Category Archives: Bathroom Remodeling

Factors to Consider When Starting your DC Plumbing Renovations

May 20, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

When renovating your home, the rooms that require special attention and care are the bathroom and the kitchen. In case you are renovating your kitchen plumbing or remodeling your bathroom, planning is everything. This is because renovations can be quite costly if they are not planned well. You should spend ample time with a professional plumber in order to discuss your plumbing needs and design that will work seamlessly with the new architectural parameters of your renovated home. The following are some of the things to consider when carrying out DC plumbing renovations for your kitchen or bathroom.

The Space

The best way to gain more space without extending to your floor area is by installing features in the cavity space. This is a great way to save your bathroom space when renovating the bathroom plumbing. You might be in a position to fit in a niche into a cavity space in your shower to make a shelf or install a small shaving cabinet. Your plumber will tell you where the plumbing pipes are and give you ideas that will suit your intended design or layout.

The Plumbing Renovation Layout

One of the most significant ways to ensure that you get satisfied with your bathroom or kitchen renovations in the future is by planning the layout carefully. Take enough time and draw the layout of your space. You should then consider the possible ways in which space can be future-proofed in order to ensure mobility of all the occupants. In case you would want to update the finishes and colors once they get outdated, avoid the expenses of changing the layout and the shell all over again by ensuring that you get it right the first time.

Cost-Effective Renovations

When you are planning for the plumbing layout during a renovation, you should consider your budget carefully. Making a complete changeover may seem like a good idea, but it might not be cost-effective for you. Consider whether the renovations will outweigh the benefits before you make major changes. Most of the major changes will require qualified professional to complete. You should seek the services of a plumber in DC to advice you on how you will marry the changes with your budget.

Set Your Budget and Stick To It

During a renovation, it is very easy to go overboard. Avoid over capitalizing by looking for fixtures and accessories that will fit within your budget. When renovating your house for the purpose of selling it, consider the cost of renovation against the return on investment.

Leave It to the Professionals

With most of the bathroom and kitchen renovations, you can do the work yourself. But for the most part, it is advisable to leave the work to the professionals. Apart from the plumber, you may also require a reliable cabinet maker, electrician and a tiller. Take your time to get quotations on all the tradesmen needed to execute your layout plan. To save time and cost, you can contract one company for the renovation project to ensure the work is done well and on time.

In conclusion, before making any major decisions, you should seek expert advice from professionals to complete your renovation. Employing DC plumbing renovations expert who experienced in kitchen and bathroom plumbing renovations will help you a great deal.

Tips For Building Your Dream Home Here In DC

May 2, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

As all Washingtonians know, the DC area is home to a vast array of beautiful housing stock, which tends to get sold as soon as it hits the market. For this reason, many local homebuyers are choosing to buy land and have their houses custom-built. One of the great advantages of custom-building a house is that you have a say in all of its design and construction elements, as you are present for every decision regarding the build. While this means that you are able to create the DC home of your dreams from the ground up, it also requires a lot of dedication and attention to detail on your part. This may seem like an arduous task, but the end result is so worth it. This article will provide some pointers on custom-building your house here in the DC area.

How To Find The Right Help For Your Project

You will likely need many professionals to help you with your custom home-build. Of course, you will need an architect and a contractor to design and construct your house, respectively. That is obvious to most people. What many people do not realize, however, is that there are several other aspects of a home-build that require the help of several other professionals. For one, you will need a plumber to install the plumbing in your house, and connect you to your city or county’s water service. This is a very important and difficult job, and it is recommended that you hire a DC licensed master plumber to do this work for you. You really should not take any chances with this! Equally important is the electrician who will wire your house. For this, you will want a licensed electrician who is known for providing top-notch service here in the DC area.

