Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘kitchen remodel ideas’

Kitchen Remodel Budget Mistakes to Avoid

Wednesday, August 18th, 2021

Kitchen Remodel Budget

Kitchen Remodel Budget Mistakes to Avoid in 2021

Kitchen remodels can offer significant ROI, when done right. If you’re not in love with your kitchen or are looking to sell in the near future, consider making some small upgrades. When you repair or switch old fixtures with modern models, you can increase the value of your property. Likewise, a few well-appointed innovations can increase the energy efficiency of your home, allowing you to reduce energy use and enjoy lower power and water bills in the long run. To ensure that you get the most bang for your buck, avoid making these common kitchen remodel mistakes. 

Remodeling Without a Plan

Take time to sit down and really think about what you want and need from your new kitchen. The biggest – and easily avoidable – expense you can face during a remodel is when you suddenly change your mind. So hire a home remodeling company to see what your new kitchen will look like in 3D. A rough sketch or some hazy description just won’t do. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., who offers general contracting in Sacramento, say this can actually cause you to go over budget.

Not Checking Your Kitchen Contractor’s Credentials

The one thing you can do that will help you significantly reduce costs and avoid unnecessary expenses is to work only with the best contractors. Having a team of established professionals to work on your kitchen will allow you to have access to solutions that are customized to your needs and aligned with your budget. So before hiring anyone, do your homework first and contact the most reputable tradespeople you can find in your area. Our friends at Specialized AV, an audio and video company in Sacramento, recommends looking up your contractors license to ensure they are who they say they are.

Being blinded by “bright, shiny” things

A snazzy splashback, expensive countertops, chic sinks, or picture-perfect floors may make your kitchen impressive, but it’s not wise to simply consider a material’s looks or popularity alone. With research and expert advice, you can find alternatives that are not as overpriced, and may even be more durable or practical for your purposes. When budgeting, prioritize the basics: good lighting, efficiency, storage, and safety. Allot your funds first for items that will improve your kitchen’s function without hampering your style.

When improving your kitchen, remember to have a plan and stick to it. Remember the basics before splurging on the pretty things, and hire only the Fox Cities plumbing experts. With this game plan, you’ll soon have a kitchen that’s dreamy and purposeful at the same time. Contact Tureks Plumbing services for all of your home remodeling needs. 

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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Farmhouse Sink: Trendy or Timeless?

Friday, July 21st, 2017
Is the farmhouse sink trendy or timeless? Although still largely seen as traditional, the farmhouse has quickly become a popular fixture in modern homes as well.

This short guide will show you how this rustic sink has evolved through time. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen anytime soon, the list of pros and cons may help you decide whether it is worth buying or not.

Form and Function

The farmhouse sink is characterized by the deep design of its basin. Sometimes known as apron-front sinks, these kitchen fixtures were designed to hold copious amounts of water and wash large cooking tools. The basin is so deep that you can bathe a baby in it.

Farmhouse Sink Installation

A typical farmhouse sink is installed with the apron protruding beyond the cabinets below it. This design feature is meant to protect the cabinets. If the water starts to overflow, the liquid will fall straight to the floor instead of damaging the cabinets beneath the sink.
The width and depth of a farmhouse sink offers homeowners ample space for washing dishes and kitchen tools. On the other hand, farmhouse sinks are also bulky. Standard sinks weigh around 20 to 30 pounds while an apron-front type may weigh up to 100 pounds. If you intend to replace your standard sink with a farmhouse one, you will need to find a way to reinforce the supports around the sink.
Farmhouse sinks don’t come with holes for faucets. As a result, the faucet needs to be installed on the wall or counter. On the upside, if the sink ever gets damaged, you can take it out without the need to turn off the water mains. However, you will also need to pick the right type of faucet to go with your country style sink.

Materials

Farmhouse sinks were traditionally made out of porcelain or fireclay. During the 1920s, sinks forged out of cast iron, copper and nickel alloy became popular. Nowadays, you can find farmhouse sinks made out of stainless steel, concrete and stone as well. Farmhouse sinks also come in a wide range of available styles and textures to suit varying design needs.

