend has gained more traction because it enables other bathroom fixtures to grab the intention. 

Bathroom renovation experts suggest that you install light strips between walls. If not, consider getting a mirror that comes integrated with its own lighting system.

Bathroom Remodel Trends: Standalone Tubs and Sinks

It is incredible to see the nearly limitless ways in which designers can make a tub or sink pop. Inspiration comes thick and fast from all sorts of places, such as Japanese bathrooms, artisanal touches, and asymmetrical shapes.

Depending on the available space within your bathroom, you may decide to implement this trend by installing the standalone sink or bathtub. Our experienced professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services can also share their expert opinion.

As you can see, the options are nearly endless. As with any remodeling project, starting with a solid plan goes a long way. We know that getting all the decisions right can be a difficult task for any homeowner. That’s why we at Tureks Plumbing Services are putting our considerable training and experience at your disposal. Our home remodeling professionals are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us for bathroom renovation services in Appleton, WI.

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Your Kitchen Remodel Guide

Wednesday, April 8th, 2020

kitchen remodel guide tureks plumbing servicesTureks Plumbing Kitchen Remodel Guide

While there are too many horror stories of kitchen remodels gone wrong, yours doesn’t have to be the same experience. In this article, we will focus on how you can hire the best professionals for the job, and how you can keep costs affordable as your dream kitchen sees the light of day. These two aspects are two of the main issues many homeowners face. So, we hope you will find this handy guide helpful in navigating your way through the remodel maze.

Finding the Best Kitchen Remodel Contractor

As already mentioned, finding the best contractor to undertake the kitchen remodel project is one of the most difficult tasks. So, many homeowners have had their fingers burned by the wrong choice of a general contractor. Here are three things that Tureks Plumbing Services, a kitchen remodel company in Appleton WI, wants you to keep in mind during your kitchen remodel.

What matters is their most recent job.

As you vet contractors, it is important for you to pay attention to their most recent projects. This will give you a more accurate depiction of what each contractor is capable of. You wouldn’t want a contractor who hasn’t worked on a kitchen remodel project in over five years. It’s important to find someone who has the right skillset. At Tureks Plumbing Services, we are happy to provide recent references on what we’ve been working on. In this way, it will be easier for each potential client to be sure that the team that worked on a job they have admired is still available to handle the kitchen remodel.

The Best Contractors Tend to Require Some Wait Time.

You may get lucky and find the best contractor to take on your kitchen remodel. However, the reality tends to be that you often have to wait so that the contractor fits you into their schedule. This is because the very best ones are booked solid. So, being in a hurry to get started on your project will deny you the opportunity of working with the best there is. It is, therefore, helpful for you to work within the schedule of the best Appleton kitchen remodel contractor rather than trying to force that contractor to fit into yours.

What to Ask References

As an inexperienced homeowner, you may not know what questions to ask the recent references that have been provided by a home remodeling contractor that you would like to hire.

Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you ask those references about the contractor’s work ethics, such as whether they always arrived in time to oversee the work done by the subcontractors. 

Communication is important. Ask references about their experience with the home remodeling company. You’ll know how well the contractor worked start to finish. Ultimately, it comes down to money. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company, adds that you should be familiar with your contractor’s reputation, regardless if it’s residential or commercial remodeling.

Hire the general contractor you feel comfortable letting into your home.

How to Keep the Kitchen Remodel Project Affordable

At Tureks Plumbing Services, we know that one of the biggest challenges that homeowners have is to keep kitchen remodel costs affordable while getting their dream kitchen. Here are some measures that we usually recommend to cut remodeling costs:

  • Energy efficiency. Pay close attention to the energy efficiency of the appliances you are comparing and select the one with the highest Energy Star rating. This will ensure that you conserve energy for all the years that the appliance will be in use.
  • Ease of use. An appliance that isn’t easy to use is likely to remain unused, or you will curse each time you struggle to utilize that appliance. Tureks Plumbing Services, therefore, advises that you scrutinize the ease-of-use features of different appliances before you select one. For example, how conveniently can you load that dishwasher you want to buy? How accessible are the controls of the refrigerator?
  • Safety features. Safety is a big concern in kitchens, so don’t forget this consideration as you compare different brands and models of appliances. 

Others Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel

  • Rethinking how you organize items in the kitchen so that you efficiently use your space
  • Have a general idea of what you want your new kitchen to look like before you invite contractors to bid for the work. In this way, you can compare prices. You’ll notice that the most competitive contractor who will deliver exactly what you want at an affordable price.
  • Being clear on what you want before the project begins. Each time you change your mind about the design or materials, you are forced to spend more money. This can quickly throw your budget out of whack.
  • Hiring competent professionals, such as Tureks Plumbing Services, to take charge of the kitchen remodel project in Appleton, WI. Experienced professionals can help you to keep costs affordable in different ways, such as sourcing material.

Undertaking a kitchen remodel project in Appleton, WI, can be a daunting task for many homeowners but doesn’t need to be the case if you follow this kitchen remodel guide. You can also hire Tureks Plumbing Services to execute that project. Contact us, and our seasoned professionals will work with you from the design of the project to its completion when your brand new kitchen is handed to you.

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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 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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