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Five Essential Steps Before You Order Plumbing Fixtures – The Waterhouse Way

Posted on April 10, 2024

Five Essential Steps Before You Order Plumbing Fixtures for your Kitchen, Bath, or Laundry Room Renovation – The Waterhouse Way

Plumbing fixtures are a wonderful way to add personality to your space! 

Fixtures can be both functional and beautiful, but if you haven’t done this before (and many of us haven’t!), it can be easy to make mistakes.

Can it actually be fun to shop for toilets and faucets?

Absolutely! If you choose your fixtures with careful planning, with an expert as your guide, you can erase all the guesswork and end up with the room of your dreams.

If you’re ready to move forward on your renovation journey, just follow these five essential steps before you order your plumbing fixtures to ensure that this part of the process is simple and stress-free. Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio offers an entire world of stunning fixtures, all with multiple design options, finishes, and configurations, and now you’ll be ready to navigate it.

With our help, of course!

Step One: Plan—then start window shopping!

The first step to planning for your plumbing fixtures is knowing what you need. In your renovation planning sequence of events, choosing your fixtures often comes after you have a floor plan established. This is important in terms of identifying not only what fixtures you are sourcing but also how many of each and what sizes will work best for your space. 

If you don’t have an established floor plan yet and your renovation is looming, this is the time to get that plan ready before moving on to Step Two.

A plumbing showroom pre-shop early in your planning process could help you home in on the style, color, and type of fixtures you would like to incorporate into your renovation project. This can be especially helpful if you want to get a sense of what is available before you commit to your forever fixtures. So, it’s not just window shopping—it’s research! No appointment necessary for a pre-shop – make sure to allow 30-60 minutes (maybe more if it’s a whole-house renovation) and don’t forget to bring your camera and a note pad to record your findings.

Step Two: Make a wishlist (and take measurements!)

Look at your floor plan and make a list of all the fixtures you need and want to include. Next, note the sizes. Size does matter in this case, and it is very important to make sure that the size of your favorite fixtures matches the plan for your renovation. No matter how much we might want to, the Waterhouse team (as skilled as we are) can’t make a 60-inch vanity fit in a 42-inch nook.

Waterhouse Pro Tip: If you are including a tub in your bathroom renovation, you will need to know what size, shape, and type will fit into your bathroom. Another key size to note is your kitchen sink base cabinet width. You might fall in love with a 36-inch-wide apron front sink but find out once you get home that you have a 30-inch sink base cabinet. Understanding your size constraints ahead of your shopping trip will save you from making costly mistakes later.

To help guide your shopping adventure, Waterhouse has created handy checklists for plumbing projects.

Download, print, and fill these out before you shop so that your in-showroom experience can be focused on the important things: choosing style, type, and color – you know…the FUN stuff.

KITCHEN

• Sink
  • Sink Base Cabinet Size
  • Drop-in/Top Mount
  • Undermount
  • Apron Front/Farmhouse
  • Workstation
  • Single or Double Bowl
  • Material: Stainless Steel? Granite Composite? Cast Iron? Fireclay?
  • Matching Drains/Strainers/Disposal Flanges
• Faucet
  • How many holes are in your current countertop (if you’re not replacing)?
• Bar/Prep Sink
• Bar/Prep Faucet
• Pot Filler
• Hot Water Dispenser
• Cold Water Dispenser
• Carbonated/Sparkling Water Dispenser
• Water Filtration or Reverse Osmosis System
• Garbage Disposal
• Air Switch
• Soap/Lotion Dispenser
• Other Accessories
  • Sink Grid
  • Cutting Board
  • Colander
  • Drying Rack
  • Glass Rinser
• Cabinet Hardware
• Lighting

