Tag: bathroom

5 Benefits of Buying a Low Flow Toilet

Nov 08, 2019

5 Benefits of Buying a Low Flow Toilet

  • bathroom remodeling
low flow toilet in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

In the early ’90s, the American government responded to water conservation concerns by requiring all newly-made toilets to be low flow toilets. These new toilets used less water per flush, but the original versions were weaker than conventional toilets and sometimes required multiple flushes for solid waste. However, modern low flush models are stronger and are a good choice for any home. If your home has an older toilet, we can tell you why you should switch out to a new low flow toilet.

Here are five reasons you should switch to using a low flow toilet:

 

Save money

Older toilet models use about 3.4 gallons of water every time you flush. However, low flow toilets use about half of that amount, resulting in a savings of about 1.6 gallons per flush. Lowering your water usage by getting one of these toilets is certain to help you save on your water bills.

 

Save space

Do you not have enough space in your bathroom? Because low flow toilets use less water, they tend to have smaller tanks than older models. This means you can get some extra space if you switch out to a low flow model. Also, if you happen to have DIY skills, it’s easier to install a smaller toilet yourself.

 

Out with the old

Do you remember the low flow toilet mandate we mentioned in the intro? That was introduced in 1994. If your home’s toilets aren’t low flow models, they’re very likely to break from old age soon. Get yourself a low flow model and avoid having to deal with a broken toilet.

 

Environmentally friendly

Low flow toilets owe their popularity to a growing concern for water conservation. As mentioned before, low flow models use 1.6 gallons per flush compared to the traditional 3.4. Because of this, there’s more water for other applications, such as sustainable farming. Committing to saving energy and water can help improve your local community for years to come!

 

Get a rebate

Thanks to low flow toilets, water treatment plants have to treat less sewage. Along with their decreased water usage, this makes low flow toilets something water management companies want people to use. Many water management companies may have rebates or special offers if you replace your old toilet with a modern low flow model. Ask your local water company to see if you might qualify for any special offers.

 

Why call McHale’s KBA to handle my bathroom remodeling work?

At McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, our goal for every job is for you to enjoy your investment. Almost 70 years of experience have taught us that remodeling is a process, not a product. While any contractor can sell you a product, we sell you a seamless remodeling project. Our professional workers will complete your dream remodeling without making your home look like a construction site. Call McHale’s Kitchen and Bath today to learn more about remodeling your bathroom or kitchen!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

6 Signs It’s Time For A Toilet Replacement in Pennsylvania

Aug 30, 2019

6 Signs It’s Time For A Toilet Replacement in Pennsylvania

  • bathroom remodeling
toilet replacement in Pennsylvania by McHales KBA

Your bathroom’s toilet can run for a long time if you keep it properly maintained. However, you’ll eventually find a problem that can’t easily be fixed or find a problem too late to fix it. If that’s the case, you’ll want to call McHale’s KBA to get a toilet replacement for your Pennsylvania home. However, you’ll have to be able to tell when you need to call for a replacement. If you can’t tell when you need to replace it, you might wind up breaking your toilet and causing some major water damage.

Here are six signs you should schedule a toilet replacement for your Pennsylvania home:

 

Frequent repairs

As appliances and fixtures get older, they tend to require more repairs to keep them operational. Repairing your toilet often will result in the bills adding up. Eventually, it’ll be cheaper to just go out and get a new toilet. Next time you call to get an older toilet fixed, ask about whether getting a new toilet would be more viable.

 

Old age

As mentioned above, older toilets often require more repair work to keep running. However, older toilets also are likely to not be as water-efficient as newer models. Buying a newer toilet model can help you save money on your water bills as well as saving the environment.

 

Surface damage

As toilets get older and are scrubbed during cleaning, they tend to accumulate a variety of scratches. As well as being unattractive, scratches make it harder to keep your toilet clean. If you find yourself cleaning your toilet too often or just want an aesthetic change, call us about getting a new toilet.

 

Wobbling

A wobbly toilet is a sign of either a minor problem or a major problem. At best, you could have some screws loose that can easily be tightened by a plumber. On the other hand, the floor beneath the toilet might be damaged or rotting due to water. Either way, you should call a plumber in case it’s something serious.

