AP Plumbing Bathroom Remodeling: Before vs. After

Are you looking to remodel your bathroom?  From a free in-home estimate to installing your new plumbing fixtures, we can help you each step of the way.  Here are a few recent remodels we completed in the Rochester area!

If you are looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, contact our office this weekend.  Our professional technicians and remodeling experts are here to help.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact AP Plumbing.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

How Can You Invest Your Tax Refund At Home?

It's tax season!  Have you gotten your refund back yet?  According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average income-tax refund is more than $2,100.  This can go a long way towards beginning to upgrade your home!  

Home Improvement Projects:

• Kitchen Countertops - Kitchen counters experience a lot of wear and tear.  They can also become outdated quickly.  Upgrading your countertops is a great way to invest the money from your tax return.
• Bathroom Flooring - Bathrooms are one of the most popular rooms to renovate in your home.  They can add to the overall value of your home, as well as improve function.  If you aren't ready for a full makeover, start with updating your bathroom floors.
• Vanity or Sink - Update your bathroom vanity and sink with a more modern look.  This can change the appearance of your bathroom overall.  If you choose a vanity with built-in shelve sand cabinets you also gain additional storage space.
• Faucet - Leaking or outdated faucets can be frustrating.  Not only do they put strain your plumbing system, but they could also be costing you money.  Updating your kitchen or bathroom faucet to a new model can change the look of the room and improve your plumbing system.

If you had a water heater installed last year (2014) it may apply for a federal tax credit in your tax return this year.  Visit the Energy Star website for more information on what home installations will qualify for a tax incentive this year.

If you are looking to invest your tax return back into your home this year, give AP Plumbing a call!  We can help you with all of your bathroom and kitchen remodeling needs!

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Replacing Your Water Heater: New Water Heater Regulations

Is your water heater over ten years old?  You might be do for a replacement!  However, homeowners should be aware that updates to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act mean that many water heaters will be larger, requiring more space for installation.  Here is what you need to know about how the update will effect you.

The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) provides minimum efficiency standards for home water heaters.  This spring, they are updating the rules and increasing the minimum efficiency standards for both electric and gas water heaters.  

Residential Water Heaters Less Than 55 Gallons

• Two or more inches taller
• Two or more inches wider in diameter

Residential Water Heaters Over 55 Gallons

• All electric models must be of the Hybrid Electric heat pump water heater type design
• All gas models must be of the condensing water heater type design

Read more about the new water heater guidelines here:  www.hotwater.com/naeca

If you are looking to update your water heater or you have any questions about the new water heater requirements, give our office a call.  We can help you determine whether or not the water heater will fit in your available space or if you need to adjust water heater tank sizes.  Call 585-216-3058 or visit our website for more information.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Creative Ways to Save on Your Remodel

Are you looking to remodel your bathroom?  The first step in the remodeling process should be taking a look at your budget.  Here are a few tips to help you save on your bathroom renovations.

Remodeling on a Budget:

• Use Less Tile - One way to cut back on the expense of your remodel is by using less tile in your room.  Restrict tiles to the showers and floors to minimize cost.
• Save on Counter Tops - Counter tops are a popular splurge item for homeowners.   However, if you're looking to save, certain colors of granite can be less expensive than others.  
• Update Your Fixtures - Updating your fixtures can go a long way towards making your bathroom look new.  New light fixtures, sink faucets, towel racks and drawer pulls can really change the look and feel of your room.
• Be Eco-Conscious - Keep the environment in mind when updating your bathroom.  More water-efficient appliances will help you conserve and save money in the long term.

For more bathroom remodeling tips on a budget, check out this article.

If you are looking to plan a bathroom or kitchen remodel this winter, give our office a call.  Our plumbing and remodeling experts can help you find the perfect bathroom design for your family.  Call 585-216-3058 or visit our website for more information.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Designing Your Dream Bathroom

What would we find in your dream bathroom?  

Comment on our Facebook page for a chance to win $100 towards your next remodeling or plumbing service with AP Plumbing this February!

The cold winter months are perfect for home improvement and remodeling projects.  Whether you are looking to update your shower fixtures or remodel your kitchen, we want to make the process simple for you and your family.

