How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Damaged Faucet

How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Damaged Faucet

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
McHales Kitchen and Bath Faucet Repair

Plumbing services take up your time and can cost a great deal of money, which is why it’s important to first determine whether your faucets are damaged or not. If your faucets are damaged, you should call a licensed plumber as soon as possible. If you’re struggling with your faucets, the problem might not have anything to do with your faucet, as your home’s plumbing is complicated. If you think your faucet is damaged, however, here are a few warning signs to watch out for.

How to Know if Your Faucet is Damaged

  • Dripping faucet. A leaky faucet can be a common plumbing problem, but if you notice your faucet is constantly dripping, then you have a damaged faucet. Constant dripping is usually caused by high water pressure or a broken valve.
  • Spitting faucet. Faucets that function normally, should release a consistent stream of water, but if your faucet has an irregular water flow, there could be some damages. A spitting faucet is usually caused by some sort of internal damage done to the faucet.
  • Squeaking faucet. If your faucet’s handle squeaks when you turn the water on, there could be damages that need urgent repair. Sometimes a squeaky faucet needs a little grease applied, if that doesn’t work, however, then it’s time to call a plumber.

When It’s Time to Repair Your Faucet

  • The type of faucet. There are several different types of faucets, and some faucets have more parts than others. Faucets, such as ball faucets, have several different parts that can be susceptible to damage.
  • Frequent dripping A leaking faucet can usually be fixed with a repair than an entire replacement. Most leaky faucets are fixed by simply removing the handle and tightening the adjusting ring. A leaky faucet can also be resolved by replacing the O-rings on the cartridge when they’ve worn out. If any internal parts are too worn out, however, then it’s time for a replacement.
  • Squeaky faucet. Usually, a squeaky faucet doesn’t warrant a replacement, but a simple repair. Removing the appropriate parts to grease them usually solves the problem.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Faucet

Faucets aren’t built to last forever, and your faucets will break down from use over time. The older the faucet, the less likely it can run efficiently which can result in expensive water bills. If your home runs on hard water, that can cut down on your plumbing’s lifespan drastically. Replacing your entire faucet, however, can be costly, which is why it’s important to determine when your faucet needs a replacement. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for.

  • Age. A good rule of thumb for replacing any appliance is by its age. Faucets are generally built to last for 15-20 years. If your faucet is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be time to consider a replacement.
  • Frequent issues. One of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your faucet is when it needs constant repairs to function. A few repairs here and there are usually always cheaper than a full replacement, but if the repairs start to add up, you might as well save your money and replace it.
  • Efficiency Older faucets can waste a lot of water, running anywhere from 3-5 gallons per minute. If you’re trying to cut down on utility costs, modern faucets run much more efficiently.
  • Damages. There may be nothing wrong with your faucet, but if your sink or counter surface is damaged, your faucet may need to be replaced as well. Some materials, such as ceramic, ages poorly, and can result in cracks and scratches.

If you need faucet repair in your Levittown kitchen or bathroom, call McHales today! 

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By Michelle Fadeley

An Enlightened Eatery: Reasons to Renovate Your Kitchen

An Enlightened Eatery: Reasons to Renovate Your Kitchen

  • kitchen remodeling
kitchen

When you are a homemaker in charge of meals, the burning question comes all too often; what’s for dinner? Are you tired of your kitchen with its out of date appliances and look? Perhaps it is time for a renovation.

Kitchen remodeling addresses many physical construction requirements but also lifts your mood every time you walk into it. The major reason for most homeowners fretting over cooking is their inconvenient, outdated or cluttered space. However, there are other reasons to consider beyond simply the hardware.

If you are a homeowner who has to deal with the cooking part on most days, say good-bye to your dingy and drab dining space. Before you bid adieu to your current culinary space, consider the following points.

Renovate the look

While this may not be the primary reason for a kitchen renovation, this is a reason that many consider changing their kitchen. Who wouldn’t want a beautiful or themed space like country-chic, Mediterranean or contemporary? There are a plethora of styles available and depending on your budget, you can find a style that is affordable based on your budget.

