As trees turn to the spectacular color fest that autumn brings, we are reminded that the holiday season is fast approaching. After the initial euphoric thoughts about great food, seasonal music and gift giving, panic sets in. You are expecting guests soon and your bathroom layout is planted firmly in the dark ages and you don’t know where to begin. Never fear, here are a few tips to get you started.
- Look at your bathroom objectively - Decide what you like and want to keep and what you definitely want to discard. Then you can work your remodel around them.
- Don't overlook the small details. Splurging on bathroom fixtures such as toilet paper holders, light switches or cabinet pulls add an extra level of elegance and style.
- Consider upkeep when planning your remodel - Ask yourself how hard it will be to clean or maintain. For example, choosing white grout with your tile can be challenging to keep it from staining and discoloration over time. If you don’t want to scrub tile in your shower, consider a low-maintenance molded shower insert.
- Try to keep your finishes consistent - From shiny chrome to oil-rubbed bronze, there are several finishes you can choose from for your towel rack, faucet, shower head, toilet paper holder, light fixtures, etc. Keeping your finishes consistent is not a steadfast rule, so if you love a lighting fixture that only comes in chrome and everything else is bronze, follow your creative spirit.
- Counter tops matter – The most common materials used for counter tops are marble, quartz and granite. Even though they all are beautiful, the one that requires less maintenance may be your best bet. Marble is the most porous and is susceptible to stains and is sensitive to some chemical cleaners. Granite is durable and stain resistant, however, an occasional sealant needs to be applied to ensure luster and longevity. Quartz is nonporous, requires no topcoat and has no maintenance.
Still panicking? The Internet is your best friend. Search bathroom remodeling on Pinterest or on the Maeser portfolio page to get ideas. Then plan your remodeling strategy or give Maeser a call for our turn-key bathrooms that will take you from demo to paint.
1. CHANGE YOUR FILTERS Dirty filters in your home’s heating system result in dirty air in your home. They also restrict the system’s air flow, reducing your heating system’s efficiency by up to 15%.
2. INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT Installing a programmable thermostat in your home (and using it correctly!) can save you up to $180 in heating and cooling costs each year.
3. SET YOUR PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT Setting it for an optimal temperature of 68º while you are awake and at home and 10 degrees cooler than that while you sleep and are at work will result in big savings.
4. TUNE-UP YOUR EQUIPMENT Annual maintenance on your heating equipment prolongs its life, prevents untimely breakdowns, protects your home from potential damage and increases your system’s efficiency.
5. REDUCE YOUR WATER HEATER’S TEMPERATURE Water heaters usually come with a preset temperature of 140º. Adjusting this preset temperature to 120º will save you money.
6. SEAL YOUR WINDOWS Gaps around windows result in a drafty feel and a source of heat loss. This heat loss can easily be stopped by adding caulking around your home’s windows.
7. ADD WEATHER STRIPPING TO YOUR EXTERIOR DOORS Many exterior doors have a small gap at the very bottom – this gap is an easy escape route for your home’s heat. Adding weather stripping to the bottom of the door will block that loss.
8. INSULATE YOUR ATTIC Adding 12 inches of insulation to your home’s attic will drastically reduce heating loss in the winter while also keeping your home cooler in the summer months.
9. SEAL YOUR DUCTS Leaking ducts affect 3 out of 4 homes in the US and homes that have leaking duct work lose between 25-40% of heating energy through the leaks in their duct work.
10. CHECK YOUR HEATING VENTS Make sure that your vents are not being stifled by items in your home. Check your heating vents to ensure that they are not blocked by furniture, rugs or other household objects.
11. REMOVE ANY WINDOW-UNIT AIR CONDITIONERS This will reduce the risk of heat loss through the unit and the gaps on the sides of the unit. If you cannot remove the a/c, add insulation around the outside of the unit and caulk in any gaps on the sides.
