Tag: kitchen remodeling

5 Ways LED Lighting Can Help Your Pennsylvania Home

Oct 25, 2019

5 Ways LED Lighting Can Help Your Pennsylvania Home

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
led lighting in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

Out of the many types of lights available for purchase, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is becoming a popular choice for Pennsylvania homes. These lights are becoming cheaper to produce while the technology behind them is getting more reliable and efficient. Because of this, LED lights are becoming more effective than conventional incandescent lightbulbs. To get an idea of how LED lighting is the future, take a look at this Department of Energy estimate. Widespread LED usage has the potential to save about 347 terawatt-hours per day by 2027. If you translate that to current electricity prices, that’s $30 trillion a day! This sort of knowledge only describes a bit as to how LED lighting can improve your home.

Here are five more reasons to get LED lighting for your Pennsylvania home:

 

Lower temperatures mean more safety

Traditional lights often have the capability of getting dangerously hot. Your average incandescent light bulb converts only 10% of the energy it uses to lighting. The rest of that energy gets converted to heat, making these lights inefficient and a potential burning hazard. Meanwhile, not only do LED lights use less energy in general, but they’re much more efficient at converting it to useful light. Also, they work on low-voltage electrical systems, which can be safer in the event of an electrical fault.

 

Greatly extended lifespans

Depending on how good of a light you get, LED lights can run anywhere from 30 to 50 thousand hours. More common contemporary lights, such as incandescent lightbulbs, only have about 1,000 hours of life. Compact fluorescent lighting, a popular option in commercial settings, can run 8,000-10,000 hours. Also, LED lights slowly dim as the die, giving you a warning about your lighting’s health and age. LED lighting’s longer lifespans and age indicators will make your lights lower maintenance.

 

Uses less energy

LED lights only use about half as much electricity as incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lights. A complete revamp of your home’s lighting by replacing them with LED lights can save you plenty of money in energy bills. A big reason LED lighting uses less energy is because they’re directional lights. A single LED light only illuminates a semicircle instead of the 360° range conventional lights have. This means they use less energy to light up. However, LED lights can be bundled together to provide 360° lighting while still using less energy than a regular lightbulb.

 

Simple to dispose

A lot of modern lights have special precautions for disposal. With fluorescent lights, for instance, the light you see comes from a reaction caused by running electricity through mercury vapor. This reaction makes the gas emit ultraviolet light that makes the phosphor-coated lamp glow. However, mercury is very toxic, and products that use it generally have special directions for disposing of them. LED lights have no special considerations and are easily recyclable.

 

Great CRI (Color Rendering Index)

Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a rating that measures a manmade light’s ability to show natural colors. As a light gets closer to 100, the baseline of natural light, it gets better at showing natural colors. Low CRI lights, such as sodium vapor lamps, give off a yellow/orange glow. LED lights have an average CRI of 65 to 95, which is generally considered very good. This makes LED lights very good choices for landscaping lighting, background lighting for manual work, and other aesthetic lights.

 

What makes McHale’s KBA a great source of lighting for my home?

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 getting LED lighting for your Pennsylvania home!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Signs You Should Order a Faucet Replacement

Oct 11, 2019

5 Signs You Should Order a Faucet Replacement

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
faucet replacement in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most important rooms in most houses because they’re connected to plumbing. With the help of faucets, homeowners are capable of using clean water to cook, clean, and live comfortably. However, having water pumped to your home can become a problem if a faucet breaks. Knowing when it’s time to call for a faucet replacement can save you from dealing with water damage in your kitchen or bathroom. As one of Pennsylvania’s best kitchen and bathroom remodeling companies, we can tell you what to look for so you can keep your kitchen and bathroom dry.

Here are five signs that you should get a faucet replacement:

 

Old age

No faucet lasts forever, but treating them well can keep them working in their winter years. However, any faucet nearing the end of its life should be considered for replacement. Your faucet’s manual or manufacturer can give you a precise lifespan for your faucet. If you can’t get a solid date, most last an average of fifteen years.