PRIMARY BATH

• Sink(s)
  • Drop-in/Top Mount
  • Undermount
  • Vessel
  • Pedestal
  • Console
• Sink Faucet(s)
• Matching Drain
• Tub
  • Size – Width, Length, and Depth
  • Drop-in/Alcove/Freestanding?
  • Left-hand, Right-hand, or Center Drain?
  • Whirlpool or Air bath?
  • Aroma or Chromatherapy?
• Tub Filler
  • Matching Drain and Overflow?
• Tub/Shower Enclosure
• Showerhead
• Hand shower
• Hand shower Bracket or Slide Bar
• Shower Controls/Valves
• Body Sprays
• Shower Base/Pan
  • Size: Length, Width, and Height
• Shower Walls
• Shower Drain
• Shower Door
• Steam Shower
• Toilet
  • One or Two Piece?
  • Elongated or Round?
  • Standard or Comfort Height?
  • Rough-in Size? 10, 12, or 14-inches?
  • Left or Right-side Trip Lever?
• Bidet/Bidet Seat/Smart Toilet
• Vanity
  • Size (Height, Width, and Length)
• Vanity Top
  • How many holes in your current vanity top (if not replacing)?
• Storage
• Mirrors/Medicine Cabinets
• Lighting
• Ventilation Fan
• Heated Towel Rack
• Accessories
  • Towel Bars
  • Towel Rings
  • Tissue Holder
  • Robe/Towel Hooks
  • Shelving
• Cabinet Hardware
• Grab Bars

GUEST OR SECONDARY BATH

• Sink(s)
  • Drop-in/Top Mount
  • Undermount
  • Vessel
  • Pedestal
  • Console
• Sink Faucet(s)
• Tub
  • Size – Width, Length, and Depth
  • Drop-in/Alcove/Freestanding?
  • Left-hand, Right-hand, or Center Drain?
  • Whirlpool or Air bath?
  • Aroma or Chromatherapy?
• Tub Filler
  • Matching Drain and Overflow?
• Tub/Shower Enclosure
• Showerhead
• Hand shower
• Hand shower Bracket or Slide Bar
• Shower Controls/Valves
• Rain shower
• Body Sprays
• Shower Base/Pan
  • Size: Length, Width, and Height
• Shower Walls
• Shower Drain
• Shower Door
• Steam Shower
• Toilet
  • One or Two Piece?
  • Elongated or Round?
  • Standard or Comfort Height?
  • Rough-in Size? 10, 12, or 14-inches?
  • Left or Right-side Trip Lever?
• Bidet/Bidet Seat/Smart Toilet
• Vanity
  • Size (Height, Width, and Length)
• Vanity Top
  • How many holes in your current vanity top (if not replacing)?
• Storage
• Mirrors/Medicine Cabinets
• Lighting
• Ventilation Fan
• Heated Towel Rack
• Accessories
  • Towel Bars
  • Towel Rings
  • Tissue Holder
  • Robe/Towel Hooks
  • Shelving
• Cabinet Hardware
• Grab Bars

POWDER ROOM

• Sink(s)
  • Drop-in/Top Mount
  • Undermount
  • Vessel
  • Pedestal
  • Console
• Sink Faucet(s)
• Toilet
  • One or Two Piece?
  • Elongated or Round?
  • Standard or Comfort Height?
  • Rough-in Size? 10, 12, or 14-inches?
  • Left or Right-side Trip Lever?
• Bidet/Bidet Seat/Smart Toilet
• Vanity
  • Size (Height, Width, and Length)
• Vanity Top
  • How many holes in your current vanity top (if not replacing)?
• Storage
• Mirrors/Medicine Cabinets
• Lighting
• Ventilation Fan
• Heated Towel Rack
• Accessories
  • Towel Bars
  • Towel Rings
  • Tissue Holder
  • Robe/Towel Hooks
  • Shelving
• Cabinet Hardware
• Grab Bars

LAUNDRY ROOM/MUDROOM

• Utility Sink
• Utility Sink Faucet(s)
• Storage
• Lighting
• Heated Towel Rack
• Accessories
  • Robe/Towel Hooks
  • Shelving
• Cabinet Hardware
• Pet Wash station

OUTDOOR PLUMBING NEEDS

• Outdoor Shower
• Pet Wash Station
• Gardening/Potting Station

Step Three: Book an appointment at your friendly neighborhood plumbing showroom – that’s Waterhouse, silly!

Waterhouse absolutely recommends making an appointment once you’re ready to make your selections. This will guarantee that you will have expert guidance while you shop in our showroom. Our expertise and perspective will help to make your experience efficient and MUCH less overwhelming. 

If you can, please send over your wishlist and any other key information, like the styles you prefer, colors you love, and any other special requests or needs so we can fully prepare for your visit. 

