Plumbing

When it′s time to remodel the kitchen, celebrate! You have a chance to update your old plumbing and install new, more useful hardware. Plumbing is the skilled trade of working with pipes, tubing and plumbing fixtures for drinking water systems and the drainage of waste. A plumber is someone who installs or repairs piping systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment such as water heaters. The plumbing industry is a basic and substantial part of every developed economy due to the need for clean water, and proper collection and transport of wastes. Plumbing also refers to a system of pipes and fixtures installed in a building for the distribution of potable water and the removal of waterborne wastes. Plumbing is usually distinguished from water and sewage systems, in that a plumbing system serves one building, while water and sewage systems serve a group of buildings or a city.

When you′re remodeling your kitchen, you have the best opportunity to take a look at the old plumbing and decide if you want to make any changes. While it does seem like a lot of work to redo any of the pipes, it′s not really as complex as all that. Just make sure you choose a good plumbing contractor that is willing to discuss the matter with you and give a good estimate. Also, remember that you will need a permit to from your local authorities before going ahead with most kitchen renovations that require new plumbing. Check with your contractor and your local zoning board to find out exact details.

New dishwashers, new garbage disposals and many other new appliances are really not do it yourself type jobs. It′s usually better, quicker, safer and cheaper to get a good plumbing contractor. If you′re changing from an electric stove to a gas stove, you′ll definitely need the plumber to install a gas line. This might involve some holes in walls, but don′t despair. Once that new gas stove is installed, you′ll find cooking with gas quite worth it!

If you′re installing an island with a sink or a gas range, plumbing becomes more complex. Most pipes run behind walls, but with an island, that isn′t an option. So how do they do it? The plumber goes through the flooring. If you′re installing a new kitchen floor, this might not be so big a deal, but think carefully when remodeling a kitchen. Certainly , you′re not going to want to add an island with plumbing right after you′ve installed that beautiful new hardwood floor! Or you may want to hire a contractor. When you′re hiring a home improvement professional, you′re buying that person′s ability to bring your concept to life. It′s of critical importance to find a trustworthy, licensed professional for any work that includes a specialty in plumbing.

Talk to people you trust who have hired general contractors. Gather leads from lumberyards, architects, home inspectors and real estate agents. Verify credentials and confirm that a contractor′s license is up to date. You′ll be able to type in their license number and get information directly. Note that there are several sub-categories of licenses for various specialties; requirements vary by state. Also call the local building inspection department and ask what they think of a contractor′s work. Contact your local or state consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) to find out if the contractor has any unresolved complaints on file. Identify several contractors. Confirm that they and their subcontractors are licensed and bonded. Describe your project and ask if they′ve handled comparable jobs in the past year. Check their availability for your intended time frame. Discuss your budget. Narrow the field to those available contractors who impressed you most. Ask for names and numbers of current and former customers. Interview them about each contractor′s strengths and weaknesses, and ask how the job went. Was the quality of the work and materials what you expected? Was the project completed on time and within budget? During work, did the contractor keep you informed? Did the crew and subcontractors treat your property and family respectfully? Would you hire him or her again? Ask a customer from four or five years ago how the job held up.