Seek Professional Plumbing Assistance For Home Remodeling To Increase Home Value, Experts Say

Copyright (c) 2010 Gerry Stringer

With the real estate and mortgage markets still moribund as the economy struggles to recover, there are signs that interest in home remodeling and upgrading is on the rise. Sales, stock prices and earnings at such home-improvement retailers as Home Depot and Lowe's, considered to be bellwethers for the remodeling market, are beating expectations for the first time in three years.

Adding a room, redoing a kitchen or a bathroom, remodeling or finishing a basement - these are among the most popular home remodeling projects, and they can also pay dividends in the value of the property.

According to a variety of published reports from major cities around the country, the amount invested in a minor kitchen remodel will be returned 125% in home value, with a basement remodel upping the ante 98%, a major kitchen remodel 92%, and a bathroom addition 96% compared to a 90% return for a bathroom remodel.

What all of these types of projects have in common, ultimately, is plumbing. Kitchens, of course, center around new cabinets and countertops, bathrooms involve vanities and storage, and basements are a lot about the game rooms and entertainment spaces. But each of these home amenities revolve around the water resources: a wet bar and bathroom in the basement, the toilet, sink, tub and shower in the bathroom, and the sink, disposer, ice maker and dishwasher in the kitchen.

Whether the home owner is the classic DIYer (do-it-yourselfer) or is hiring a contractor and designer to handle the job, it is not only wise but often required by code to contract with a licensed plumber to handle the lion's share of the plumbing.

Of course the reasons are numerous, but number one is to make sure the plumbing system, doesn't only perform to par, but doesn't compromise the current plumbing system in place. All too often a remodeling project compromises the home's water pressure or puts too much stress and strain on the hot water heater. Also, many plumbing projects in remodeling, particularly those done by the DIYer and involving home additions, place piping in outside walls or crawl spaces, putting the system at risk to unintended freezing which can compromise existing plumbing throughout the home. A licensed and experienced plumber doesn't just "hook up" the new basins, faucets and plumbing appliances, but takes the home's full plumbing system into account when planning the expansions and upgrades.

A comprehensive overview of the plumbing can avoid any major potential problems. In plumbing fixtures, for example, basements (especially the formerly unfinished) require a sump pump to aid in below-grade drainage, and it must be considered that drains require specific expertise to guarantee appropriate drainage without risk of expensive, and need we mention, smelly, backups. Kitchen and bathroom projects require proper connections to the home's sewage systems and ventilation access. Especially in older homes, but even in new homes not designed for increased capacity, adding more plumbing appliances with greater capacities may require larger water lines or redirecting water lines to assure the system will operate worry-free.

And there is also the consideration of building permits: government inspectors from the city or the county will pay particular attention to intricate systems like electrical and plumbing, and it will go a long way to completing the remodeling project to involve a licensed professional right from the start.

Licensed plumbing contractors also bring other benefits to the table for homeowners contemplating a remodeling project. Most top residential plumbers are very experienced in remodeling projects and employ designers who can be of assistance to make the project more cost beautiful functional, water-consious and cost-effectyive. Plus, most of these plumbing contractors also have long-standing relationships with building supply companies and fixture manufacturers, and can offer homeowners a wide array of choices at significant savings over even the warehouse appliance and fixture outlets.

Remodeling a whole home or even just a room can add up to a significant value-added project - if done properly. Even construction remodeling pros know there is more to plumbing than the basics, and their bids to re-do a room or a house most often involve a subcontracting fee to a licensed and experienced plumber. Remodeling firms are willing to work with homeowners' preferred plumbers in most cases; in fact they advise it because the plumber in question probably already knows the home's plumbing and can make expert recommendations in advance of building.

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