A little extra planning can turn a potentially stressful showroom visit into a fun experience! 

Step Four: Ready for the showroom? Show up prepared.

You can (and should) prepare for your Waterhouse showroom visit.

Three things your Waterhouse Sales Specialist will ALWAYS ask for:

• Your shopping list
• Physical samples of the materials going into the space—tile samples, countertop samples, paint color, etc. 
• A concept image or two of the overall design plans – your “INSPO” photos

These items will come in handy when you are choosing your fixture metal finish. You might go into the showroom knowing you want a polished brass finish, but your Waterhouse Showroom Specialist might look at your finish materials and recommend another finish that will coordinate better. 

The more information we have about your style and color preferences at the start of your visit, the more efficient and productive your visit will be! Make sure to let us know about any other requests:

              Do you share the bathroom with a VERY tall spouse?

              Do you have small children?

              Pets?

              Anyone in the home have any mobility issues?

Step Five: Plan your budget.

It is helpful to have a budget in mind before your shopping trip. 

Perhaps you have your eye on a high-priced bathroom faucet, but your total budget is in the medium range. If we have a good idea of your budget comfort zone, we can help build a package that pairs your coveted higher-priced faucet with a low to mid-cost shower trim that coordinates beautifully and ultimately keeps you at or under budget. Top of Form

Wow.

That’s a LOT of information to take in, even for the experts.

Let the seasoned pros at Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio take the guesswork and stress out of your renovation project.

Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio.

Inspire. Guide. Elevate.

Celebrate Water Week with Maumee Supply & Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio!

Posted on April 09, 2024

Celebrate Water Week with Maumee Supply & Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio!

Every year on April 15th, the United States recognizes Water Week, a time to appreciate this vital resource and advocate for its protection. Here at Maumee Supply & Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio, your local, family-owned plumbing experts, we understand the importance of water on a deep level.

Water Week has evolved since its inception in 1973 by President Nixon as Clean Water Week. Today, it serves as a platform for water sector organizations to champion national policies that ensure clean and safe water for all.

Why Water Matters

Water is the foundation of life. It sustains us, nourishes our environment, and fuels countless industries. But clean water is not a guarantee. Pollution, overuse, and aging infrastructure all threaten this precious resource.

How We Can Help

At Maumee Supply, we're committed to responsible water use. We offer a wide selection of water-saving plumbing products, from high-efficiency toilets and faucets to leak detection systems. Our expert staff can help you find the right solutions to reduce your water footprint without sacrificing performance.

Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio, our premier showroom, showcases beautiful and functional fixtures that prioritize water efficiency. We believe that saving water doesn't mean compromising on style.

Join the Conversation

This Water Week, let's pledge to be mindful of our water usage. Here are a few ways you can participate:

• Install water-saving fixtures: Every drop counts! Upgrade your toilets, faucets, and showerheads to more efficient models.
• Fix leaky faucets: Even a small drip can waste gallons of water over time. Be proactive and repair any leaks promptly.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn about water conservation practices and share them with your family and friends.
• Support organizations that advocate for clean water initiatives.

Maumee Supply & Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio are committed to providing water-efficient products and educating our customers about water conservation practices. Let's work together to ensure a sustainable water future for all. Happy Water Week!

Indulge in the Spa-Like Escape: Unveiling the Benefits of Steam Showers

Posted on April 03, 2024

Indulge in the Spa-Like Escape: Unveiling the Benefits of Steam Showers

Imagine stepping into your shower not just to cleanse, but to experience a luxurious spa-like retreat. That's the power of a steam shower! Steam showers offer a multitude of advantages that go beyond a basic shower experience. Here's why you might want to consider incorporating one into your bathroom:

Transformative Wellness at Your Fingertips

Steam showers provide a range of benefits that cater to both your physical and mental well-being:

• Soothe Your Body and Mind: The enveloping warmth and moisture of a steam shower create a deeply relaxing experience. It's perfect for unwinding after a long day, easing muscle tension, and promoting better sleep.
• Breathe Easier: Steam inhalation can help clear congestion and relieve symptoms of allergies and colds.
• Glowing Skin: The steam opens pores, allowing for a deeper cleanse and enhancing the absorption of skincare products. This can lead to a more radiant and youthful complexion.
• Improved Circulation: The heat from the steam dilates blood vessels, promoting better blood flow throughout the body.
• Faster Recovery: A steam shower after a workout can help loosen stiff muscles and aid in faster recovery.