Price

Finally, going for a specific style can be expensive. With farmhouse sinks, expect to pay hundreds of dollars more than your standard type. Plus, you will need to consider the installation cost and other fees. Make sure to explore these expenses carefully before making your decision.

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Attracting home buyers with a beautiful kitchen

Tuesday, June 20th, 2017

How to Prep Your Kitchen for Resale

To have an easier and faster time selling your home at the price you’re looking for, you need to invest some additional money and time to make it attractive for potential buyers. However, you can’t just focus on improving certain areas or features of your home; to catch the attention and interest of buyers, you need to make sure all the rooms are appealing and devoid of any issues or problems.

A key area of your house you have to pay attention to is the kitchen. This is one of the areas in a home that matters a lot to many interested buyers since it is highly likely they will spend a lot of time in this room.

If you will be putting your home in the market, here are some useful tips to successfully prep your kitchen for resale without shelling out a huge amount of cash:

Clean your kitchen.

Give your kitchen a good scrubbing and wipe-down. Vacuum the areas which you never used to clean before such as the spots behind the stove and refrigerator. Get rid of any clutter in the kitchen as well such as old cookbooks and food containers you never use. Make sure your kitchen is free from unpleasant smells such as the ones emanating from the garbage. Remove all garbage, recycling, and smelly pet-related items before showing your home. Keep in mind that nothing turns off a potential buyer faster than a bad smell.

If you don’t have the time to properly clean your kitchen, hire cleaning professionals to do the job for you. They will make sure your kitchen is sparkling clean and nice-smelling, too.

Make sure your kitchen faucets and plumbing system are working properly.

While cleaning the kitchen sink, check the faucet and pipes for leaks and clean these features as well. In case the water pressure is low or water leaks from the handle of your faucet, take the time to clean your faucet’s aerator. You can also remove lime or calcium buildup in the faucet by removing the aerator and using vinegar as a cleaning agent. In case there are leaks or you simply want to have the faucets and pipes replaced, it is best to call a professional plumber to avoid any further damage to your kitchen’s plumbing system.

Organize your kitchen cupboards and cabinets.

Interested buyers will take the time to look inside your cabinets and cupboards. If these storage features are overstuffed, it usually gives the impression that there isn’t enough storage space in your kitchen. As such, remove all excess and mismatched items and anything that simply doesn’t look good – even if you think you’ve hidden them well.

Make sure the kitchen windows are clean and clear.

Clean the kitchen windows inside and out. You will be surprised at the effect that clean windows can have on your kitchen (and in any room), especially during a sunny day. In case there are curtains or other types of treatments covering your windows, make sure they are clean as well or open them when you are showing your kitchen.

Consider having your kitchen painted.

Finally, aside from cleaning, giving your kitchen a new coat of paint will give it a new, crisp look. Consider having your kitchen painted in a hue that works with the color of your counters and cabinets. You can always stick with white if you don’t want to experiment with colors. In case your kitchen was recently painted, examine the walls and ceiling and touch up any flaws, even the smallest ones. Call Tureks plumbing today to help rebuild your kitchen!

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Tips on Adding a New Kitchen Island

Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

Adding a Kitchen Island

Remodeling your kitchen can be a very exciting home improvement project. This is because most of the features you will want to have in this room have to be both functional and aesthetically appealing. As such, you will have to be a bit more thoughtful and creative when you want to improve your kitchen.

Adding a kitchen island is one of the smart kitchen renovation ideas you can consider today. A kitchen island is a very practical, convenient, and handy feature to have in the kitchen. This modern kitchen feature provides several benefits, which include:

  • It provides additional work space in the kitchen
  • It permits people to sit and eat in the kitchen without anyone getting in the way of the person working in the room
  • It removes the need for a table in the kitchen
  • Lastly, it can serve as the focal point or feature in the kitchen, mainly because of its position in the middle of the room. When it is designed properly, guests will definitely be impressed by this feature

Initial Considerations When Choosing a New Kitchen Island

Once you have decided that a kitchen island is the best (and smartest) new feature to have, you need to think about certain important factors to make sure you get the ideal one for your home. These key factors are:

Kitchen Island Size.