Having A Plan And Sticking To It

As anyone who has built their own home can tell you, having a highly-detailed plan for your build is crucial. Without one, things can spiral out of control quickly, as decisions pile on top of decisions. There are bound to be some decisions that you are forced to make on the spur of the moment, but try to make as many as you can before you begin your home-build. Even seemingly small decisions like what type of doorknobs and faucets to install are important to hash out up front. This is not only important for your sanity, it is important for your budget as well. Before beginning a project such as this, it is imperative that you take stock of how much you are willing to spend on the construction of your home, and get realistic estimates for each phase of the project. Your estimates may not be perfect, and there will surely be some expenses that you were not able to account for up front, but drafting a budget ahead of time is a great way to ensure that you do not break the bank.

Renovating Your DC Area Home

April 28, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

The price of real estate here in D.C. has skyrocketed in recent years, to the point where Washington has become one of the hottest real estate markets in the country! For this reason, many D.C. area homeowners have chosen to renovate their homes to meet their space and lifestyle needs, rather than trying to purchase a new home here in D.C. This is a great way to make sure that your home meets your tastes and requirements, without venturing back out into the costly D.C. real estate market. And – as an added bonus – when you renovate your home, you increase its value for when you do finally decide to sell it. Read below to find out how you can get the most out of your home remodel here in D.C.

Renovating Your D.C. Kitchen

There are many plumbers and contractors who specialize in DC kitchen renovations. The important thing is to be prepared for your kitchen renovation, and to know exactly what kind of upgrades you would like. Kitchen renovations are very popular here in the D.C. area, and tend to add great value to a home. One of the more popular local upgrades concerns your appliances. If your refrigerator, oven, and/or dishwasher are outdated, considering upgrading to stainless steel. Not only will this wow potential homebuyers here in Washington—it will provide a huge boost to the operating power of your appliances. Similarly, if your countertops are flimsy and outdated, consider upgrading to granite. This is a very sturdy and easy-to-clean material that D.C. area homeowners love. Once you go granite, you will not want to switch to anything else!

Basement Remodels

Unlike some areas of the country, houses in the Washington, D.C. area often come with basements. If you have a dank, unfinished basement, you can add huge resale value to your home by finishing it. Carpeted floors, plaster walls, furniture, even bathrooms and bars can make your basement feel like another room in your house. If you are going for a full basement upgrade, you will likely need a plumber and electrician to outfit your basement for its new purposes. A finished basement can also be a great place for kids to play, without disturbing the adults.

Bathroom Remodels

Bathroom remodels are also a popular way to increase home values in D.C. This sort of remodel will definitely require the help of a local plumber, especially if you are doing a major upgrade. If your bathroom is an outdated eyesore, you might wish to consider changing the tiles on the floors and walls, as well as applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls. This relatively simple change can work wonders for your bathroom. You might also wish to upgrade your sink. For one, you could upgrade the materials of your sink (marble is a popular choice). You could also install a “dual vanity”, which allows you to have two sinks! This makes getting ready in the morning so much easier.

Increase The Value Of Your Home With A Bathroom Remodel

April 8, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Selling a home can be hard. If you want to get the most money out of the sale, you may need to remodel the place. The condition of your bathroom can impact the value of your home. Even though the bathroom is not the focal point of a home, its condition can affect the offer made on your home. An outdated bathroom can be the difference between getting top dollar for your home or not.

Why Is The Bathroom Important?

Most people do not see the value in remodeling the bathrooms in their homes. While you should remodel visual parts of your home first, the bathroom should not be ignored. Bathrooms are ignored in most cases, due to tight remodeling budgets. You do not want prospective buyers to step into a time warp every time they enter the space.

When performing DC bathroom remodeling tasks, the room must be updated to match the style of the rest of the home. Buyers want to buy homes that are turn-key. They want to be able to move their stuff into the dwelling, and not have to worry about updating it to their style. Remodeling the bathroom will give your home an edge over other homes on the market.