12. INSULATE YOUR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND SWITCHES Adding foam outlet and switch gaskets behind the wall plates throughout your home will prevent heat loss through the outlet and switch openings.
13. INSULATE YOUR ATTIC ACCESS PANEL Prevent heat loss by adding weather stripping around the attic access panel. Additionally, cut a piece of foam board insulation to attach to and cover the back of the panel.
14. CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY’S FLUE Gaps around the flue allow heat to escape. Glimpse into your chimney and see if you can spot any daylight. If you can, you have a gap to fill. Consider using an inflatable chimney balloon.
15. MAKE USE OF YOUR HOME’S CURTAINS Open them during the day to let in the sun’s warm light and draw them shut at night to help prevent warm air from making its way out the window.
16. USE YOUR CEILING FAN This may sound counterintuitive, but setting your ceiling fan to run clockwise, at a slow speed will send the warm air that has risen to the top of the room down towards you and your family.
17. PUT A JACKET ON YOUR WATER HEATER Well, an insulating layer that is. This can help your water heater keep the tanked water warmer with less energy during cold winter weather.
18. CLEAN YOUR WOOD OR PELLET STOVE VENTS REGULARLY This cleaning will help keep the wood or pellet stove running efficiently. It also reduces the risk of fire damage to your home.
19. GIVE THE FURNACE SOME SPACE Your furnace (or boiler!) needs room to run efficiently. Remove any items that you may be storing closely around or against your heating system to give it the space it needs.
20. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR HEATING SPECIALS! Having your home’s heating system professionally tuned-up will help it run better for longer…and for a limited time take $30 off any home heating service.
In 1975, Marvin and Mildred Maeser started their family-owned and operated plumbing business with a toolbox and a truck. Working out of their home, Marvin was the tradesman, and Mildred handled the books. Their partnership was successful, and now, forty years later, Marvin Maeser Plumbing is still proudly serving Louisville and the surrounding area. For many years, new construction plumbing was our specialty. Over time, we began to look for new and better ways to serve our community. In 2003, we began our service company, Maeser Master Services, in order to provide plumbing, heating, air conditioning service, and bathroom remodeling.
You, our loyal customers, have been with us all along and have helped to shape us into the company we are today. We want to thank you for your loyalty, and we recognize that loyal customers contribute to the success of a small business. We want to say thank you and relay our gratitude for the many times you have referred us to your family and friends. Referrals indicate to us that we have done a great job for you, and we appreciate your trust in us. The comments we receive from you, whether positive or negative are also appreciated, as they are used as a way to improve our service to you. We use these suggestions and comments to coach our technicians about what is most important to you.
Today, Marvin Maeser and his daughter, Melissa Wilson, continue to emphasize the importance of doing the job right, following all plumbing and HVAC codes, and providing work that is of professional quality. Melissa, along with Operations Manager for new construction, Greg Wilson, and Service Manager, Pat Mangeot, work diligently to hire the best licensed technicians possible to provide top-quality service to our community.
Finally, we would like to thank our loyal employees, some of whom have been with us from the very beginning. They represent our company professionally and are integral in helping us provide high quality service to our customers. We appreciate their hard work and commitment to making Marvin Maeser Plumbing and Maeser Master Services the company we are today.
Have you ever said, "If only I had…(fill in the blank)…then none of this would have happened?" This blog is intended to minimize stress and cost and maximize efficiency and peace of mind. I am talking about your home's emergency shut-off valves. If you had an emergency and needed to turn off your water, would you know where the shut-off valve is located? Knowing where to find your shut-off valve is only half of the solution.
Common places to look for your shut-off valves include corners of the basement, in the crawl space, in the garage where the water line enters the wall or ceiling, near the water heater, near the clothes washer hookup, or outside near the foundation. If your water pipe springs a leak, knowing where the shut-off valve is located can save you lots of money in water damage, repair, and replacement.
