We’re hours away – literally – from the start of a new year. Kick off 2011 the right way with some remodeling around the home.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, a new sink can really add a sense of elegance to the location. There are various options to choose from, including wall-mounted sinks or even pedestal sinks. They can come in all shapes and sizes, but make sure you have enough room in your bathroom to fulfill the plans for your dream sink.

Most sinks come in either porcelain or marble. Metal surfaces also are reliable options. Make your decision based on how often a sink will get used, in addition to who plans on using the sink. A household with small children may want to invest in something that has durability, such as white porcelain. Metal sinks (brass, steel, copper, etc.) will require more management.

Keep in mind that the more glamorous you want your sink, the more it may cost to purchase and install. Once you make your decision, allow our expert plumbers in Charlotte NC to assist you with your faucet and sink needs. Call our plumbing company today, or contact us online for more details.

We’re days away from Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Whichever festive holiday you celebrate, our plumbing company wishes you nothing but peace and joy.

In addition to the festivities, we’re also days away from the expiration of the tax credit consumers can earn for purchasing energy-efficient appliances. The tax credit covers everything from energy-efficient HVAC systems to energy-efficient windows and doors – as well as energy-efficient water heaters.

If you ever were considering trading in that clunky traditional water heater for a more compact tankless water heater, now is the time to do so. Tankless water heaters are becoming the option for more and more consumers not only because they take up less space but also because they provide an unlimited supply of hot water throughout your home.

Keep in mind that to be eligible for the tax credit, you must purchase a gas tankless water heater. Electric tankless water heaters are not eligible for the credit. Feel free to check the Energy Star website for more details.

The credit can help you significantly, as it will cover 30 percent of the cost of improvements. Taxpayers can receive a credit of up to $1,500 for all improvements that qualify under the credit stipulations. If you’re going to take advantage, you must purchase before Dec. 31.

Feel free to call our expert Charlotte plumbers today, or contact us online for more information on the tax credit or tankless water heater installation and service.

Aside from a nicer space and greater creature comforts, a kitchen remodel carries with it a number of advantages, not the least of which is the fact that the cost will usually more than repay for itself when calculated into the home’s resale value. Still, the up-front cost can be daunting, and determining what fixtures to replace can be a difficult decision. Setting up your budget in advance is the most important qualifier in planning your kitchen remodel.

Pick Your Battles

Know that kitchen remodels are quite an undertaking, and you may be looking at living without a kitchen for days, weeks, or even months, depending on how extensively you intend to remodel the room. It might be to your benefit to work in stages, so that you have a majority of the appliances and fixtures working at any given time. For example, don’t remove the cooktop, microwave, and oven all at once. Also, if there are appliances that are new and still mesh with the new design, you may want to save the expense of replacement.

Shop for a Contractor

Get estimates from different contractors. You most likely won’t use the same contractor for every portion of the job. For example, you may use one for installing countertops and cupboards while hiring a Charlotte plumbing contractor to install your sink, faucet, refrigerator, and other appliances. Check references, and compare prices. Make sure you choose a trustworthy company that you feel comfortable having in your home for an extended period and don’t settle for ‘cheap’ just to save cash. After all, you stand to lose just as much as you gain if the job isn’t done right.

Make the Right Purchases

Everyone yearns for the top-of-the-line equipment, but you can save a tremendous amount and still have the right look and feel to your kitchen remodel without buying the biggest and best. You can work with your plumbing contractor to determine the best fixtures and appliances for the job in question if you don’t feel comfortable choosing the items on your own.

Payment Scheduling

Paying for the entire remodel up front is one way to lose serious money. Make sure the payment schedule is clear from the start, and know what each contractor expects as a down payment. Typically, it is around 25 percent of the overall expected cost. With Charlotte plumbing contractors, this could vary, depending on the amount of work to be done.

Planning ahead can save you time, hassle, and money when it comes to kitchen remodels. Before you take the plunge, be sure you know what you are getting into and have an idea of what needs to be accomplished. You’ll find that the whole process is completed more smoothly.

Winter is upon us, and as the Charlotte weather cools down, you’ve discovered through a most unpleasant experience in a cold shower that your water heater is no longer up to par with the demands of your household. It’s time to replace the old hot water heater tank with a newer, more efficient, functional model, but you aren’t sure how to determine the best unit for the job. The real problem is that there is no single answer, as various applications and needs require a different size, type, and method of water heating capabilities. Here are some factors to consider when contacting your Charlotte plumbing contractor about purchasing and installing a new water heater.