If you are looking to plan a bathroom or kitchen remodel this winter, give our office a call.  Our plumbing and remodeling experts can help you find the perfect bathroom design for your family.  Call 585-216-3058 or visit our website for more information.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Love Your Bathroom - Remodeling Tips for Valentine's Day

Bathrooms are often a neglected room in the home.  With Valentine's Day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to show your bathroom some love.  Here are a few tips to help make the bathroom remodeling process simple.

Bathroom Remodeling Tips:

• Plan for Shower Storage - Rather than having units that hang from rods in the shower or suction cup to the wall, plan for niches that blend into your bathroom walls.  Not only does this add to your bathroom design, it's convenient and helps you save space!
• Use Accent Tiles - Adding mosaic tiles to your bathroom shower can add a beautiful design and pattern to the room.  It's a great way to update your bathroom walls without overdoing it.
• Update Your Lighting - New lighting fixtures can be both functional and decorative.  Not only do they improve illumination during your morning and evening routines, but they can also add to the overall design of the room.
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• Give us a Call - Our professional plumbing technicians and bathroom remodeling experts can help you create the perfect bathroom for your family's needs.  We can help you get your project completed quickly and correctly the first time around.

Check out this article from Popular Mechanics magazine for more smart tips on how to remodel your bathroom.  If you think you're due for a bathroom update, contact our plumbing and remodeling professionals.  Call 585-216-3058 or visit our website for more information.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Tips to Help You Organize Your Bathroom Cleaning

When was the last time you really, thoroughly cleaned your bathroom?  It might not be your favorite job, but a thorough clean tonight can leave you with some extra time to relax over the weekend!  

Here are a few tips and steps you shouldn't leave out of your bathroom cleaning process.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist:

• Wash Towels - Clean your bathroom towels that are usually out on hooks and bars.  You can also toss your shower curtain in the washing machine (if you have one).
• Clean the Counter - Take everything off of your bathroom counter before cleaning the sink and the counter top.
• Clean the Toilet - Put cleaner in your toilet and let it sit while you clean the rest of your bathroom.
• Wipe Down Tiles - Clean the counter, tiled walls, and floor.  
• Vanity Mirror - Wipe down the mirror with your favorite cleaning product.

Read this article from Apartment Therapy for more bathroom cleaning tips and tricks.  You can also visit our website to learn about our plumbing and bathroom remodeling services.  If you have any problems with your bathroom, give a call at 585-216-3058.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

What Effect Does Remodeling Have on Home Value in Rochester?

Cold winter months are perfect for home remodeling.  If your bathroom is due for a makeover, it might be time to give us a call!  A newly remodeled bathroom or kitchen can help improve the comfort of your space and in many cases, also improve the resale value of your home.  

Cost vs. Value of Mid-Range remodeling projects, according to the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report:

• Bathroom Remodel - Bathroom remodeling is a popular way to add comfort and value to your home.  According to the Cost vs. Value report, homeowners who updated a 5-by-7 foot bathroom with new fixtures recouped 52.5% of their value.  This covers the entire value of your bath and improves the overall value of your home.
• Basement Remodel - Basement remodeling can be a big investment.  For a mid-range project, the cost vs. value report estimated that a basement remodel would cost $61,723.  While many projects improve the value of the home overall, the same value doesn't apply to all Rochester homes.  In Rochester, homeowners tend to recoup just 46.2% of the value (compared to 77.6% nationally).  While this still covers most of the value of the project, it doesn't necessarily mean improving your overall home value.
• Minor Kitchen Remodel - A minor kitchen remodel is a project that involves replacing cabinet fronts, doors and drawers, updating hardware, replacing the wall oven and cooktop, replacing laminate countertops, installing a mid-priced sink and faucet, repainting trim, adding wall coverings, and replacing flooring.  In Rochester, this project would add a lot of value to your home.  According to the cost vs. value report, this homeowner recouped 56.5% of their value.
• Major Kitchen Remodel - A major kitchen remodeling project includes all of the updates involved in the minor remodel, as well as a standard double-tub stainless-steel sink,a ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting.  In Rochester, homeowners recouped 58.4% of the remodeling cost!

Our remodeling experts can help you weigh the best options for your home and help you determine if the cost is worth the resale value.  Visit our website to learn more about our remodeling services and call 585-216-3058 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

© 2014 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2014 Cost. vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.