 

Corrosion and rust

Rusty, corroded faucets are obvious candidates for replacement. Over an extended time, faucets can get worn and damaged by cleaning chemicals and hard water. This can often cause problems with the drinking water when the rust gets in the water. The only viable way to fix this problem is by replacing the whole faucet. Installing a water softener can help you alleviate this issue to a degree.

 

Leaks and mold

Compared to some of the other problems on this list, leaks may seem like a low-key problem for a faucet to have. However, leaks can cause you to use more water, raising your water bills. Also, leaky faucets help propagate mold and other fungi. Not only is mold capable of damaging your sink further, but its spores are known to have negative health effects.

 

Mineral build-up

Mineral build-ups are only a real problem for homeowners with hard water. The build-ups most often form inside and around the fixture. They’re capable of damaging your faucet and serious build-ups can ruin the entire faucet. Water softeners can help prevent these minerals from building up.

 

Plans for remodeling

At McHale’s KBA, we know that sometimes you just want to replace something for aesthetic reasons. When buying a house, many people consider the kitchen and bathrooms to be some of the most important rooms. This means that faucets are a common thing to replace when preparing a home for the market. A faucet replacement is great for increasing your home’s resale value or simply for redesigning your rooms.

 

Why go to McHale’s KBA for all of your kitchen and bathroom remodeling needs?

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 how we can help with your remodeling!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Reasons to Order Recessed Lighting

Sep 13, 2019

5 Reasons to Order Recessed Lighting

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
recessed lighting in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

When designing your home, there are many aesthetic choices to consider in every room of your home. One of these is a room’s lighting. How you light a room can make a great difference in a room’s ambiance, functionality, and contribution to your overall home’s market value. One type of lighting you can choose, recessed lighting, is implanted in the ceiling instead of in a hanging unit. They aren’t for every room, but this kind of lighting can be great for your kitchen or bathroom. As one of the area’s remodeling experts, we can tell you how recessed lighting can brighten up your home.

Here are five reasons to ask our experts about getting recessed lighting for your kitchen or bathroom:

 

Waterproof

Recessed lighting is one of the few types of purchasable lighting that’s waterproof. For most rooms, this feature will rarely, if ever, be important. However, this feature means it can be used in shower stalls and is good for bathroom remodeling in general. Also, the casing for the lights is resistant to dust and similar contaminants.

 

Complete coverage

With normal ceiling lights, you’ll have good light coverage for the center of your room. However, this lighting will have difficulty reaching the edges of the room. With recessed lighting, you can carefully arrange your lights so you can completely cover your room.

 

Wall-washing for better-looking rooms

Wall-washing is a lighting effect where you using the proper trim allows your lights to cast more light. Proper wall-washing requires the right parts and a professional’s eye, both of which we can provide. When we install your recessed lights, we can make your kitchen look bigger and brighter.

 

Good for low ceilings and small rooms

Recessed lighting can make your rooms physically bigger in addition to simply looking bigger. Hanging light fixtures take up precious space in smaller areas and you can bump your head if you’re not careful. In rooms where space is limited, like bathrooms, having lights that don’t hang down can give you more room.

 

Never out of style

Style and fashion can be a daunting and sometimes nonsensical subject for many. Luckily, recessed lighting, unlike track or monorail lighting, is safe from the whims of trends. Recessed lighting’s sleek, modern look has never truly been in style. That means these lights will never go out of style. You’ll never have to worry about people finding your lights tacky.

 

Why call McHale’s KBA to install my new lights?

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 KBA today to learn more about our lighting selection! 