 

Mineral deposits

Homeowners who have to deal with hard water may find mineral buildups on their toilets and other plumbing. For a toilet, minerals can accumulate in the inlet holes or siphon tube, preventing water from flowing effectively. If you’re lucky, you can chip away at the blockage and keep your toilet working. Otherwise, you might need to buy a new model. If you have hard water and want to avoid this issue, consider purchasing a water softener for your home.

 

Inefficient flushing

Are you an environmentally aware homeowner who keeps careful stock of their resource usage? If you are, you might want to consider getting a new toilet to save on water. When it comes to modern models, your average toilet uses three to five gallons per flush and low-flush models only use around two. If you’re looking to help save water, try getting a new toilet to replace your old model.

 

What makes McHale’s KBA my best choice for bathroom remodeling?

We have award-winning Certified Kitchen Designers by The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) & The National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI) on staff. We’ll come to your home and give you a complimentary design consultation. Next, we set up an appointment in our state of the art showroom. We have a diverse selection of good, better and best products to fit every budget. Our interior designers will help you choose all the materials in our unique design center. You can see your products in the same light that is in your home. Our design center has fluorescent, halogen, LED, general, task, hi-hats, under cabinets & natural sunlight. Different types of lighting make a big difference in how your home looks. You’ll see the color and texture of your cabinets and tile change under different lighting styles. After your showroom experience, you’ll never say “that’s not what it looked like in your showroom”. We help you visualize your project with computer-aided designs. Call McHale’s KBA to learn more about how we can help you with a toilet replacement in Pennsylvania!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Benefits of Bathroom Exhaust Fans in Pennsylvania

Jul 12, 2019

5 Benefits of Bathroom Exhaust Fans in Pennsylvania

  • bathroom remodeling
bathroom exhaust fans in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

Exhaust fans are a common yet often overlooked part of many bathrooms. They likely don’t seem that exciting and you might not think about how they’re used very often. However, bathroom exhaust fans in Pennsylvania have several very important uses. These steady components can do wonders for your home’s ventilation.

Here are five ways bathroom exhaust fans in Pennsylvania can improve your home:

 

Humidity control

A big use of an exhaust fan is managing your bathroom’s humidity levels. After a steamy shower, the bathroom can get extremely humid. All that moisture can cause paint or wallpaper to peel or even warp wooden doors. In addition, mold and mildew thrive in humid environments. Mold spores grow quickly and can be tough to get rid of. Because of this, having a way to air out your bathroom is very useful.

 

Odor elimination

Another common use of bathroom exhaust fans in Pennsylvania is for dealing with odors. Unsurprisingly, bathrooms can get some gross smells in them sometimes. Exhaust fans can quickly draw out any unfavorable smells. As a result, ventilation systems can keep your well-maintained, especially for whoever next uses the bathroom.

 

Clean out airborne contaminants

Homeowners generally use pretty strong chemicals to clean out their bathrooms. These can cause some nasty health issues if inhaled, especially for younger or older people. Having a fan running can help those chemical fumes dissipate. In addition, it also helps slow mold growth by removing any spore buildup in the air.

 

Improved AC efficiency

Your AC’s efficiency is somewhat linked to your exhaust fan’s work. When the fan sends moisture-laden air out of your house, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the bathroom. This helps lower its workload and save you money on your energy bills.

 

Less foggy mirrors

Fogged-up mirrors are all too common when you take a shower or bath. While you can clean them off with a towel, it leaves behind streaks. Even worse, sometimes you get streaks even if you DON’T wipe it down. By using an exhaust fan, you can minimize the time your mirrors are fogged over.

 

Why is McHale’s KBA one of Pennsylvania’s best remodeling companies?

McHale’s Kitchen and Bath has nearly 70 years of experience remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, so we know more than a thing or two. When you work with us, we offer free consultations and a showroom that lets you see your product under all kinds of lighting. This way, you can be sure that what you order will look just as you imagined it when you saw it at our showroom. If you want to learn more about installing a bathroom exhaust fan, call McHale’s KBA today!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

Choosing the Best Bathroom Paint

Jun 30, 2019

Choosing the Best Bathroom Paint

  • bathroom remodeling
bathroom paint in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

If you’re considering painting your bathroom, special precautions have to be taken. You might be heard about a certain kind of paint called ‘bathroom paint.’ However, if you’re looking for bathroom paint in Pennsylvania, you should know that there’s no actual specific paint for that. What you’re looking for is paint that’s better-performing in highly humid environments. While you don’t have to buy it, it’ll give you more options for paint sheen.