Considerations To Make When Remodeling The Bathroom

When remodeling your bathroom, there are a few things to consider. You need to decide if you are going to do a few simple repairs to spruce up the area, or an entire remodel. Simple things that can make changes in the bathroom are painting the walls and changing out the tile. With a large remodel, you will completely revamp the appearance of the area.

If your bathroom has not been remodeled in a while, you should opt for an entire remodel. Completely remodeling the area will require you to purchase new furnishings. A new toilet, tub, sink, and showerhead should be purchased for the remodel. The cost of these fixtures can impact the cost of your home.

For example, if you purchase a high-quality tub, the cost of this appliance can be added to the home’s value. If high-end furnishings fit within your remodeling budget, they should be used. Their appeal can be the deciding point between a buyer choosing to buy or walk.

Should You Hire A Professional?

With all the DIY television shows and websites, most people believe that they can remodel their bathrooms without using a professional. The extent of the remodel will dictate if a professional is needed. If you are going to be completely remodeling the area, a professional plumbing service is needed.

The bathroom can be a dangerous place, if the remodel is not handled correctly. Remember that both water and electricity run into the room. If you do not know what you are doing the remodeling project could become hazardous, quickly.

A professional remodeling service has the skills to complete the remodel safely. Professional companies are aware of what the housing codes are for your area. They will ensure that they receive the proper permissions to perform the work, and that it is done properly.

Three Features To Consider When Choosing A Showerhead

April 6, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Showers have an impact on our daily lives. They can be used as a tool to set the tone for the day, provide a resting place at night, or refuge from daily stress. The right type of shower head can make a difference when it comes to reaping the benefits of this enjoyable task.

Finding the right type of showerhead to use when performing DC plumbing renovations can be overwhelming. Before beginning your search, there are a few things that need to be considered. The water conditions of your home, water pressure, and your budget should be taken into consideration, prior to making a purchase.

Most people that choose to update their showerheads during a renovation will want the heads to perform specific tasks. These tasks include saving water, offering varying spray options, and filtering chemicals and toxins out of the water. Finding the right type of showerhead for your renovation project is important.

Saving Water

Appliances that are water efficient are popular these days. However, state and federal regulations dictate what types of appliances can be used in each state. Opt for a showerhead that uses no more than two gallons of water per minute. Checking with a local company offering water conditioning and plumbing services can ensure you get the best appliances to fit your needs.

Spray Options

Our wants and needs change daily, it only makes sense that our showerheads adhere to our moods. After a stressful day, you may choose to get into a light and relaxing shower. Or after a long workout, you may want to feel like you are standing underneath a waterfall, and increase the pressure of the spray.

The good thing about modern technology is you can get a showerhead that offers multiple spraying options. Most models have a minimum of three spray patterns to choose from. This puts you in control of how the water from your shower will hit your body.

Filter Chemicals And Toxins Out Of The Water

Most adults are aware of the chemicals that are used to filter water. Even though the water that is brought into a home has gone through a chemical cleaning process, toxins do get left behind. Water treatment facilities need to ensure the water is safe to drink and use, they do not have to ensure that it is chemically clear.

Chlorine is one chemical that is used to clean water. Most people who are sensitive to chlorine should consider having a showerhead that filters the water. Sprite showerheads are the most common type of showerhead used that filters harmful chemicals from the water. The showerhead will filter chlorine, lead, sediment, and odors.

Plumbing renovations can be fun, if they are being done because of a want and not a need. There are lots of advanced appliances that can be installed in the space. The appliances are designed to make your bathroom experience enjoyable. The showerhead is one thing that gets overlooked in many renovation projects.

Showering is an integral part of the day, and should be enjoyed. This is time for yourself to either get yourself ready to start your day, or relax yourself before going to bed. Picking the right type of showerhead with the features that you want can make all the difference.

Upgrade Options For The Kitchen And Bathroom

March 24, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Whenever there is an upgrade made to a plumbing system in your residence, it can impact all the plumbing systems in the home. Most people are made aware of the various DC plumbing upgrades that are available when they purchase a new home. The same upgrade options that exist for new homes can also be installed in older dwellings.

