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Planning to remodel or renovate your Arlington, TX, bathroom in the new year? Be sure that your plumber is part of your remodeling team. The best remodels always involve good planning. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth can help you complete all the plumbing upgrades and renovations you need to achieve your redesign plan. When developing your plan, here are some crucial points to consider. If you have questions about any plumbing aspect of your plan, rely on a skilled plumber on our team for help.

Bathtub and Shower

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth can help you source and replace your existing bathtub. One design trend that’s been popular is to create separate bathtub and shower features in master bathrooms. While this often involves considerable remodeling work, the end result makes the effort–and investment–well worth it. A separate bathtub and shower stall enhance the look and functionality of your bathroom, but this type of upgrade can also enhance the value of your home.

Today, there is a myriad of bathroom and shower styles to consider. In Arlington, TX, a plumber can visit your home to discuss the plumbing configurations of your project and also help you select the ideal tub and shower features for your setting. We keep up to date with the latest and best products our industry has to offer. You’ll be able to select styles that will complement your renovation plan.

How to Choose a Bathtub and Shower Features

When choosing your tub and shower features, be sure to consider:

• Who will be using this bathroom (i.e. family, company, single-user)
• Do you need to install senior-friendly features?
• What’s the budget for these items?
• Do you need custom features?
• Will your home structure support the tub model you prefer?
• What style tub/shower are you shopping for?

If you have questions about specific models of tubs that you have in mind, for instance, just talk to a plumber on our team. All of our plumbing technicians are certified and can help you with the plumbing aspects of your renovation project.

Toilet

Naturally, a toilet is an essential bathroom feature. If you’re replacing your existing one during your remodeling project, a plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth can help you select the best model for your project. Color and cost are a few factors you’re certain to consider, but there are other factors to reflect upon too. For instance, what’s the flushing style of the toilet? How much water does the model you’re interested in use?

Low-flow toilets, popular in Arlington, TX, use 1.6 gallons of water per flush–or less. Our plumber can help you select a water-conserving toilet that, nevertheless, operates optimally. Although a pressure-assist toilet is more expensive than a gravity toilet, these models have become increasingly popular because of their reliable functionality.

What About High-Efficiency Toilets?

Keeping in mind that toilets generally use about a third of your home’s total water use, you should talk to our plumber about high-efficiency toilets. These toilets use 1.28 gallons of water per flush or less and are recommended by the EPA. On average, these toilets can lead to a savings of 4,000 gallons of water (per person living in the household) each year. However, not all energy-efficient models are created equal. Some people report increased problems with clogging. Ask a plumber on our team to help you select a model that’s associated with the best customer reviews.

Toilet Designs

When choosing a new toilet for your bathroom, you might consider alternative toilets. For instance, if you have a compact bathroom like a small powder room off your kitchen that you’re renovating, consider a wall-mounted style. It takes up less room and also makes cleaning a breeze. If you or a member of your household struggles with back or knee problems, choose a taller model. Although tall toilet models often come with a $100 (or more) price increase, the cost may be worth it in terms of comfort.

Other Considerations When Choosing a Toilet:

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth has installed and serviced a large number of toilets in Arlington, TX. These are a few other aspects of new toilet installation we’d like you to consider:

• Invite a plumber on our team to measure the rough-in. Choosing a toilet that’s the right size for your rough in means less renovation work. Some people have upgraded a standard toilet to an elongated one only to find that it doesn’t fit well with the rest of their bathroom features.

• Watch out for toilets with non-standard parts. While you might enjoy the design elements of these toilets, replacing parts can be double or even triple the expense of standard toilets.

• Let a trained plumber install your new toilet. You don’t want leaks occurring in your newly renovated bathroom!

Sinks

When shopping for new bathroom sinks, you’ll have a myriad to choose from in today’s marketplace. From simple pedestal and wall-mounted sinks to custom-designed sinks, the options–and prices–are incredibly diverse. Are you planning to install one sink or two? In most cases, when choosing sinks, our plumber will advise clients to begin with size considerations.

Before you purchase a sink, you need to have the precise measurements of your bathroom counter, vanity, or the space where you want to install a pedestal sink. Before ordering a pedestal sink, measure the floor space before ordering to ensure the space can accommodate your choice.

Sink Installation Types

There are various sink installation types you can choose for your bathroom remodeling project:

• Drop in sinks are dropped in through cutouts in counters or vanities. The overhang of the sink rests on the counter or vanity. These sinks come in many styles and are easy to install.

• Wall-mounted sinks bolt into a wall and connect directly to the plumbing system. These sinks are frequently chosen for compact spaces. On the other hand, they tend to feature a very limited surface area other than the basin itself.