Functionality

A renovation makes your kitchen functional than before. Roll out drawers, faucets, convenient sink, proper ventilation and lighting, open shelves and customized cabinets make your work easier and faster. You get access to kitchen items conveniently without any delays.

In addition, you might have appliances that are obsolete. You might have a microwave that has not been replaced in over fifteen years or a constantly malfunctioning

Conserves energy

Old appliances and lights consume more power due to their conventional make. Energy efficient lights and electrical appliances are an ideal upgrade that is not only economically friendly in the long run but also Eco-friendly. For more information on certain equipment, check out the links below.

Utilizes space

There is no one single design for a kitchen. Depending on your home’s interior and floor plan, you might have a finite amount of room. Thankfully, there are ways to remedy this problem. If you have a small kitchen you can drop a wall to expand the space. And if you have a big one, you can use it more utilitarian. If you have a large family, there can be a large demand from larger space.

Professional kitchen and bath technicians can look at the space you have available in your kitchen now and tell you how to make the most of it. By removing and relocating cabinets, knocking through partitions or walls, removing unnecessary closets, and moving appliances, your space can grow substantially so you have more space to make the most of. This is also the perfect time to figure out just how much storage space you need. With the right amount of storage, you’ll find that keeping your kitchen organized and tidy is much easier.

Ensures safety

All those loose screws in the drawer, the leaking faucet, the sharp or broken island edges etc. need to be replaced to avoid injury and loss of resource. Get them mended or upgraded.

 

By Michelle Fadeley

Signs That Your Kitchen or Bathroom Appliances Need an Upgrade

Signs That Your Kitchen or Bathroom Appliances Need an Upgrade

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
McHale's KBA upgrade

No matter how much you love your home, it can happen that you look around one day and start to wonder whether your kitchen or bathroom appliances need an upgrade. After all, if the appliances were in the home when you bought it, there are likely to be newer, better options available.

The same goes if you did purchase yourself but it’s been more than seven years since that time. However, since replacing requires a considerable investment, it’s best to determine whether you’re simply looking for a different look or whether you really need to upgrade.

Do Your Kitchen Appliances Need Upgrading?

Here’s how you can tell if your stove, oven, dishwasher, and other kitchen appliances need upgrading:

  • They frequently need repairs. If you’re always having to schedule repairs, then the costs of those repairs are likely adding up. At some point, you need to figure out whether it’s better to use the money you’re paying in repairs to purchase replacements.
  • They aren’t energy-efficient. If your energy bill is relatively high each month, then upgrading your appliances can help you lower it. Especially if you purchase ENERGY STAR® appliances, you can be sure to enjoy the most energy-efficient new appliances.
  • The style of is outdated. Granted, an outdated style isn’t a reason for everyone to upgrade. However, if you have the money, then purchasing newer models with a more modern look can give your kitchen a more visually pleasing appeal.

Do Your Bathroom Appliances Need Upgrading?

Here’s how to tell if your bath, toilet, vanity, shower, or bidet need upgrading:

  • The enamel on is damaged. Although the enamel on bathroom furniture is quite hard, it can still get damaged. This leads to unsightly scratches and dents. These can be repaired, but it’s often better to replace the appliance.
  • The plumbing fixtures are worn and broken. Over time, plumbing fixtures can get damaged due to overuse, corrosion, or the buildup of sediment. When multiple plumbing fixtures are significantly damaged, it’s time to upgrade.
  • The appliances no longer meet your needs. If you have a regular bathroom but you’re getting older and losing mobility, you might need a different type of furniture. Walk-in bathtubs and higher toilets are better suited to the needs of seniors.
  • The style is outdated. If you’re forward-looking but your bathroom is so ‘90s, then upgrading your appliances can be a good idea to enhance your enjoyment of your home.

McHale’s Kitchen and Bath Can Help You

When you’re ready to commit to a project as important as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you want to make sure the results are beautiful and functional. And at McHale’s that’s what we strive for. We have the skill and expertise to turn your bathroom into the one you always dreamed about.