Your kitchen island should be the right size for your kitchen space. It has to be big enough to double as your working and dining space but not so large that people will have trouble walking, cooking, and moving around once it is installed. A good rule of thumb to remember when having a kitchen island installed is to ensure that there should be at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides of the fixture.

Shape.

When choosing which shape to go for, consider the size of your kitchen and the primary use of the island. Aim for a shape that works with the current design of your kitchen and one that is convenient for you and everyone who will regularly use it.

The island’s countertop material 

Kitchen islands can be made of different materials; it’s the same with the countertop. Some of the most popular countertop materials today include wood, granite, marble, quartz, and soapstone. When choosing the material, consider the other fixtures in your home so that it doesn’t clash with the current design. Opt for a material that is durable, long-lasting and low maintenance as well. Lastly, consider the size of your doorway because if the countertop is too big, you will have a hard (and even impossible) time to get it inside the kitchen.

Features and amenities.

Lastly, determine how many drawers and cabinets you want the island to have. Keep in mind that the kitchen island is the perfect way for you to add features to your kitchen that is lacking, such as drawers, or other things that will make your life just a little bit easier, such as hooks for hanging towels or even a built-in microwave. To ensure your island is amenable to seating, consider the type of stools or chairs you plan to use and make sure the feature can accommodate the proper height and legroom requirements. Schedule an appointment with us today!

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Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Issues

Thursday, April 20th, 2017

Consistent sanitary practices must start in the home. Proper waste management must be observed by each and every household member, and this includes the proper usage of the garbage disposal installed under the sink.

What is a garbage disposal?

It is a device installed under the kitchen sink necessary for shredding food and grinding other waste into very tiny pieces, allowing them to pass through the sewerage system.

Essential parts and function of a garbage disposal

  • Hopper Chambers – There are two parts: the upper chamber for storing food waste straight from the sink, and the lower chamber for collecting shredded and pulverized garbage.
  • Insulated Motor – This is necessary for spinning the flywheel and impellers fast enough to obtain processed garbage. This is generally connected to the electrical switch for ease and safety.
  • Shredder Ring – This is the teeth-like shredder located right after the upper hopper chamber. It is the garbage disposal blade.
  • Flywheel and Impellers – These two main parts are responsible for bringing the food waste to the shredder ring. They work hand in hand with the shredder ring to efficiently grind and pound the garbage.
  • Reset button – This is found underneath the device. It plays a very crucial role in troubleshooting an overheated garbage disposal unit.
  • Waste Line Connector – This is where the processed garbage passes through when flushed down the sewer or septic system.

What to do when things go wrong?

When you are well-informed about the different parts and functions of your unit, you’ll generally know how to troubleshoot simple and common garbage disposal issues such as overheating, clogging or jamming, and having no power at all.

It is also recommended that you become aware of the warning signals that your disposal is unable to function properly. Signs include a foul odor, leaks, and a strange noise coming from the unit.

Determine if the problem can be fixed with simple troubleshooting or if it requires professional help.

An overheating garbage disposal unit may simply require pushing the reset button. If resetting doesn’t work, check the source of power. Something might have gone wrong with the circuit breaker.

A jammed garbage disposal can be fixed by helping the impellers move. Before touching the inside of the unit, turn off the circuit breaker for safety. Then you can proceed and try to dislodge the blockage underneath.

A foul odor indicates that the unit may be clogged or blocked. It means that the unit is unable to do its function of grinding food waste into pieces, which is why they don’t get flushed down the drain. This may also indicate that the blades or shredder aren’t sharp enough. Situations like these will need professional services.

Finally, a strange noise and water leaks must also be checked immediately by trained professionals as these signs indicate a much more serious problem. Call us today if you’re having a problem!

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A Helpful Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Friday, January 13th, 2017

A Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen remodeling can be fun, especially if you’re going for a completely new style that aligns with your current personal aesthetic preference. However, you need to approach the task very seriously as well because it’s important to make sure that you’re not sacrificing function for beauty.