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Reasons to Get Kitchen Remodeling in Pennsylvania

Jul 26, 2019

5 Reasons to Get Kitchen Remodeling in Pennsylvania

  • kitchen remodeling
kitchen remodeling in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

Are you looking to get a kitchen remodeling? Before you start planning it out, you should know that any remodeling is a serious undertaking. You have to consider the budget, the planning, and let’s not forget that your kitchen will be rendered unusable for a good while. If you’re unsure about whether you truly need kitchen remodeling for your Pennsylvania home, there are some tell-tale signs that you should get planning.

Here are five reasons to consider getting kitchen remodeling for your Pennsylvania home:

 

Too little space

Are you finding yourself constantly low on counter or storage space? It can be easy for underoptimized kitchens to become cluttered and run out of counter space. If you’re finding your countertop cluttered from appliances and other kitchen bits and bobs, you should think about remodeling. Similarly, not having enough storage space for your kitchenware is another sign you should remodel.

 

Moving considerations

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen to appeal to homebuyers, there are a couple of different schools of thought. Some suggest you only remodel for homes you plan on staying in for the rest of your life, as remodeling your kitchen is a major investment. Others say that it’s worth remodeling for potential buyers if your kitchen is likely to throw off those looking at your house. If you do wind up remodeling so you can sell your house, talk with a real estate agent or kitchen designer beforehand.

 

Old appliances

Outdated appliances are an expensive pain to replace. That’s why many people will continue to use them even if they don’t work perfectly. However, doing this can open your home up to disaster should they fail. For instance, a faulty dishwasher could leak and slowly cause water damage to your nice wood floor. Newer appliances will not only help you keep a functional kitchen, but will also help you save energy, as newer appliances tend to be more energy-efficient.

 

Cleaning difficulties

As your kitchen gets older, you’ll often find it gets harder to keep it clean. Linoleum tiles always seem to look grimy and the grout needs constant maintenance. If that’s the case, you can make cleaning easier by renovating your kitchen. New cabinets and countertops are easier to wipe down and an eggshell paint can make it easy to wipe away stains.

 

Lifestyle considerations

There are times when your kitchen doesn’t fit with your lifestyle. Perhaps you’re part of a two-cook family but have a one-cook kitchen. Maybe you like entertaining guests but your kitchen is isolated from where the excitement happens. Whatever the case, kitchen remodeling might be able to solve your problem.

 

What makes McHale’s KBA my best choice for new kitchen designs?

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. Call McHale’s KBA today to learn more about how we can help you remodel your kitchen!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Benefits of Installing a Kitchen Island in Pennsylvania

May 31, 2019

5 Benefits of Installing a Kitchen Island in Pennsylvania

  • kitchen remodeling
kitchen island in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

Do you feel like you don’t have enough space in your kitchen? If you want to remodel the heart of your home, consider installing a kitchen island. A kitchen island is a bit of counter and drawers separate from the main countertop. They’re all the rage in kitchen remodeling – and for good reason. Versatile and attractive, there’s a lot you can gain from having an island installed. Let McHale’s KBA tell you why your next kitchen remodeling should include a kitchen island in Pennsylvania.

Here are five benefits of installing a kitchen island in Pennsylvania:

 

Extra storage space

One of the most appealing features of a kitchen island is the ability to have more storage space. With a kitchen island, you can add all sorts of customizable storage, such as shelves, drawers, and cabinets. This can help you manage all of your kitchen supplies and anything else you have stored.

 

More cooking space

This is another common reason people install a kitchen island. The counter space you normally have gets eaten up quickly, especially if you have a lot of appliances on there. In addition, the extra space is great to have if the rest of the family likes to cook as well.

 

Space for more amenities

Kitchen islands provide the opportunity to significantly improve your kitchen’s functionality. For instance, a kitchen island is a perfect place to install a wine fridge. If wine doesn’t interest you, you can still add sinks, fridge doors, or even a cooktop.

 

Extra seating

Even if you already have a dedicated table, a kitchen island makes a great place to add some extra seating. Depending on the size of your island, you can add anywhere from two to six extra seats for casual activity.