Here’s what you want when looking for bathroom paint in Pennsylvania:

  • Mildew resistance: The best bathroom paints are resistant to mold and mildew. Keep in mind that the paint can’t completely stop it.
  • Washable finish:  You’ll occasionally have to wipe down or scrub your bathroom walls. In order to keep the paint healthy, your paint should be tougher and more resilient than your other paint.
  • Good structure: Paints with a tighter structure make lower-gloss sheens work just as good as higher gloss paints in environments with more moisture.

Unsurprisingly, bathrooms can get very wet. Not only can showers and bathing generate lots of steam, but water can directly get on the walls. If the water gets through the paint, it can damage it by causing the paint to peel or induce mold growth. Before people developed mold-resistant paint, we used to use high-gloss paints. They’re very tough, but don’t look good over large surfaces, like bathroom walls. Today, just about every level of paint sheen has brands that are good for bathrooms.

If you’re looking for a good color for your bathroom, whites, greys, creams, and pastel are popular bathroom choices. Not only are they easy on the eyes, but they work well with mirrors. They don’t recast light that makes your reflection look strange in the mirror. In contrast, blues and greens create an odd sheen when interacting with light. This could exaggerate less desirable features like dark circles and blemishes.

What makes McHale’s KBA a high-quality remodeling company?

McHale’s Kitchen and Bath has nearly 70 years of experience working with kitchen and bathroom remodels. We offer a wide variety of paint sheens that are all more than capable of handling moisture. When you have us paint your bathroom, we have a specific procedure we follow:

  • Wallpaper removal.
  • We’ll take care to tape off windows, doors, and outlets so we don’t ruin their finish.
  • We also maneuver carefully around any appliances to avoid getting paint on them.
  • We place drop cloths over larger fixtures like sinks, tubs, and floors to ensure no paint drops.
  • After the job is complete, we will completely clean up the area and ensure you are happy with our work before leaving.

If you’re looking for expert remodeling, call McHale’s KBA today!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Benefits of a Walk-in Shower in Pennsylvania

Jun 18, 2019

5 Benefits of a Walk-in Shower in Pennsylvania

  • bathroom remodeling
walk-in shower in Pennsylvania from McHale's KBA

Are you building a new bathroom or considering remodeling a pre-existing one? If so, you might be debating what kind of bathtub or shower to put in there. Walk-in showers are growing in popularity and are worth consideration in any home. These showers are not only useful for older residents but are stylish additions to any modern home. Let McHale’s tell you about the good that can come from installing a walk-in shower in Pennsylvania.

Here are five reasons a walk-in shower in Pennsylvania is worth considering:

 

Easily accessible

One of the best features of a walk-in shower is how easy it is to enter and exit. Because of its accessibility and space, seniors and those with mobility issues can easily use the shower without slipping and injuring themselves. Even if no one in your home has mobility issues, it’s a great investment for the future.

 

Spacious

If you own a bathtub in one of your rooms, it might make your bathroom look smaller and clunky. However, if you have a walk-in shower, it’ll make your bathroom look much more open. As well as being good for accessibility, this also acts as a design element for your bathroom.

 

Easy to clean

With a bathtub or stand-alone shower, there are plenty of nooks and crannies you have to clean. In addition, shower curtains and linen tend to be prone to mold growth. With a walk-in shower, you only have to worry about cleaning some metal, the tile floor, and possibly the glass panes. All of these are easy to clean and keep free of mildew.

 

Flexible design

Walk-in showers can easily be tailored to your needs and the bathroom’s layout. You can even install a shower screen or two to protect parts of your bathroom from the shower spray.

 

Solid home investment

Walk-in showers are also appealing to potential homeowners. Having a more open bathroom design helps to make your bathroom more appealing to buyers. It’s especially appealing to buyers who are older or have mobility challenges.

 

Why choose McHale’s KBA for my bathroom remodeling?