If you need kitchen or bathroom repairs or upgrades, give us a call. We’re ready to help you today! 

By Michelle Fadeley

How Upgrading Your Kitchen Can Benefit Your Home

How Upgrading Your Kitchen Can Benefit Your Home

  • kitchen remodeling
Upgrading your kitchen

When it comes to home improvement projects, few are as exciting as a kitchen remodel. After all, choosing new tiles, fixtures, appliances, and colors to give the room a whole new look is a lot of fun. But did you know that upgrading your kitchen can also benefit your home?

Benefits of Kitchen Upgrades

As a homeowner, you will likely have to replace a kitchen appliance at some point. If you are considering an upgrade, it can benefit you in several ways. Here’s how:

  • Makes your home more appealing. If you’re tired of the outdated look of your old kitchen, then an upgrade is the perfect opportunity to explore not only new appliances but also new designs and colors. Just think about how much difference a nice fresh coat of paint or even something as simple as new cabinet doors can make. To make sure you get the kitchen you want, spend some time looking through interior design magazines and browsing websites that feature remodels. This is also a great way to get money-saving tips if you’re doing your upgrade on a budget.
  • Add more space to your home. A lot of older homes have kitchens that seem smaller because of an outdated layout. For example, sometimes they’re in separate rooms; other times they have a wrap-around countertop/bar that takes up a lot of space. When you’re remodeling, you can work with your contractor to create a new layout that will maximize the available space. For example, you could knock out a wall to create an open plan kitchen and living room or remove an oversized countertop to create more space.
  • Add more light to your home. If you have a kitchen that’s relatively dark because of small windows or windows that aren’t situated favorably, an upgrade is a good time to address this issue. You can replace small windows with larger ones, add new windows to catch more natural light, or even have skylights put in.
  • Install better appliances. A kitchen upgrade should come with new appliances. You can select appliances that not only have the design you want but also the features. For example, you can get a smart refrigerator that not only keeps track of food but also shops for you and functions as an entertainment center. Moreover, you can purchase energy-efficient appliances — especially ENERGY STAR — to keep your energy consumption low and minimize your carbon footprint.
  • Enhance your home’s safety. If your kitchen hasn’t been upgraded for 15 years or more, then there are likely to be things that are showing signs of wear and tear. Of course, your appliances won’t function as well as they did when they were new. In addition, things like your gas line, electrical wiring and plumbing might be showing signs of wear and tear — and this can place your home at risk of gas leaks, fires, and water damage. Upgrading your kitchen is the right time to have professionals check out all of these systems to ensure they’re up to modern standards.
  • Increase the value of your home. An outdated kitchen can adversely affect the value of your home. Likewise, an upgraded one can significantly increase it. If you’re thinking about selling your home in the next five years, then doing a kitchen remodel now can bring you a significant return on your investment later.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you decide to upgrade your kitchen, it’s best to hire professionals to do it for you. That way, you can be sure that all of the work is performed correctly and you’ll not only derive the most enjoyment from your new kitchen but also achieve the best possible ROI.

By Michelle Fadeley

Win a FREE KITCHEN From McHale’s Kitchen and Bath

Win a FREE KITCHEN From McHale’s Kitchen and Bath

  • kitchen remodeling

Are you dreaming of a kitchen upgrade for you and your family?

Do you keep putting it off because of finances?  Something always comes up, and the timing is just never quite right.  We know the feeling, and that’s why we are thrilled to take part in this year’s “DITCH YOUR KITCHEN” contest!

We’re Giving Away a Kitchen Remodel (Valued at Over $25,000)

This summer, McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, along with Mrs. G TV & Appliances and Onur Marble & Granite, are giving away a BRAND NEW KITCHEN, valued at over $25,000!  One lucky winner will receive a brand new kitchen featuring appliances by LG, custom cabinetry by Kraftmaid, Custom Granite by Onur, Ceramic Tile by Dal, Facuets by Kohler, and Grout and THin Set by Custom Building Products.  McHale’s Kitchen and Bath will oversee the entire process, so you know that the winner will be the recipient of a top-notch kitchen re-design.