There are two types of shutoff valves: a main water shut-off which shuts off the flow of water throughout the whole house, or the supply shut-off valve which stops the flow of water to a specific appliance or fixture.
Your main shut-off valve in your home may have one of two different designs: a gate valve or a ball valve. The gate valve is durable and will last for years, however, after years of not being turned, it may be difficult to turn with your bare hands. Test it now before you are standing in inches of water in the event of a burst pipe.
A full-flow ball valve is most commonly found in homes with plastic or copper main water pipes. To close this valve, turn the handle clockwise one quarter turn aligning it at a right angle to the pipe.
After testing your valve by closing and opening it, the valve stem may begin to leak. A packing nut holds the stem of the valve in place. Tighten the packing nut just enough to stop the leak, but not too tight so that the valve is too difficult to turn when an emergency occurs.
Once you have found your shutoff valves, tag them so they are easy to find in an emergency. It is recommended that you also make sure the whole family knows where these valves are located. Email [email protected] for 2 free shutoff valve tags.
Need help finding your shutoff valves? Maeser can help. Give us a call at (502) 206-4192.
If you are not ready for a complete bathroom remodel, sometimes just making one change in your bathroom can make it more appealing. Although it is one of the most functional items in your bathroom, your medicine cabinet can add style and become a gorgeous focal point. With many surprising options to choose from, here are three steps to consider when choosing to add or change your medicine cabinet.
The first step is to choose your installation type. You can mount a medicine cabinet flush with your wall or you can cut through your bathroom wall and recess your cabinet. A wall-mounted option may take up more space than you want, but saves you from having to cut a hole in your wall or worry about pipes or wires behind the wall. On the other hand, a recessed cabinet is usually more aesthetically pleasing, but you may have to reroute pipes or wires if they interfere with the cabinet placement.
The second step is to select a style that will coordinate with the rest of your bathroom's architecture. The most common designs are either traditional, contemporary, or transitional. A traditional-style medicine cabinet is usually framed in wood and includes decorative molding and/or a beveled mirror. For a more modern, contemporary style, choose a frameless mirror. A transitional look has features that incorporate a traditional and contemporary look, for example a metal-framed mirrored cabinet.
Once your style is selected, the third step is to choose the functionality options that may work best for you and your family. Some medicine cabinets come with built-in outlets and/or USB ports inside that can be used for hair dryers, electric shavers, toothbrushes, or even charging your cell phone as you get ready in the morning. Some feature refrigerated cabinets for cosmetics or medicines. Another convenient feature that is available in some medicine cabinets is an interior light that turns on when the door is open and automatically turns off when closed which prevents you from having to turn on a bright light in the middle of the night. A programmable nightlight or a one-touch electronic mirror defogger are some other neat options. Finally, for the person who wants to be entertained while primping, some medicine cabinets come with a TV integrated into the door.
Whether you're planning a bathroom remodel or just want to upgrade your medicine cabinet, make sure you give it more than just a fleeting thought. Reducing clutter and organizing your personal items within easy reach can make your bathroom efficient, speeding up your morning routine and making it easier to relax at the end of the day.
Call the experts at Maeser to discuss your options!
Although older homes are quaint and come with their own set of charms, the bathrooms are typically on the small side. The limited counter top space often quickly becomes cluttered due to lack of storage. Often, there is room for only one person at a time due to a restricted floor plan, and outdated plumbing fixtures, cabinets, and flooring can hinder the interior design of your home. Remodeling a small bathroom can be a challenge because it must contain all of the elements of a large bathroom, only in less space. Your friendly experts at Maeser have a few ideas that can result in your small bathroom looking spectacular while also making it look larger as well.
Step one when contemplating a small bathroom remodel is reviewing the floor plan. For instance, relocating the toilet to a different wall, changing the way a door swings open, or installing a sliding pocket door could all be options to gain more floor space.