 

Focal point

There’s more to a kitchen island than its functional uses. They have a tendency to catch people’s eyes and can highlight the overall style of your kitchen. You can use this to your advantage and display things like your favorite cookbooks.

 

Why choose McHale’s KBA for my home remodeling needs?

McHale’s Kitchen and Bath has nearly 70 years of experience in the home remodeling industry. Our company’s long history is marked with various awards, affiliations, and appearances in several publications. When you choose us, we’ll give you an up-front price, a realistic project timeline, and the high quality you’re looking for. If a kitchen island in Pennsylvania is what you want, look no further than McHale’s KBA. 

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Benefits of Ceramic Kitchen Tile

May 15, 2019

5 Benefits of Ceramic Kitchen Tile

  • kitchen remodeling
ceramic kitchen tile by McHales KBA in Pennsylvania

Ceramic tile is a durable type of flooring that has been used by various civilizations over several millennia. In all of that time, ceramic flooring has never gone out of style. Even today, tiling your floor with ceramics continues to be a popular choice. At McHales KBA, we can help you learn what makes this kind of flooring an appealing choice for your kitchen.

Here are five ways ceramic tile can be a great choice for your kitchen’s flooring:

 

Highly durable

Ceramic tile is highly durable and resistant to scratches and heat. If you properly maintain and clean your flooring, it has the potential to last for centuries. In addition, it’s also relatively simple to repair it. If one of the tiles becomes broken or cracked from a severe impact, you can simply replace it.

 

Easy to maintain

Speaking of maintenance, tile is comparatively easy to maintain. Dirt, stains, and liquids of all kinds rest on top of the tile and can easily be wiped up. If the tile does get stained, you can use just about any heavy-duty cleaner without damaging the tile. All you have to do to regularly maintain it is to sweep or vacuum it with a soft brush attachment to pick up loose debris and dirt. The ease of cleaning also helps keep your home allergen-free.

 

Plenty of design options

Modern manufacturing methods give tile users plenty of ways to customize their flooring. It’s possible to mix and match solid tiles to make patterns or to accent them with custom designs or motifs. In addition, its possible to print tiles to resemble other materials, like hardwood or natural stones. Finally, tiles can be cut and shaped in a variety of designs, like triangles or planks.

 

 Glazed tiles are highly water-resistant

If you make sure to install glazed tiles in your kitchen, you won’t have to worry about water and other stains. Glazing gives your tiles a hard protective top layer that makes them much more resistant to humidity. This reason is why ceramic tile is used so often in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. However, if your tiles aren’t glazed, you should make sure to seal them as well. The grout in between tiles is also susceptible to moisture and stains, so make sure to seal it as well.

 

Increased home value

If you know you won’t be staying in your current home, a kitchen remodeling might be a good idea. Newly-installed ceramic tiles look very nice and are likely to be attractive to people looking at your home. This practical and attractive flooring may cost a lot up front, but it can be a very good investment.

 

What makes McHales KBA qualified to install tile in my kitchen?

McHales Kitchen and Bath has nearly 70 years of experience helping Pennsylvania homeowners remodel their kitchens and bathrooms. We know that a big part of remodeling is choosing how the room will look, and we have a wide range of tiling options for you to choose from. When it comes time to install, our team of professionals will install your flooring while protecting your home and hauling away debris at no extra cost. In addition, all of our jobs come with a one year warranty plus all related manufacturers warranties, with options for extended warranties available. Call McHales KBA today to schedule a showroom visit and get a free estimate!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

10 Kitchen Countertop Options, and Their Pros and Cons

Apr 29, 2019

10 Kitchen Countertop Options, and Their Pros and Cons

  • kitchen remodeling
kitchen countertop from Mchales in Pennsylvania

Deciding on the material in your kitchen countertop is a big decision. There are a wide variety of materials with their own pros, cons, and prices. Fortunately, the experts at McHales KBA can help you narrow down your choices. We’ve compiled ten popular kitchen countertop choices to help you decide what material you want to put your food on.

