Should You Consider a Salt Lake City Bathroom Remodel This Winter?

Should You Consider a Salt Lake City Bathroom Remodel This Winter?

Despite the cold temperatures and snow, winter may very well be the perfect time to tackle your bathroom remodel project. It is true that construction slows down during the winter months because everything gets ‘booked up’ during the more active construction months of the spring and summer. As a result, winter is often the prime time for bathroom remodeling in Salt Lake City because contractors are not as busy, so scheduling consultations and starting projects are prioritized.

The Off-Season Works in Your Favor

The spring and summer months are super busy for all contractors in Utah. It’s a mad rush to get projects scheduled, resulting in very long wait times. A bathroom remodel in Salt Lake City during winter allows for shorter wait times to schedule top contractors, faster project slot scheduling, and rapid prioritization of the project timeline, rather than the project waiting on the timeline.

There is even a financial incentive to do a bathroom remodel in Salt Lake City during winter. The slow season for contractors and suppliers in general means clearance promotions for supplies like tile, vanities, and fixtures. The local permitting offices are also more likely to process project requests more quickly during the off-season.

Snow Outside Doesn’t Slow Work Inside

Even though Utah winters can be tough, they still don’t affect interior work. A bathroom remodel in Salt Lake City is completely interior work, so tile installation or converting a shower to a tub, none of these project types rely on exterior work. Supplies also don’t take as long to arrive as they do during the busy summer months, especially since crews aren’t putting a strain on work supplies.

The timeline benefit really shows with a bathroom remodel done during the winter. Your project is done and ready to entertain in the spring before any of your guests arrive.

One Spot Worth Flagging

When piping system layouts change due to a remodel, frozen piping becomes an issue, which can be particularly challenging in cold climates. This is not the end of the world. It is a good reason to choose a contractor who has experience in cold climates. They need to factor in the correct sequence of work. During painting and adhesive application, all contractors should ensure proper ventilation.

The Bottom Line

Bathroom remodeling in Salt Lake City is actually efficient during the winter months, since many homeowners think it can only be done in other seasons. Less demand means your project will receive more attention. If remodeling the bathroom has been on your to-do list, now is the perfect time to reach out to a contractor before the spring rush.

Why “Green” Cleaning Products Aren’t Always What They Claim

Why "Green" Cleaning Products Aren't Always What They Claim

Green cleaning product marketing loves to flaunt plant-based logos and use pastel-colored packaging. Though products boasting such aesthetics appear earthy, they can be just as devastating to the planet. A 2021 study from the European Commission concluded that 42% of “green” claims used for marketing were either untrue or deceptive. These statistics are especially important for those in Park City researching carpet cleaning service providers.

What Greenwashing Actually Is

Greenwashing is the marketing of products as eco-friendly when they are not. Sometimes, the marketing jargon doesn’t contain any lies. Products can contain a very small percentage of natural components, and still be marketed as “all natural.” Terms like “green,” “eco,” and “gentle” have no labeled definitions, meaning any brand can market their product with those words as freely as they want, with little to no consequences.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sets a standard that companies should not be marketing goods that are “unfair or deceptive.” Greenwashing in the cleaning product market isn’t as heavily policed, but some brands that have been caught have faced large lawsuits. The parent company of Simple Green paid $4.35 million, and Windex settled its lawsuit for $1.3 million.

Things to Look Out for on Packaging

Greenwashing can be identified by certain patterns:

  • Vague language: ‘Non-toxic’ and ‘eco-friendly’ are not regulated. They do not mean anything unless there is a full disclosure of the ingredients and manufacturing methods.
  • ‘Fragrances’ or ‘parfum’: U.S. regulations do not require disclosure of the ingredients in ‘fragrances’ or ‘parfum.’ They contain a hidden smorgasbord of dozens of chemicals, including phthalates and other chemicals that may be respiratory irritants to some.
  • Irrelevant Claims: Boasting “phosphate-free” is misleading, as phosphates are already restricted from cleaning agents. Removing a limited ingredient is not a sustainability goal.
  • No Certifications: Plenty of companies create their own seals and use them willy-nilly. Real seals of approval are issued by third parties, such as the EPA’s Safer Choice or Green Seal.

Why It Matters for Your Carpets

Carpeted areas hold more dirt and residue than hard surfaces. Solutions used to clean carpets penetrate carpet fibers and are trapped there. Eventually, they are released into the air. This is particularly important for carpet cleaning in Park City, as the high altitude means living spaces are frequently used by children and/or pets and are thus closer to the ground.

Most of the current carpet cleaning companies in Park City have added the terms “green” and “eco-safe” to their advertising. The use of these terms is clearly a concern and should prompt further investigation. Compare their products to the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning, and request the manufacturers’ names. Those offering carpet cleaning in Park City who are committed to the safety of their services will have no issue providing this information.

The Bottom Line

The biggest factor in determining whether a green cleaner is actually green is whether or not the ingredients are fully disclosed. We recommend you ignore the marketing lingo and look for product certifications and ensure the product discloses all its ingredients. Hidden ingredients alert us that the product is not as safe as they claim.