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When building or remodeling, keep in mind that your bathroom and plumbing fixtures will be used daily by your family and will also affect the resale value of your home. When making choices, you should base your decisions on value and not just on price alone.

When choosing a plumbing contractor for your project, make sure your contractor is licensed. In Wisconsin, for instance, all licensed plumbing contractors are issued a Master Plumber number and are required to display that number on all advertising.

Don’t select fixtures from catalogs – visit your local plumbing showrooms. Using catalogs does not allow you feel the action of faucets or “try on” a whirlpool and you’re not able to get a sense of the size and proportion of the various fixtures. Showrooms let you compare fixtures side by side. They’re displayed in different colors so that you can bring flooring and wallpaper samples to match colors and develop your decorating theme.

You should also consider the availability of parts and service as your fixtures will eventually need maintenance. Getting the last one “on sale” may not sound as good in a couple years when parts and repair knowledge aren’t available because the model has been discontinued.

In summary, get involved with the selection process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!! Use the showroom people to point out the pros and cons of each fixture so that you can make an informed decision based on lasting value. Any building or remodeling project can be taxing for the homeowner. By selecting quality fixtures and quality tradespeople, many concerns can be eliminated. Good luck with your project!!

Today’s video from the Building Wisconsin TV series highlights the role of the Plumbing Subcontractor in new home construction. If you’re looking for a plumber in the Madison WI area, check out the Directory at MadisonAreaPlumbers.com.

For more videos on home building, remodeling and maintenance, visit our video library.