With nearly 70 years of experience, McHale’s Kitchen and Bathroom is an expert at remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. When you work with us, we offer free consultations and a showroom that lets you see your product under all kinds of lighting. This way, you can be sure that what you order will look just as you imagined it when you saw it at our showroom. If you want to install a walk-in shower in Pennsylvania, call the experts at McHale’s KBA today!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Features of an Aging in Place Bathroom

Apr 29, 2019

5 Features of an Aging in Place Bathroom

  • bathroom remodeling
aging in place bathroom from McHales KBA in Pennsylvania

The U.S. CDC describes ‘aging in place’ as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Remodeling for this kind of design is much different than remodeling for aesthetic or home value. If you worry that you’ll have to move because of age-related challenges with your home, check with McHales KBA. We can help you add features to your home that can help make it suitable for your aging body.

Here are five aging in place features that we can install in your bathroom:

 

First-floor bathroom

If your home has stairs, an easy way to reduce the risk of injury is to have a major bathroom on the first floor. Some older two-story homes only have a bathroom on the upper floor near the bedrooms. While this makes sense, it’s a problem for older residents, and chair lifts can only help so much. Depending on how much room you have on the first floor, it might be tough to get a bathroom in there. It might require the conversion of a room you don’t use too often or part of a large closet. Keep in mind that the large size is important for accommodating a walker or wheelchair.

 

Step-in tub or curbless shower

For younger people, stepping in or out of a tub usually isn’t too hard. However, it can be much more difficult for older people. Step-in tubs and curbless showers let you easily enter, even with a walker or wheelchair. There are other options as well, such as tubs with a watertight door. Whatever your option, you’ll want to look at how you’ll enter and exit it. A common idea is to install wall-mounted bars you can use to help you keep your balance.

 

Removable/Adjustable showerheads

Surprisingly, there’s a lot to consider about your showerhead. Some showerheads offer more than a simple spray, while others offer adjustable angles. Both of these features are very useful for older people. A good type of showerhead to consider is a removable showerhead. This kind of showerhead has a hose that hooks to where a normal showerhead would be, with spray adjustment options on the backside. This lets older users easily wash while staying safe.

 

Non-slip flooring and rugs/mats

You’ll want to consider choosing flooring that doesn’t get slippery when wet. Marble, for instance, is a poor choice, but there are tiles that are slightly rougher. These aren’t as slippery as a flat marble floor. In addition, laminate flooring is also a good choice for non-slip flooring. As for rugs and mats, they can help avoid slipping, but they can also be tripping hazards. Thinner rugs with a rubber backing are your best bet, while your tub/shower can have a textured bottom if you don’t want a mat in there. However, some bathrooms just aren’t meant for rugs or mats. A good rule of thumb is the tighter the bathroom, the more likely you’ll better off with a non-slippery floor.

 

Functional fixtures and accessories

When designing for aging in place, you should consider everything in the bathroom. The sink and light are fine for you now, but what about when you’re older? Consider things like pull-down shelves and lower cabinets for your bathroom. In addition, think about if you’ll be able to reach the faucets and controls for the sink or tub/shower. Everything in the shower should be close by so you can reach it easily. You’ll also want to consider the lighting. Sensor lights are good for those who have trouble turning or who might forget to turn it off. It’s also good to consider lights that are set lower so you can easily reach them in case they go out.

 

Why choose McHales KBA to help me design my bathroom?

For almost 70 years, McHales KBA has been helping homeowners of all ages design their kitchens and bathrooms. We’ve been around so long that we know how our clients’ needs change as they get older. Our company has been able to help them adjust to their changing lives while maintaining the independence they’re used to. If you’re looking to prepare for the future with an aging in place bathroom, call McHales KBA today!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

Signs That Your Kitchen or Bathroom Appliances Need an Upgrade

Aug 31, 2018

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 McHales Kitchen and Bath

How McHales Can Assist with Aging in Place

Jul 16, 2018

How McHales Can Assist with Aging in Place

  • bathroom remodeling
Senior Couple Aging in Place

As our lifestyles change, so do our requirements for comfortable living. The same goes for our loved ones that we live with or care for. Adapting to new surroundings, whether it be due to age or other varying physical limitations and capabilities, can be difficult. However, you can have peace of mind knowing that McHales Kitchen and Bath can help to ease the transition. An aging in place installation done by us will help you make sure that your home and surroundings adapt to your needs – and not the other way around! 