*Costs don’t include labor or installation.

 

Granite

One of the most popular choices. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also resistant to heat and scratches. As for pricing, it’s one of the more expensive stones, it can vary wildly depending on the type of granite you choose. Average price ranges can go from $40 all the way to $200 per square foot.

 

Quartz

Interestingly enough, the quartz used in countertops isn’t the actual stone you find in nature. In reality, countertop quartz is a mix of resin and quartz that allows for a larger variety of color choices. This hard-working material is slightly more flexible than normal stone, so it’s less likely to crack during installation. Despite being man-made, it costs about as much as natural stone. You can expect to pay $60 to $150 per square foot.

 

Marble

This classic stone beloved by statue-makers is softer than other countertop stones, making it easier to work with. In addition, its heat resistant, cool to the touch, and comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors. However, these benefits are also its drawbacks. The softer stone can chip and scratch easier, and its porous nature means it can stain if not sealed properly. It’s also one of the more expensive options at $125 to $250 per square foot. If you’re looking for alternatives, white granite bears a similar appearance for cheaper.

 

Plastic Laminate

Laminate has a reputation for being cheap, but low price doesn’t always mean low-quality. Some of the better types of laminate are durable, waterproof, and attractive. However, don’t expect the same durability or hardiness that stone has. At $20 to $50 per square foot, it’s definitely a budget material, but it’s still a good choice if you’re on a budget.

 

Stainless Steel

Primarily used in commercial kitchens, stainless steel is becoming more popular with homeowners. When you see the benefits, it’s easy to see why it’s becoming more popular. It’s durable, easy to clean and maintain, simple to install, and gives your kitchen a sleek, modern look. As for price, it’s middle-of-the-road at $75 to $150 per square foot.

 

Recycled Glass

As the name suggests, recycled glass countertops are made from recycled glass, pigment, and resin/cement mixed together to form a kitchen work surface. These countertops are eco-friendly and fashionable, making them good for a home trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Depending on the glass used, expect to pay $50 to $125 per square foot. However, the exact range depends on the kind of glass used.

 

Cultured Marble

Cultured Marble is another alternative for those who like marble’s appearance but can’t or don’t want to pay for it. This material mixes crushed marble with pigments and resins in a mold to make various fixtures. It combines the beauty of marble with the durability of engineered stone. It’s much less expensive than marble at $40 to $140 per square foot, but it’s an attractive alternative.

 

Soapstone

Soapstone has been used in science labs and medical facilities for decades, but it also works great in the kitchen. It doesn’t require any sealing and is resistant to bacteria and heat. It also happens to be fairly affordable at $70 to $120 per square foot.

 

Travertine

Often called ‘black marble,’ travertine is a kind of limestone formed under extreme heat and pressure. Like marble, it’s very beautiful, but it’s high-maintenance due to its softness. In addition, it’s porous, so it has to be sealed properly and regularly. If you’re willing to take on the responsibility, travertine costs $50 to $100 per square foot.

 

Butcher Block

Wooden countertops look warm and inviting, and it’s easy to clean stains on it. However, it can also require a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to reseal it monthly, be careful about dinging it, and keep in mind that it expands and contracts with the temperature. However, it can last for decades if properly cared for. Depending on the thickness of the wood, it can cost $35 to $200 per square foot.

 

Why is McHales KBA a great choice for installing my kitchen countertop?

Since 1950, McHales Kitchen and Bath has worked to help Pennsylvania homeowners design their dream kitchens. Our showroom lets you see just how our products look under different kinds of lighting so you know how it’ll look. We know that anyone can sell a product, but we provide a tearless remodeling product. We have a thought-out process listed on our About Us page, so you know exactly what to expect when you call on us. If you need someone to help you remodel your kitchen countertop, call the experts at McHales KBA

By McHales Kitchen and Bath