So if you’ve been wanting to remodel your kitchen in the Bucks County area, now is your chance!

Entering The Contest is Easy

Step 1) Register HERE between now and AUG 2nd, 2015.  

Step 2) Visit McHale’s on Facebook and upload a photo of your current kitchen, along with why you think you need a redesign.  

That’s it!  Winners will be chosen through a combination of voting and an outside team of experts.

For more details and official rules, please see http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/contests/kitchen/.  And if you’re looking for more information on McHale’s Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, give us a call anytime, or drop by our showroom in Levittown, PA!

By Michelle Fadeley

Kitchen Lighting in Yardley: Luxury Design Ideas

Kitchen Lighting in Yardley: Luxury Design Ideas

  • kitchen remodeling
beautiful modern house, kitchen island

If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, then you definitely need to give some thought to your kitchen lighting in Yardley. Because no matter how stylish your cabinets and sleek your new appliances, without carefully selected and well-implemented lighting, what’s supposed to be a sumptuous design can fall short and become a dim and uninviting space.

Kinds of Lighting

There are three main kinds of lighting:

  • Ambient lighting: This provides general illumination for the entire area. To make a space inviting, it’s best if it’s soft yet clear.
  • Decorative lighting: Some things in life aren’t meant to be useful. Decorative lighting is one of them. It’s exactly what it sounds like: lighting purely meant to complement the space in a visually pleasing manner. Think of contemporary Italian designer lamps or antique Tiffany lamps.
  • Task lighting: Task lighting is intended to provide you with enough illumination to perform tasks. That’s why, for example, you’ll find a lamp on the extractor fan above your stove.

Using Lighting to Complement Your Design

Most kitchens will have ambient and task lighting. Some might have separate decorative lighting, while others combine decorative into one or both of the previous types. In order to make the most of your lighting, you’re best advised to discuss your design ideas and lighting needs with your electrician.

For example, in a classically designed kitchen, you could combine recessed task lighting under the top kitchen cabinets with a large, ornate chandelier for ambient light. And to add some oomph, you could install a series of three copper industrial lamps above the kitchen island to offset the elaborate design of the chandelier.

Another example is a minimalist kitchen with simple yet elegant lines, stainless steel appliances and rosewood cabinets, you could have ambient lighting recessed into the ceiling and use an angular, hypermodern chandelier in brushed steel and white glass as task lighting above the kitchen table.

You can find more inspiration at HGTV, Houzz and Decoist.

To discuss luxury lighting ideas for your kitchen remodel, call McHales Kitchen and Bath!

By Michelle Fadeley

McHales Kitchen and Bath Hosts Cooking Night With Chef Barry Sexton!

McHales Kitchen and Bath Hosts Cooking Night With Chef Barry Sexton!

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
Barry Sexton

We were extremely excited to have the honor of hosting a cooking night in our very own Remodeling Showroom with Chef Barry Sexton! Chef Sexton is the owner of The Opinionated Pallet, a gourmet catering service with a celebrated reputation. He cooked all 5 courses in one of our fully functional designer kitchens, and the preparations were truly a sight to behold. The theme of the night was the arrival of Spring, and the turn-out was fantastic — we had a terrific turn-out, and a wonderful meal was enjoyed by all.

You can see more about the event and hear from Barry Sexton himself in the video above!

Are you interested in kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling? Call to schedule your own visit to our showroom, and you can see our beautiful selection for yourself. Ask about our upcoming events!

In many homes, the kitchen is the first and last stop of the day; the first thing you see when you walk into the house, and where everyone gathers for meals, for homework, and for family game night. It’s no wonder, then, that kitchen remodeling has become one of the most popular remodeling projects around. When you partner with McHale’s for your remodeling, you’re getting

  • Over 60 Years of Experience
  • Award-Winning Remodeling & Design Service
  • Huge Showroom Full of Designs to Choose
  • The Best Service at the Most Affordable Price

So call the McHale’s remodeling team today, and start making your dream kitchen and bathrooms into a reality this year!