Effortless Steam: Modern Convenience

Modern steam shower systems are designed for seamless integration into existing bathrooms. Gone are the days of complex renovations. These user-friendly systems make the transformation to a spa-like haven more accessible than ever.

Crafting Your Steam Shower Sanctuary

At Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio, we are your partner in creating the perfect steam shower experience. Our team of showroom specialists can guide you through the process of selecting the ideal steam shower system for your needs. We offer a wide range of fixtures and features to customize your steam shower and help you navigate the selection process.

Let Us Help You Find Your Perfect Steam Shower

Visit our showroom or contact us today to discuss how we can transform your bathroom into a haven of wellness with the power of steam.

Celebrating National Mom & Pop Business Day

Posted on March 12, 2024

Spring Into Safety: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

Posted on March 06, 2024

Spring Into Safety: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

As spring unfolds, we naturally turn our attention to refreshing our homes. But amidst the decluttering and deep cleaning, one often-overlooked area deserves special attention: the medicine cabinet.

March 29th marks National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day, a timely reminder to ensure the safety and security of our homes and families.

Why is this important?

• Expired medications: Medications lose their effectiveness over time, and taking them can be ineffective or even harmful.
• Unused medications: These pose a risk for misuse and abuse, both at home and in the broader community.
• Clutter: A cluttered cabinet can make it difficult to find the medications you need quickly, potentially delaying treatment.

So, how can you participate?

1. Gather your supplies: Grab a large bag, trash can, and a list of local medication drop-off locations (https://www.dea.gov/takebackday).
2. Empty your medicine cabinet: Remove everything, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and first-aid supplies.
3. Sort through your medications: Check the expiration date on each medication.
• Expired medications: Place them in your designated disposal container. Remember, never flush medications down the toilet or drain!
• Unexpired, unopened medications: Consider donating them to local charities or programs that assist individuals in need.
• Unexpired, opened medications: Keep only those you are currently using and properly dispose of any outdated versions of the same medication.
4. Clean and reorganize your medicine cabinet: Wipe down shelves and drawers using a disinfectant wipe. Organize remaining medications by type and frequency of use to facilitate easy access.

By taking these simple steps, you can:

• Safeguard your family's health: Prevent accidental ingestion of expired medications and reduce the risk of misuse.
• Protect your community: Help prevent the spread of addiction and accidental overdoses.
• Promote responsible disposal: Ensure medications are disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Spring cleaning extends beyond our homes. Let's work together to create a safer and healthier community, one medicine cabinet at a time!

Celebrate Water: Every Drop Matters at Waterhouse!

Posted on March 06, 2024

Celebrate Water: Every Drop Matters at Waterhouse!

Every year on March 22nd, the world comes together to celebrate World Water Day, a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of this life-sustaining resource. Here at Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio, we wholeheartedly join this celebration and recognize the vital role water plays in our communities and the environment.

Water is more than just a resource; it's the very foundation of life. It sustains us, empowers our communities, and deserves our utmost respect and responsible use. At Waterhouse, we are committed to doing our part in promoting water conservation and sustainability through various initiatives:

• Water-Saving Solutions: We take pride in offering a selection of water-efficient products for your bathroom and kitchen. From low-flow faucets and showerheads to high-efficiency toilets, we empower you to make a difference every day by conserving this precious resource.

• Sustainable Practices: We are dedicated to environmental responsibility throughout our operations. We prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as using water-saving methods in our showroom and actively seeking sustainable product lines from our partners.

• Raising Awareness: We believe that education is key to driving positive change. We strive to raise awareness about water conservation by providing informative resources to our customers and engaging in community outreach initiatives.

World Water Day is a call to action for all of us to become more mindful of our water usage and take steps to conserve. By working together, we can make a significant impact on protecting this vital resource for ourselves and future generations.