• Pedestal sinks are traditional sink options that pair well with nearly any bathroom style. The sink and pedestal come together and are most often made from the same material.

• Undermount sinks are installed beneath the vanity or counter cutout and the faucet/faucet controls are mounted on the wall.

• Vessel sinks are extremely popular today. These sinks feature a vessel–a bowl shape, for instance–that sits atop the counter or vanity. They come in many styles and finishes. Take care to choose faucets that can accommodate the taller size of these features.

Sink Material

When shopping for a sink, you can choose from a number of material types, including porcelain, granite, cast iron, and more. Vessel sinks are available in glass. Not sure which type is right for your home? Ask a plumber on our team to help you choose.

Sink Holes

Sink holes are important because they’ll speak to the type of faucet you choose. You may choose a sink with one or three holes, for instance. You’ll need to select a sink to match your faucet or vice versa.

Color

You can select a sink in white, ivory, black, or another color. Keep in mind that non-white colors may turn off prospective home buyers. If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, you may want to stick to white bathroom fixtures.

Faucets

As mentioned, you’ll want to choose a faucet for your sink that will fit. Similarly, you’ll want to choose a tub faucet that compliments your bathtub. You can find traditional faucets in many different finishes (chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, gold, black, etc…) as well as touchless models. If you’re renovating a bathroom that gets a lot of traffic, you’ll want to choose durable faucets. Ask a plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth about the best faucets to consider.

When adding a shower to your bathroom, opt for a low-flow showerhead to help you conserve water. Again, there are lots of showerheads to choose from. A low-flow model, however, can help you conserve multiple gallons of water each year.

Bathroom Storage

Storage isn’t something a plumber will typically advise you about; however, it’s important to choose storage features that will fit the space. If you have storage features already in mind, a plumber can help you select plumbing features like sinks and tubs that will fit your space without making it seem crowded. If your bathroom is spacious, you might consider built-in armoires for the walls to hold towels and toiletries. If you have the space, you can also install a linen closet in your bathroom.

If the space is compact, however, consider installing overhead cabinets to store your supplies. Choose materials that are ideal for moisture-rich settings like your bathroom.

Flooring

Many homeowners opt for tile flooring for bathrooms because it’s easy to clean and it’s durable. It’s also impervious to moisture, unlike wood. A durable floor is a must for bathrooms. If you ever spring a link under your sink or a toilet link, a tile floor will stand up to these problems. Other types of flooring may not.

If you want the look of wood, consider an engineered wood floor for your bathroom or even vinyl flooring that resembles wood. Natural stone is durable, but it can be expensive. When choosing flooring, consider which materials are most likely to enhance home value. Definitely, avoid carpeting in the bathroom.

Spa Features

As long as you’re renovating your bathroom, you might want to upgrade the space to include spa features. Consider adding such features as:

• High-tech jacuzzi
• Soaking tub
• Bidet
• Heated flooring
• Dual shower heads
• Mood lighting
• Steam shower

A spa bathroom can enhance the comfort of your home and also add value to your property. Talk to a plumber on our team about outfitting your bathroom with features that are personalized for your taste.

Bathroom Decor

Finally, you’ll want to consider a decorative aesthetic for your bathroom. What type of decorating scheme are you planning to feature? Modern? Traditional? Vintage-inspired? Any feature you choose for your bathroom can support your bathroom style. When choosing tile, artwork, colors, etc…try to tie them into your decorative scheme. Remember to choose materials that are conducive to the bathroom setting.

Tips for Choosing a Contractor for Your Bathroom Renovation

Before you renovate your bathroom, be sure to choose prospective contractors carefully. Be sure that any contractor you choose has the experience and expertise needed to tackle the renovation. It’s important for your contractor to have the credentials needed to perform this type of work. Certainly, any plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth will have the right credentials and licensing for this type of project.

Ask your contractor to provide you with references as well as to see a gallery of their completed works. Renovation experience is crucial, so be sure your contractor can supply you with the references you need.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth can help you with your bathroom plumbing remodeling project as well as any other plumbing services you need at your Arlington, TX, home. We provide plumbing services such as:

• Plumbing repairs
• Leak detection
• Hot water heater repair and installation
• Drains
• Pumps
• Water lines
• Sewer lines
• Faucets
• Toilets
• Sinks and tubs
• Garbage disposals and more

We also feature emergency plumbing repairs. As a leading Arlington, TX, plumbing repair company, we can manage any type of plumbing problem or upgrade.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth to discuss your Arlington, TX, bathroom makeover. We can send a trained plumber to your setting to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.