When considering plumbing upgrades there are two rooms that are updated. These rooms are the kitchen and the bathroom. These are the two primary areas of a home that use water regularly. It only makes since that these are the areas of focus.

Kitchen Updates

There are three things that can be updated in the kitchen, regarding plumbing. These three things are the sink, the faucets, and the garbage disposals. All three of these items will require water to work properly.

The Sink

Drop style sinks that are made of stainless steel are the standard sink for new construction. The sinks are stain and corrosion resistant. Upgrades to the sink would be opting to have the sink under-mounted. With an under-mount sink, the sink is mounted underneath the counter, and clips are used to hold it in place.

The Faucets

Upgrading a faucet is simple. One of the most common updates to a faucet is to install a spout that pulls out. You can find these faucets through various plumbing fixture companies. The style and finishes of the faucet differ greatly. Make sure you do some research, to locate a faucet that adheres to your needs.

The Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can be useful for some. They are not necessary, but if you opt for one, there are always upgraded versions available. Garbage disposals are priced according to their horsepower; the higher the horsepower, the higher the cost.

Bathroom Updates

When considering plumbing updates, one of the main places people consider is the bathroom. The three most common renovations to make in your bathroom are the faucets, toilets, and showers. Deciding on what types of upgrades you want to have performed can be daunting.

The Bathroom Faucets

The first type of upgrade available for the bathroom faucets is the finish. You have the option of choosing between a stainless steel, polished brass, or brushed nickel finish. A widespread faucet is another upgrade that can be made to the bathroom faucets. These types of faucets have separate spouts for hot and cold water.

The Toilets

The design of the standard toilet is not aesthetically appealing. Not to mention, anyone that is over 185lbs cannot stand their design. The seat is relatively small. A few updates that can be done to the toilet are to purchase an elongated bowl, have a higher seat installed, or change the traditional white color of the unit.

The Showers

There are many updates that a shower can have performed. Everything from the walls, to the piping, to the showerhead can be replaced during a renovation. There are a variety of different types of showerheads to choose from, as well as other high-quality finishes that can be applied.

Three Ways To Make Your Bathroom Water Efficient

March 22, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Renovating an existing bathroom, can be an exciting and fun challenge. With all the things to consider, water or energy efficiency may be two factors that get neglected. The good news is it is not hard to perform bathroom remodeling in DC. This is thanks to new regulations.

It does help to familiarize yourself with the available options to make your bathroom efficient. When creating an energy efficient bathroom, there are three areas to focus on. Focus should be given to the toilets, bathtubs, and showerheads.

Toilets

When considering water efficiency in your bathroom, you need to start with the toilet. Flushing the toilets in a home account for one third of overall indoor water use. Older toilets use more water than the newer ones available. Houses that have a toilet that was made before 1994 are wasting 3.5 gallons of water, every time that the toilet is flushed.

In comparison, new toilets use 1.6 gallons or less, per flush. This equates to a significant amount of savings on your water bill. There are some models that provide separate flushing options. For liquid waste, to be flushed, these toilets use 0.8-1.1 gallons. While solid waste uses 1.6 gallons.

Bathtubs

When it comes to water efficiency, bathtubs get a bad rap. It is understandable, why they are looked at negatively, in this regard. The average bathtub holds anywhere from 30-50 gallons of water, if it is filled up. Before banning anyone from using the tub in your home, keep in mind that choosing a shower over a bath does not make a difference.

The longer you choose to shower, the more water you will use. Most people prefer to shower, and will save bathing for a few select days out of the week. Filling up a bathtub to the half-way point can help cut back on water waste.

Showerheads

The shower is another water-guzzler. Showerheads that were made before 1994 can use up to eight gallons of water per minute, when used for a basic showering session. The updated showerheads use a lesser amount. New showerheads are capped at the amount of water they disperse. The newer showerheads use roughly 2.5 gallons of water a minute.