By Michelle Fadeley

Improve the Value of Your Home with Kitchen Remodeling in Yardley, PA

Improve the Value of Your Home with Kitchen Remodeling in Yardley, PA

  • kitchen remodeling
kitchen remodeling

Summer’s here, and that means it’s time for kitchen remodeling in Yardley! Let’s face it: there’s no better time to have work done on your home than the warm months. There’s far less chance of workmen trudging mud into your home than during the winter, and you can keep the windows open to air out the smell of paint, spackle and other building materials. Last, but certainly not least, when you need to get away from the clutter, you can always just go and relax outside in the yard!

Why Remodel Your Kitchen?

Kitchen remodeling can be a lot of fun, but it’s not the cheapest of home improvement projects. So why should you consider it?

There are two reasons:

  • First, it’s fantastic to have a kitchen that’s designed exactly the way you want it! Oftentimes, homeowners inherit their kitchens from the previous owners of the homes… and that can mean anything from gaudy colors you don’t like to an inefficient use of space. In contrast, when you remodel, you get to pick the layout, the color scheme, the appliances, the tiles and more!
  • Second, remodeling your kitchen is simply a very good investment. Upgrading appliances to more energy-efficient ones is always recommended; but beyond that, there are other things that can boost the value of your home. To find out what remodeling aspects will give you the best ROI, make an appointment to talk to a local realtor. He or she can fill you in on what homebuyers are typically looking for in similar homes in your neighborhood. This information can be invaluable, as it allows you to hit that sweet spot just between “not desirable enough” and “too over the top.”

McHales: Your Partner in Remodeling

When you’re remodeling your kitchen, you need the best plumbing help you can get in order to ensure all the pipes are correctly laid and the fixtures correctly installed. That’s where McHales comes in: we’re dedicated to giving you the best plumbing help for your remodeling project so all you have to do is look forward to your brand new kitchen! So don’t wait: call McHales today!

By Michelle Fadeley

Thinking About Kitchen Remodeling in Yardley? Call McHales Kitchen and Bath!

Thinking About Kitchen Remodeling in Yardley? Call McHales Kitchen and Bath!

  • kitchen remodeling

The number of people remodeling their kitchens in Yardley has increased over the past few years. That’s because homeowners understand how important this room is above all others. Your kitchen isn’t just a place where you go to prepare food. You spend a lot of time here, preparing, cooking, and eating. This is the place where your family gathers most frequently and it says a lot about your home. For the room that you are in most often, you need it to be perfectly accustomed to your family’s lifestyle. It should feel welcoming and comfortable—for your family and your guests. If your kitchen is outdated and you’re looking for kitchen remodeling in Yardley, call the team that has the most experience and customer satisfaction at McHales, Inc.!

The McHale’s team can guide you through kitchen remodeling step-by-step. They can help you figure out exactly what your kitchen needs and how it can be optimized to suit you and your family. If you’re unsure as to whether you’re ready to take the leap into kitchen remodeling call McHale’s for a free estimate!

McHale’s: Only The Best In Kitchen Remodeling

Are you ready to upgrade your kitchen? For kitchen remodeling, McHale’s has it all! They can help you choose the right kitchen design for you, from granite countertops to lighting fixtures. They’ll offer tips on design types and install it all!

McHale’s offers kitchen-remodeling services for the following kitchen components: every kind of kitchen countertop with expert advice on which will work best for you, various ceramic tile designs, KraftMaid and Wellborn cabinetry options to choose from on display in their showroom, kitchen island installation, hardwood flooring installation that will make your kitchen a delight, proper appliance installation, every kind of lighting you can think of with design tips and installation methods, and they even offer painting services so that every section of your kitchen is expertly crafted and seamlessly put together.

McHale’s is your one-stop shop for kitchen remodeling. If you’re ready to give your kitchen the upgrade your home deserves, don’t wait another minute! Call McHale’s today!

By Michelle Fadeley