Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom is fun. There are cabinets to choose, countertops to pick, shopping for tile, appliances and flooring…it seems like a never-end list. But it’s a fun list because you know the end result is going to be a great improvement from what you currently have in your kitchen and bathroom. Plus, new things always feel so good and look so good.

When you are planning your budget – don’t forget to plan for the plumbing too. Cabinets, countertops, tile and flooring are the big items. They are the bulk of your expenses and the reason you have to plan in advance and set a budget. You will never forget to plan for these expenses because they are central to the whole remodeling project. But it can be easy to forget about the “little things” like a sink faucet, whether it is a kitchen faucet or a bathroom faucet. In the grand scheme of things, a faucet is a much lesser expense than the countertop or cabinets, but if you forget that you need to buy all new faucets AND have them installed, it could put you over your maximum “what I want to spend” budget.  

So…regarding the plumbing portion of your remodeling project, these are some things to remember:

In the Kitchen –

• What kind of sink do you want? (i.e. single or double, undermount, stainless steel or other material)
• What sink accessories would you like to include? (i.e. faucets, hoses, garbage disposal, water filters, soap/lotion dispensers)
• Will the kitchen configuration remain the same or will you need to install new connections for the sink, refrigerator and dishwasher?
• Do you need new appliances? (i.e. Refrigerator, dishwasher and others that may need an electrical contractor as well as a plumber)
• Do you need to hire a contractor to install these items?

In the Bathroom –

• What kind of sink do you want? (i.e. single or double, undermount, china or other material)
• What sink faucets would you like? (i.e. finish, style, installation and features)
• Do you need to replace the tub and shower? (i.e. new or refresh, new showerhead and faucets)
• Will you be replacing the current toilet?
• Will the configuration of the bathroom remain the same?
• Are you adding new features to the bathroom, like a hot tub or spa?
• Do you need to hire a contractor to install these items?

Remember, every project (no matter what room in the house you are remodeling) should include some very basic considerations:

• What is your budget?
• What is the goal of the renovation?
• What is the purpose of the room and how will you utilize it?
• What do you like about the current room?
• What do you dislike about the current room?
• What type of storage do you need in the room?
• What style do you want as the theme of the renovation?

Of course, budget is often the central factor in a remodeling project. Be sure you include all aspects of your renovation, whether large or small items, so that you are fully prepared so you can finish the project and be happy with the end result.

Kitchen Remodel Checklist (by Angie’s List)
http://www.angieslist.com/files/KitchenRemodelingChecklist.pdf

Bathroom Remodel Checklist (by Moen)
http://www.moen.com/assets/moencom/documents/design-planning/checklist_bathroom.pdf

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this fall and winter season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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The heating and cooling of your home account for 56% of all your energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. There are steps you can take to help with your efforts to save money and use less energy. We talk about these things often, but it’s worth repeating.

• Regular maintenance of your heating and A/C system will help to keep your system running efficiently and help save money as a result.
• Maintain a comfortable level of temperature in your home while you are there. When you leave the house for work, school or multiple continuous hours, be sure to adjust the thermostat so that you are not wasting heat or air conditioning in an empty house. In the colder months, if you adjust your thermostat 10-15 degrees for 8 hours at a time, while you are out of the house, you can save 5%-15% annually.
• Install programmable thermostats. This will help you control your temperatures when you are not home.
• Seal your home for energy leaks, in both the cold and warm months so you do not lose precious heating or air conditioning. Windows, doors and drafty areas can cost you in lost energy.
• Change air filters regularly. Clean air filters will help your system run efficiently and effectively and will help save money as a result.
• Using window coverings can help in your energy efficient efforts. By opening the blinds and curtains, you bring in natural sunlight to help warm the house in the cooler months and closing them in the summer months will keep the house cooler.
• Replace older systems (when it is time and no longer operating at its optimum performance) with ENERGY STAR®, energy efficient products. And be sure they are installed properly by a qualified HVAC professional, or you could lose up to 30% of the system’s efficiency with an improper installation.

When you install a new, energy efficient system, here are some helpful guidelines for your furnace and air conditioning units for long-term savings:

• For furnaces: You want to look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings and the national minimum is 78% AFUE. Some ENERGY STAR® models on the market currently exceed 90% AFUE.
• For air conditioners: You want to look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The current minimum is 13 SEER for central air conditioners. However there are ENERGY STAR models on the market currently at 14.5 SEER or more.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of using new, modern, energy efficient products and some simple steps you can take that will make a difference in your energy use and reduce your energy bills.

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this fall and winter season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

Connect With Us at Marlin Services