Lesser water does not mean lesser force. The new showerheads still provide a steady stream of water, just like the previous ones. Low-flow showerheads do exist, but many people are disappointed by the way that they operate. The newer showerheads can help you get an enjoyable shower with using insignificant amounts of water.

People want to save money on their household bills, so they can afford to spend their money for other things they require. When updating or remodeling a bathroom, you need to pay close attention to the appliances that are going to adorn the area. The toilet, bathtub, and showerhead are three upgrades to consider when performing a bathroom remodel.

These three appliances are known for using substantial amounts of water to function. Updating the appliances to newer versions can help conserve water. Low-flow options are also available for added water savings.

How To Stay Warm During The Chilly D.C. Winters

March 15, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

D.C. is lucky in that its winters aren’t as severe as winters in some other cities (Have you been to Minneapolis in January?!). That said, winters in the capital can get pretty chilly and, on rare occasions, downright brutal. This article will list some ways that you can crush the cold here in the Washington, D.C. area. Hopefully these tips will help make your D.C. winters a little more pleasant. As far as traffic is concerned…well…you’re on your own there.

Winterize Your Home

There a few steps that you can take to make sure that your home is ready for a D.C. winter. Most of these steps are meant to ensure that cold air does not come into your house and hot air does not escape. One cheap and easy step is to put a thin, insulating film on your windows. These can be purchased at D.C. area home improvement stores, and can work wonders in preventing heat escape. Speaking of windows, upgrading to storm windows is the best way to make sure your windows are keeping the heat in, and the cold out. D.C. area home improvement stores also sell draft guard: thin strips of insulation that you can place beneath your door, to prevent airflow in the gap between the door and the floor. For a larger overhaul, upgrade to fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is the optimal material for insulating your home. Finally, make sure all cracks and gaps in your home are sealed tight. Use a caulking gun to seal any cracks you might notice. These simple steps will all add up to make you a lot warmer.

Optimize Your Appliances

Obviously, it is important to make sure that your heater is in good working order. If your heater starts malfunctioning once the cold kicks in, call an HVAC company to come repair it right away. It is also important to make sure the filter in your furnace is clean. This is a simple step that you can take to optimize your furnace’s performance. Make sure your water heater is working right as well—there is nothing worse than taking a freezing cold shower on a cold winter morning! If your water heater is not working right, there are plenty of good plumbers who provide water heater repair in DC. If you do find that the water in your house is not as hot as it should be, try turning up the thermostat first. If that does not help, it is time to call the professionals.

Don’t Break The Bank On Utilities

Furnaces and water heaters are great devices for D.C. winters, but your utility bills can add up very fast. On days when it is just a little chilly, try to see if you can avoid cranking up the thermostat. Bundling up is a good option for beating the cold, even indoors. It may seem a little silly to wear a coat and hat in your own living room, but this can greatly reduce your utility bill. Oh, and if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, use it!

Upgrading Your Washington, D.C. Home

March 14, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Plumbing Advicematt

As you know, housing prices in the D.C. area are through the roof! Finding a move-in ready home, with all the bells and whistles, that fits your budget can be a very tall order indeed! What you will likely have to do, as a D.C. area homebuyer, is purchase a fixer-upper and turn it into your dream home. Not only will this increase the home’s resale value—it will allow you to add your own personal touches. Not only that, it will give you a sense of accomplishment at having taken an active role in your home’s transformation. This article will describe some of the ways that you can upgrade your D.C. home, so that it can become your D.C. dream home.

D.C. Window Upgrades

If you bought a fixer-upper, chances are your windows need some serious TLC. Luckily, there are many window companies here in the D.C. area who will not only sell you new windows, but will also come and install them! Storm windows are a popular upgrade as they provide maximum insulation, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in. If security is your main concern, consider purchasing glass block windows on your ground floor or basement. These thick blocks of glass are nearly impossible to break, and will give you a feeling of security.