The second step in remodeling your small bathroom is to familiarize yourself with the variety of options available. If you have a separate shower and tub, consider eliminating the tub and just having a shower or combining the shower and tub to one unit. A corner tub or free-standing tub takes up less space than a standard tiled-in tub deck. You can also choose a shower with a bench to allow the option of sitting down or standing up while bathing. An inset shower shelf saves space and keeps shampoos, soaps, razors, etc. organized, and clear-glass shower doors can make the room appear larger. Installing tile that runs from the floor to the ceiling also gives the illusion of a larger space.
Although a pedestal sink takes up very little wall space, it does not provide storage area like a vanity with cabinetry. When switching from one vanity to another, make sure there is enough clearance to open the cabinet doors and/or drawers.
Choose as large a mirror as possible to add depth, while allowing room for lighting on either side of the mirror for optimal brightness.
The third step to loving your newly remodeled small bath is to think outside of the box and have fun with design. Since the bathroom is small, choosing items that are artsy or luxurious may not cost as much as it would in a larger space. Fun design elements include choosing an ornate vanity, a decorative sink, heated flooring, pebbled shower floor, or mosaic spa tile.
Finally, while planning your new bathroom, consider your aging family members. Features that can improve convenience and safety for your loved ones include installing a curbless shower floor, comfort-height toilet, comfort height vanity, and grab bars in the shower and by the toilet. These features don't take away from the overall design, add to resale value, and aid in ensuring the safety of everyone in your family.
To get your bathroom remodel project started, visit the Maeser Bath Design Studio for all of the design elements you need to make your bathroom dream a reality.
Call us today! (502) 206-4192
Dorothy was right when she said, "There's no place like home." When asked where they wish to receive extended care, "home" is the top preference of 85% of retirees. According to a USA Today article, a national survey revealed that retirees would prefer to live in their own home rather than an assisted-living facility, a family member's home, or a nursing home.
The results of the survey also revealed that retirees who plan on living in their own home do so because they like their independence, their community, being close to their family and friends, and because they love their home. Although retirees in their 70s and 80s often have more health challenges, many maintain the desire to age in place, and are willing to remodel in order to stay in their current home. Another population who may have different functionality needs is the large number of wounded warriors returning from military duty.
3 things to consider before remodeling
1. Single floor design versus multiple floors
A single floor home might be a better fit for a person due to the lack of stairs, however, long hallways may be daunting to a person with mobility issues. Depending on the situation, an elevator or stair glide may be a good option. Although the stair glide can be a good idea for people with heart conditions or bad knees, it is not ideal for people with bad hips or people who have difficulty balancing when seated. On the other hand, an elevator may be the perfect choice for some, but it is important to be mindful of the cost, space, and structural design issues.
2. Doorways and doors
Expanding the width of doorways allows people who use a walker or a wheelchair easier movement and access. Before expanding a doorway, however, it is necessary to look into the structural load from floors and the roof to determine if the wall that is being modified is load bearing. The need to reroute wires or other systems within the wall is also a possibility. Installing pocket doors may make it easier to navigate for some, yet the flat handle can make it more difficult for people with manual dexterity issues.
3. Walk-in tubs versus curbless shower
A walk-in tub may be easier and safer to use than a regular tub, however, there are some negative issues to consider. There is a narrow opening that a person has to maneuver through, and then move out of the way in order to shut the door behind them. Also, a person must be in the tub with the door closed before they can fill up the tub. In turn, they must let all of the water drain before they can get out of the tub.
A curbless shower is an alternative option that allows a person to wheel a chair into the shower area. With a built-in shower seat that is movable, a handheld shower handle, and multiple grab bars, a bathing experience can be both pleasant and safe.
While many retirees aren't looking any further than their own back yard when thinking about their golden years, make sure all remodeling options are considered. Call Maeser for more information about aging in place and bathroom safety fixtures. We are certified aging-in-place specialists and can walk you through the remodeling process.