Here are some simple ways you can contribute to water conservation:

• Install water-efficient fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen.
• Fix leaky faucets and toilets promptly. Even small leaks can waste a considerable amount of water over time.
• Be mindful of your water usage in everyday activities, such as taking shorter showers and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
• Water your lawn and garden efficiently. Water during cooler hours and use mulch to retain moisture.
• Spread awareness about the importance of water conservation among your family, friends, and neighbors.

Tune in to The Nine and Watch Your Dream Kitchen Come to Life with Waterhouse!

Posted on March 01, 2024

Calling all home renovation enthusiasts! We're excited to announce our partnership with the local TV show, The Nine, airing weekdays at 9 AM on 13ABC. As the kitchen set sponsors, we'll be collaborating with the show's team to give their kitchen a trendy and functional upgrade, and you're invited to join the journey!

In our first segment, viewers got a sneak peek into the plans with Senior Showroom Specialist, Julie Williams, discussing updating the sink, faucet, and cabinetry hardware. These seemingly small changes can have a dramatic impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen, and we're thrilled to share the process and our selections with Rebecca Regnier and viewers at home.

https://fb.watch/qvhaGiaDzR/

Stay tuned for our next exciting segment, filmed right here at Waterhouse Bath and Kitchen Studio! Our showroom boasts a vast selection of top-of-the-line products, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Whether you're drawn to modern minimalism or classic elegance, our open and friendly team is dedicated to inspiring, guiding, and elevating your kitchen vision.

We believe everyone deserves a functional and beautiful kitchen space, and we're here to help you achieve it. Don't miss our upcoming segments on The Nine, where we'll showcase the transformation and offer valuable tips for your own kitchen upgrade. We're confident that by the end, you'll be brimming with inspiration and ready to embark on your own kitchen renovation journey!

In the meantime, feel free to visit our showroom or browse our website to explore the endless possibilities for your dream kitchen. We look forward to serving you!

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Browsing for My Dream Bathroom

Posted on February 27, 2024

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Browsing for My Dream Bathroom (and Why Waterhouse is Your Perfect Partner!)

So, you've decided to embark on the exciting journey of creating your dream bathroom! It's a space of relaxation, rejuvenation, and maybe even a touch of self-care indulgence. But before you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and online shopping sprees, there are a few things I wish I knew that would have made the process a whole lot smoother.

1. Functionality is Key: Sure, a freestanding bathtub might look stunning, but will you have the space (and the time) to truly enjoy it? Consider your daily routine and prioritize features that enhance usability, like ample storage, convenient layout, and accessible features if needed.
2. Dream Big, Budget Smartly: We all have aspirations, but setting a realistic budget from the start is crucial. Don't be afraid to dream big, but factor in installation costs, potential unforeseen needs, and prioritize your must-haves over fleeting trends.
3. Think Beyond the Surface: It's easy to get swept away by beautiful finishes, but don't forget about the nitty-gritty. Research the durability and maintenance requirements of different materials, especially for flooring and countertops.
4. Seek Expert Guidance: Navigating the vast world of bathroom fixtures and fittings can be overwhelming. Partnering with a professional like the team at Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio can save you time, money, and frustration. They can help you find the perfect balance between form and function, ensuring your dream bathroom is not only beautiful but also practical and long-lasting.
5. Inspiration Awaits: Stepping into a well-designed showroom like Waterhouse can spark your creativity and offer invaluable insights. Seeing different styles, finishes, and layouts come to life can help you solidify your vision and avoid costly mistakes.

Why Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio is Your One-Stop Shop for Bathroom Bliss:

• Expert guidance: Their knowledgeable team can guide you through every step, translating your vision into a functional and stylish reality.
• Endless inspiration: Explore a curated collection of top brands and discover the latest trends alongside timeless classics in their beautiful showroom.
• Unmatched selection: Find everything you need under one roof, from faucets and sinks to bathtubs and vanities, ensuring a cohesive and stunning design.
• Stress-free shopping: Their team is dedicated to making your experience enjoyable and assisting you in finding everything you need within your budget.
• Creating your dream space: They share your passion for transforming bathrooms and are committed to helping you turn your vision into a reality.

Don't let the process of creating your dream bathroom become stressful. Visit Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio today and let their team guide you through every step! Together, you can turn your bathroom dreams into a reality that you'll love for years to come.