Plumbing Upgrades

There are many reputable plumbers who provide plumbing upgrades in DC. One plumbing upgrade that can be very beneficial – and perhaps necessary – to your D.C. home is the repair of the actual pipes themselves. If your pipes are old and weak, consider upgrading to cast iron piping. Not only is this one of the most durable pipes around, it is also “quieter” than other pipes, so that the typical plumbing sounds you might hear in a house will not be as loud. Another popular upgrade is a whole house water filter, which will filter all water that comes out of your tap, no matter which faucet it comes out of. Speaking of faucets, most D.C. plumbers are able to upgrade your faucets, sinks, and showerheads as well. This will insure that your plumbing fixtures have the sleekest look and the most efficient performance. Finally, if you feel that your water is too “hard” (high in mineral content), try installing a water softener. This will make the water in your house much gentler on your clothes, skin, and pipes!

Cosmetic Upgrades

If the D.C. home you purchased is not exactly a sight to behold, don’t worry. There are many aesthetic upgrades that you can do at relatively low cost. The good news is, whatever hideous decorating decisions that the previous homeowners made can usually be undone. Ugly carpet can be removed, hideous wall paper can be stripped, and awkward paint colors can be painted over. These are all improvements that you can do yourself, with a little time and elbow grease. There are also various little touches that you can add to make your home more beautiful and more valuable: crown molding, granite counter tops, recessed lighting, and tile backsplashes are all very popular. With these upgrades, you are well on the way to owning the home of your dreams!

Tackling Your Renovation In Washington, D.C.

March 10, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

In D.C.’s blazing hot housing market, homeowners are always looking for new ways to get their resale value even higher. The sky is truly the limit here in Washington! One great way to increase home values is through renovation projects. This can seem like a daunting task, not only in terms of the actual sweat and labor, but even in terms of the planning! Don’t worry though: if you own a home here in the Washington, D.C. area, and are looking to undertake a major renovation, this article has you covered.

Renovating Your Bathroom

D.C. bathroom renovations are becoming more and more popular. These days, it seems like every bathroom in the capital has recently undergone some amazing renovation project. This is one of those cases where it is a great idea to “keep up with the Joneses”! Renovating your bathroom can add great value to your home, as a beautiful bathroom can make a great impression on potential buyers. There are many ways that you can beautify your bathroom. Adding new tile is certainly a popular upgrade. Updating the lighting in your bathroom can also add a little extra touch of elegance. For better functionality, try replacing your sink with a double vanity. This convenient feature allows two people to use the sink at the same time—no more fighting over who gets to brush their teeth first!

Remodeling Your Kitchen

A kitchen renovation can add big bucks to your resale value, and we mean big! There are many popular upgrades that you can currently see at kitchens all over D.C. One of the most popular upgrades here in the D.C. market is granite countertops. Granite is durable, sturdy, easy to clean, and really catches the eye. This is a rather costly upgrade, but it will do wonders for the resale value of your home. You might also consider adding a backsplash (tile is a very popular choice) to add that extra eye-pleasing touch. Consider updating your appliances as well—it is hard to find a high-end kitchen here in the D.C. area that doesn’t feature stainless steel appliances. Not only will new appliances add value to your home, they will make storing, cooking and cleaning food that much easier, allowing your culinary skills to truly shine.

Remodeling Your Bedroom

Bedroom remodels are another popular way for D.C. homeowners to increase their resale value. There are many things you can do to your bedroom to really set it apart. For one, try raising the ceilings, to give the bedroom a more spacious, more palatial feel. Speaking of ceilings, installing a skylight to allow for some extra natural light can be another great addition to your bedroom. Repainting or papering the walls is a relatively cheap upgrade that can really make the room pop! Choose complimentary colors and patterns that reflect your personal taste and style. All of the these bedroom renovations will not only make your bedroom more comfortable to sleep in, it will make it a hit with potential buyers!