When you remake your kitchen or bathroom, you can transform their look and function with all-new fixtures. Use these practical tips to help you select the right new plumbing fixtures for your remodel in Arizona.
Set a Budget
Before you start shopping, set a budget for your remodel. Determine how much of that budget you want to spend on new plumbing fixtures. Once you have that amount in mind, you can avoid considering items like faucets, showerheads and toilets that exceed what you can afford to spend.
Consider Your Personal Style
Before you shop, you should also consider your personal style. Do you want your kitchen or bathroom to look sleek and modern? Would you rather it look charming and rustic? Pinpoint a particular style and choose fixtures that reflect it.
Think About Functionality
You also need to consider the functionality of your new plumbing fixtures. Choose those that will accommodate your lifestyle and physical capabilities and limitations. For example, select a sink that you can reach across easily to turn the taps on and off without stretching.
Look for Quality
Look for high-quality plumbing supplies that will offer you a good return on your investment in them. Choose those that will endure daily use and avoid breaking or leaking. High-quality plumbing items can also spare you frequent and pricey repairs or replacements.
Consider the Finish
You should also consider what kind of finish you want your new plumbing items to have. Do you want them to be shiny and glossy? Would you rather them have a matte finish? Choose a finish like chrome, brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze that complements your decor.
Water Efficiency
Water efficiency should factor into your selection process. Look for fixtures with WaterSense labels. These labels indicate that these fixtures can save you water and help lower your monthly water bills. Most home improvement and hardware stores carry WaterSense plumbing fixtures in stock.
Ease of Cleaning
You may also find it helpful to choose fixtures that you can easily maintain. You can wipe them down every day to keep them free from water spots and grime. You avoid having to spend time each day scrubbing them down just to maintain their appearance and function.
Compatibility
Before you shop for new fixtures, inspect your plumbing system and ensure you understand what kinds of new fixtures are compatible with it. This tip spares you from buying items you cannot use and will have to return or exchange. If you are not sure of what parts to use for your system, hire a plumber to advise you on what fixtures to buy.
Brand Reputation
Likewise, choose plumbing items from reputable brands. Some of the leading brands in the plumbing industry include Kohler, Amana and American Standard. Reputable brands typically offer high-quality fixtures that offer solid performance and peace of mind.
Warranties
Leading plumbing brands also typically back up their fixtures with manufacturer warranties. These warranties protect you from any costs for repairing or replacing the fixtures because of manufacturer or installer defects or damages. Choose parts like faucets and showerheads with warranties on them.
Installation
Look for parts that you can easily install. If you want the remodel to wrap up quickly, you need to choose fixtures that offer easy installation. Your plumber could install and have them ready for you and your family to use in hours rather than days.
Ergonomics
If you have arthritis or physical limitations that make grasping, pushing or pulling difficult, you should look for ergonomically designed plumbing items. They make using the plumbing in your kitchen or bathroom easier. They also minimize your discomfort and can give you more independence to carry out your daily routine.
Consider the Aesthetics
As you shop for new plumbing fixtures, avoid the temptation to buy something that might look good in the store but awkward in your home. Take pictures of your bathroom or kitchen with you when you shop to help you select faucets, sinks and other fixtures that will offer you the ideal aesthetics.
Upgrade Technology
You can also find plumbing fixtures that offer new and convenient technology. For example, you can install touchless faucets that you can activate by moving your hands under the taps. You can also install smart showerheads that save you money on your water bill.
Take Note of Size and Proportion
Any new plumbing items you choose must fit in the space available for them in your home. Take measurements to ensure you buy a new tub, shower stall, toilet, sink, or other fixtures that will fit in your kitchen or bathroom.
Look for Safety Features
If you have physical limitations, such as having to use a wheelchair or walker, you can select fixtures with safety features. These features can include grab bars in your new shower stall or a non-slip seat on your new toilet.
Consider Eco-Friendly Options
When you want to lower your home’s carbon footprint, consider buying items made from recycled materials. Eco-friendly bathroom and kitchen fixtures could come at lower costs and also make your remodel less harmful to the local environment.
Noise Levels
Likewise, consider adding those fixtures that offer quiet function. For example, a dishwasher that operates quietly can make your household more peaceful. You can hold conversations and watch TV without having to speak louder or turn up the volume.
Comply With Building Codes
You should also understand what, if any, building codes with which you must comply. Abiding by the local codes ensures you buy fixtures that will pass an inspection. You also avoid spending money on new fixtures that you will just have to remove and replace because they violate building codes.
Consider Customer Reviews
If you are not sure how to start the selection process, read online customer reviews. Customers who have used the same fixtures you are considering can give you an idea if those new assets are worth your time and money. You can also gain a better idea of how well those fixtures will perform for you.
Visit a Showroom
You can also visit a local plumbing showroom in Glendale to see the newest fixtures available to you. You can view them in person and find out what they feel like. You can also sample how they function and get a better idea of how they will look and function in your house.
Hire a Plumber
You have the option of outsourcing this work to a plumber. A plumber with experience remodeling kitchens and bathrooms can advise you on what new fixtures to use. Your plumber can also recommend new fixtures based on your budget and install them for you.
Rely on Us for New Plumbing Fixture Installation
As a family-owned local plumbing business, we have 25 years of experience advising about and installing new plumbing fixtures for customers throughout the Glendale, AZ area. Our fully licensed, insured and certified company has accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. We also offer discounts for senior citizens, first responders and military members. Our team regularly installs and services fixtures from leading brands like Ruud, Navien, Delta, American Standard and Moen.
In addition to new plumbing installation, our team cleans drains, fixes leaks, and repairs and upgrades sewer lines. We also provide services for water heaters, water softeners, water filtration systems, and sump pumps. Contact us at AZ Family Plumbing today to learn more about choosing new plumbing fixtures for your remodel.