What is Aging in Place?

We spend a good amount of time in our bathroom. Showering, brushing out teeth, getting ready for the day – a large portion of our daily routines are spent in these rooms! With an aging in place bathroom, you get design, function, and ease all in one. Intelligent designs that have the latest innovations to suit your unique needs are put into place. This allows you to stay comfortable while maintaining a stylish design. 

Benefits of Aging in Place 

  • Great for limited mobility. A lot of aging in place systems feature a walk-in tub and shower. With these tubs, you can literally walk right in and sit down. They eliminate the need for stepping over the rim and decrease the likelihood of a dangerous slip or fall. Bathing is kept as simple as possible, and you’ll be more comfortable with the additional safety of a walk in tub. 
  • Hydrotherapy. Did you know that water can help ease pain? Hydrotherapy is essentially a therapeutic treatment that uses water and jet systems. Most walk – in tubs have some sort of jet feature to help treat any pain or discomfort that you and your loved ones may be experiencing. Sit back, relax, and let the hydrotherapy soak away your aches! 
  • Hygiene. When bathing becomes a difficult task, personal hygiene can suffer. A walk in tub will help you and your loved ones maintain clean comfort with dignity.
  • Most importantly, enjoy your home for as long as you want. When our capabilities change, many people may wonder if they will be able to continue living comfortably in their homes. Here at McHales, we think you should be able to live at home as long as you please! As your mobility changes, your house can be altered to adjust. It doesn’t have to be the other way around if you don’t want it to be! 

How McHale’s Can Help 

We want you and your loved ones to feel comfortable no matter what! Aging in place by McHales Kitchen and Bath doesn’t end with just your bathtub. Our intelligent and affordable universal design options include: 

  • Safe Bathing
  • Walk-in Bathtubs
  • Comfort Showers
  • Shower Platforms
  • Shower Grab Bars
  • Accessible Sinks
  • Single Lever Faucets
  • Accessible Toilets
  • Washlet Toilets

If you have been considering aging in place in your home, look no further than McHales Kitchen and Bath. Call us today to find out more! 

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

Benefits of Ceramic Tiles in Your Home

Jul 05, 2018

Benefits of Ceramic Tiles in Your Home

  • bathroom remodeling
Ceramic Tile installation

You may be wondering why you should install ceramic tiles in your kitchen instead of hardwood floors. While both are great options – and we install both – ceramic tile flooring is a good option for many different reasons. Here are some of the ways a ceramic tile can benefit your home: 

Ways that Ceramic Tile Can Benefit Your Home 

  • It’s waterproof. Think about how steamy the bathroom can get when you take a shower, or how wet the floor gets when your kids get out of the tub. Consider all of the back-splash and spills that happen in the kitchen. In most places, this continuous exposure could cause costly water damage. Ceramic tiles don’t corrode overt time or rot like wood and other materials, so they are an investment that will benefit you long term. 
  • Easy to clean. Because ceramic tile isn’t absorbent, debris lie on top of the surface. Dirt, stains, water, and other liquids will wipe away with ease so you can maintain a clean environment at all times. 
  • Visually pleasing. Ceramic tiles can certainly add appeal to your kitchen or bathroom. Not only do they come in a wide variety of colors and designs, they tend to pop and add style to any area where they’re installed. If you’re looking to add appeal to your kitchen or bathroom, you should consider a ceramic tile installation. 
  • Increased home value. Not only are ceramic tiles pleasant to look at, they’re can add value to your home. 
  • Cost effectiveness. Because they are so durable, it’s a guarantee that they last longer than wood or other materials. Ceramic tiles are a wise investment – especially when you cake into consideration how long they will last you. 
  • Installation and repair. For the professionals at McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, a tile installation is a simple process. Repairs are easy too! While they are considerably tough, it’s possible for them to chip or break. One of our skilled technicians will be able to replace the affected tile in no time at all. 

Now that you know the benefits of a ceramic tile installation in your home, what are you waiting for? 

Call McHales Kitchen and Bath today to schedule your service! 

 

By McHales Kitchen and Bath