Now, if you’re choosing kitchen cabinets to install, you need to think about this carefully; this is a piece of advice from trusted kitchen remodelers that service Applegate and Fox Valley, Wisconsin homeowners. Kitchen cabinets do not only serve as visually appealing storage for dinnerware or kitchen essentials; they are known to improve space dimensions as well.

If you have off-center built-ins in the kitchen, the strategic installation of cabinets can achieve a more balanced look for the space.

To help you choose the right kitchen cabinets to install, here is an easy guide to follow.

Take the DIY route or hire professional builders

A DIY route is advisable if you’re purchasing ready-made cabinets that you don’t intend to permanently fix to a wall. Basically, all you need to do here is to drag it to your chosen location in the kitchen. Now, if you want to fix cabinets to the wall, it’s best to let professional builders accomplish this task; ditto if you’re fitting in custom-made cabinets.

Clearly identify the cabinet design you want

Do you want framed cabinets or frameless ones? Framed cabinets are perfect if you have traditional aesthetics. Frameless cabinets are more ideal for modern and transitional designs because they have a sleek profile.

Bespoke or stock cabinets

Custom-made cabinets work best for the space you have. Opting for these can better streamline the kitchen since they will not create weird corners and awkward protrusions. They are, however, more expensive. Stock cabinets come in a variety of designs, but you need to make sure that you have the right location for them, and that you measure spaces for installation accurately so you can go with the cabinet sizes that are most appropriate to the dimensions of the space where they’ll be installed.

Study the cabinet material, especially if you’re gravitating toward stock kitchen cabinets

Of course, you need to make sure that the cabinet will be durable enough for everything that you intend to put in it. Also, the kind of material you choose can enhance the kitchen’s overall style.

Establish your budget

It’s best to work with a clear budget. This will make selection and installation a whole lot easier and organized. It can also make the process easier if there are other things that you want done in your kitchen.

Are you having trouble deciding how to move forward with your kitchen remodel? Contact the kitchen remodel pros in Fox Cities. Turek’s plumbing can answer all of the most common remodel questions.

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Kitchen Remodel Ideas To Help You Save Money

Thursday, July 28th, 2016

Kitchen Remodel Ideas

Kitchen Remodel Ideas That Will Help You Stay Within Your Budget

Sometimes, you do not have to spend a sizeable amount of money to breathe life into your kitchen. If you do not want to break the bank, here are some budget kitchen remodel ideas that you can try.

Give your cabinets a second lease on life

A new set of cabinets can eat up your budget for your kitchen renovation. If you are trying to save money and the current cabinets installed in your kitchen are still in a good condition, you can simply apply a fresh coat of paint on these.

Shop online

During the planning stages of your kitchen remodel, you are probably spending a lot of time online. You probably find yourself doing research on possible options that you can try. While you are online, you can try looking for great deals on cabinets, countertops and other materials that you can use for your new kitchen. Some online merchants offer competitive prices for their products.

Consider using surplus items

If you are working with a contractor for your kitchen remodel, it is a good idea to talk to him about how much you can truly afford for the project. Being transparent about your budget and flexible about your options can lead to greater cost savings. For example, if your contractor has a few surplus items lying around from a previous project, you can buy those materials at a substantial discount.

Perform some of the works involved in the project

There are some types of work that are best left to the experts. Additionally, hiring professionals can help you save more money and time over the long term because they know how to get the best results the first time, every time. However, you can substantially reduce the labor costs for your kitchen remodel by taking up some of the simpler works involved — like painting, for example.

Know what to ditch and what to preserve

If you are eyeing something that is too luxurious and pricey for the kitchen remodel, you can save more money by retaining a few existing elements in your kitchen. Focus on a few aspects of your kitchen which still look good and are in great shape. You can now use the savings from these to buy the premium items that you want to have.

With a little creativity, online research and a few compromises, you can update your kitchen without draining your savings. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, contact Turek’s Plumbing in Fox Cities to start your remodel today!

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