Amateur forecasters and the wooly worm predicted a snowy and cold 2015 winter. January passed without the snow and we all let out a collective sigh of relief. Perhaps many of us thought we were out of the woods and Spring would surely poke out of the ground soon. But along with Punxsutawney Phil's prediction, February said, "not so fast!" And here we are with multiple inches of snow on the ground and bitter cold. Maeser can't predict the weather or prevent it, but we can help you prevent some plumbing and heating issues due to the weather.
Prevention tips for the upcoming bitterly cold weather.
* Know the areas in your home that are most vulnerable, such as basements, unheated rooms, outside walls, crawl spaces, etc.
* Repair sources of cold air such as: repair broken windows, eliminating drafts near doors, insulate walls, etc.
* Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. Should a pipe freeze or bust in your home, shut the water off immediately.
* Protect your pipes especially on outside walls and allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing.
* Open cabinet doors to keep the pipes a warmer room temperature.
If your pipes freeze:
* Shut off water immediately.
* Use a hair dryer on the frozen pipes.
* Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks or cracks.
Reminders:
* Check on your neighbors to make sure they are staying warm and have essentials.
* Clear snow away from fire hydrants and make sure debris is cleared from storm drains.
* Bring your pets in your home.
If you need help:
Call Maeser to repair your pipes, get your water flowing again and keep your furnace in good working order .
The United States Department of Energy has mandated new energy efficiency requirements for all residential water heaters, including gas, electric, oil, and tankless gas heaters. The mandates require higher energy efficiency ratings and will impact the design, manufacturing, and installation of water heaters beginning in April 2015. Increased cost for water heater replacement or installation, larger sized units, increased noise and changes in venting are just a few of the effects the new regulations will have on homeowners.
An article from Plumbing Perspective Magazine details the impact of the new energy efficiency requirements on homeowners. Perspective Magazine interviewed Ralph Perez, director of product management at A.O. Smith and Chad Sanborn, product marketing manager at Bradford White Water Heaters. A.O. Smith and Bradford White are two of the three manufacturers of water heaters in the United States.
“One result of the new EF mandate is that homeowners will likely face increased product and installation costs for a replacement water heater that complies with the 2015 efficiency standards. ‘How much more will depend on the type and size of water heater they require to meet their needs,’ Perez said. ‘In some cases, homeowners may incur additional expense for the installation of equipment that is physically larger or uses a different technology than the old unit they are replacing.’
For example, a homeowner might decide to purchase a heat pump water heater or one of the highly efficient gas water heaters. Homeowners might face additional expenses related changes to the venting for gas, adding a 120-volt outlet or making provisions for the disposal of condensate.
‘In some cases, the water heater may have to be relocated to operate properly or to mitigate noise,’ said Sanborn. ‘While the operating cost of the new water heaters will be less because of their increased energy efficiency, it is likely that the maintenance costs will increase because of a more sophisticated design, and the integration of electronics,
blowers, fans, condensers, or other components.’
Another drawback is that a new water heater is likely to have lower hot water deliverability than prior models. ‘For example, a model with less input may be required to achieve the higher efficiency, which will ultimately result in less hot water delivered,’ Sanborn said.
On the positive side, the energy savings from the new technology can help offset some of the product and installation costs. ‘The savings realized will depend on the type of product sold,’ said Perez.
‘Homeowners who purchase highly efficient condensing gas or heat pump electric water heaters can anticipate average savings ranging from $60 for natural gas and more than $300 for electric,’ Perez said. ‘Electric heat pump water heaters may also provide some welcome supplemental cooling and dehumidification resulting from the heat pump system,’ he added. ‘Of course actual savings realized vary depending on actual hot water use and local energy costs.’”
Maeser Master Services is proactively preparing our service technicians for these new water heater design and installation changes. Our technicians are being trained and educated about the changes in the process of installation, replacement, and maintenance of the new water heater designs and installation requirements. Our technicians can answer questions and aid our customers in understanding the new changes and water heater options and in making a choice when it is time for a new water heater.