Maax Utile system review?
8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (110)
- 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
Related Discussions
Air Tub Reviews?
Comments (67)I recommend against the Kohler Underscore Bubblemassage acrylic bathtub. My experience indicates Kohler has a high defect rate with these tubs. I've had *three* 60" x 36" Underscore jetted tubs sent to me in a 2-1/2 month span and ALL have been defective. The first and third tubs leaked. The first tub leaked heavily in at least six places, despite the shipping box and the tub itself appearing pristine. The third-party repair company Kohler sent could not fix all the leaks. Kohler explained this as a "rare" defect in "channels" within the tub, a flaw that cannot be caught through mere visual inspection. Apparently, the flaw also does not show up in Kohler's quality control checks at the factory. Kohler said this happens because the factory fills and drains each tub within minutes, and sometimes it takes hours for these leaks to appear. The second tub Kohler sent me was so poorly packaged that it arrived scratched and with interior stains. The distributor said that was a common occurrence with Kohler's "express ship" program, that they don't spend the time to package the tub in the typical way. The third tub also leaked, this time through a factory-installed tube connecting the body of the tub to the air jet motor. I am awaiting a Kohler-appointed repair person to come out a fix it. We hope the defect can be corrected so I don't have to pay for installation a third time. Each time I call, Kohler's representatives reassure me these defects are "rare" and they apologize for the inconvenience. Inconvenience aside -- my bathroom project has gone from a 3-week timeline to a 3-month timeline because of the delays incurred by waiting for replacement bathtubs -- the cost of ripping out and disposing of the first defective tub and reinstalling yet another defective tub has *almost doubled* my costs for this bathtub. Kohler has paid for the replacement tub and shipping, but that does not approach the personal cost of these delays. Kohler claims defects in this tub are rare, but I've had 3 delivered to my home, and my experience indicates their defect rate is 100%. Furthermore, Kohler's people, while polite and apologetic, have done NOTHING to expedite either the attempted repairs or the shipping of replacement tubs. This is what is most unacceptable: I understand that mistakes happen. No manufacturing process is perfect. But Kohler's customer service has been equally disappointing: lengthy remediation processes with no follow up, empty apologies with no expedited assistance and all costs borne by me. The tub looks beautiful, but I wish I never bought it. So much trouble....See MoreUtility Sink for Washing Small Dogs
Comments (22)Sorry, I've been AWOL & just catching up with this thread. (We drove straight through from Houston to SC on Sunday & have been on a whirlwind schedule doing walkthroughs & meetings for selections.) gerberdaisy - we're about on the same wavelength. Rather than integrating the drainboard with the SS utility we're just going to have some base cabinets with a countertop we can put a slip proof mat on for drying off and grooming. To me, the issue with the Booster Bath is that you have to run a line to some drain & connect to water supply hoses. I'd rather have a sink with a drain & faucet that we can use for other purposes. After a couple of days walking around the site, I can tell that having a place to rinse off Wellies or garden clogs will be great. Like gobruno (& flgargoyle, soon enough), it isn't the periodic bathing as much as it is getting muddy paws rinsed off before they track it into the house. With some kind of washing station in the room from which they access the outside, this will be a an easier task. On Monday, during one of many walkthroughs, I said that I wanted a scullery sink in the dog room. The builder started to talk to me about a shower setup he had done for another client. The cabinetmaker chimed in & said, "She has small dogs. She just wants to pick up the dog & put it in the sink. The scullery sink will work just fine." So, I'm encourage that a professional set of eyes on the space I'm trying to outfit thinks that the scullery sink will work. It's interesting to see the task of dog washing/cleaning through the eyes of owners of very different types of breeds. With small dogs, picking them up & plopping them in the sink is probably faster than trying to convince them to go up a ramp. Silky Terriers don't have an undercoat, so they don't shed anymore than you or I "shed" hair. And yes, they love to shake once the bath is done, but it doesn't drench an entire exercise. Thanks for the thoughts & I'll update you when it is eventually installed. Jo Ann gobruno - yer killin' me waiting for pix. LOL!!!!!...See MorePV installation ROI review
Comments (13)About 10 months ago, I got a quote for a 10kw system for $22,100 after incentives (30% federal and $1,000 state). The solar installer estimated it would save me $1,852 with subsidy ($0.04 over retail). I did not want to analyze it with the subsidy since utilities are trying to get away from that. So on a straight retail rate basis that should be about $1,323 in annual savings. Out of pocket payback period is 17 years To factor in financing, I used a 4.25% interest rate, 1.7% inflation rate, and 25% mortgage interest deduction. The payback under that scenario is 22 years. This is our "kids drag us out" house and we're 40 now, but that payback period is marginal for me too. Any gadget has to have a payback period less than its warranty in my opinion. These panels have a 10 year parts and all and a 25 year energy guarantee. Expected life is 30+ years. I'm going to wait a year to see if prices come down anymore. I'll probably do it for no other reason than I'd feel better a mountain isn't getting flattened to power my home....See MoreHow do you keep your utility bills costs down?
Comments (37)Well...we only run the heat at a warmer level 65-68 during the morning while we get ready for work and the evening before we settle down for the night. The rest of the time, the thermostat is either at 60 or off. To be honest, we also avoided buying a house that faces east/west to avoid the heat in summer or with high cathedral ceilings so we could better control our utility costs. It’s just the two of us, so the dishwasher is only used once maybe twice a week, our washer is also a European front loader and laundry is done during off peak times. We have well water so no bill there. Our windows are old and leaky as well, so new windows are on our to do list as well adding thicker insulation in the attic. Our gas bill during peak winter months has been fairly consistent from year to year and low when compared with others in the neighborhood. I’ve heard of the cellophane window coverings but haven’t ever considered using them; maybe we should! ETA: I forgot to say that I agree with 3Katz in that during the summer months, I’m less willing to sacrafice comfort over cost. BUT as crazy as it sounds, we like to sleep in colder conditions so during summer months, we turn the a/c way down at night (during the off peak hours). And because we face north/south we get limited sun from the windows which keeps the house cool for a larger part of the day. On the weekends, we usually don’t turn the a/c back on until mid afternoon and the house will stay incredibly cool until then. The only exception is when it’s very humid. Then the ac will go on whenever we need it to....See MoreRelated Professionals
Saint Andrews Architects & Building Designers · Salem General Contractors · Alhambra General Contractors · Bellingham General Contractors · Bowling Green General Contractors · Cape Girardeau General Contractors · Elyria General Contractors · Groton General Contractors · Langley Park General Contractors · Redan General Contractors · Wyomissing General Contractors · Middle Island Interior Designers & Decorators · Hershey Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lake Oswego Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Quincy Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
- 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
- 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
- 5 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago
- 3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- 9 months ago
- 9 months ago
- last month
Related Stories

ARCHITECTUREThink Like an Architect: How to Pass a Design Review
Up the chances a review board will approve your design with these time-tested strategies from an architect
Full Story
CONTRACTOR TIPSBuilding Permits: What to Know About Green Building and Energy Codes
In Part 4 of our series examining the residential permit process, we review typical green building and energy code requirements
Full Story
MOST POPULARHow to Refine Your Renovation Vision to Fit Your Budget
From dream to done: When planning a remodel that you can afford, expect to review, revise and repeat
Full Story
CONTRACTOR TIPSBuilding Permits: The Final Inspection
In the last of our 6-part series on the building permit process, we review the final inspection and typical requirements for approval
Full Story
FLOORSIs Radiant Heating or Cooling Right for You?
Questions to ask before you go for one of these temperature systems in your floors or walls (yes, walls)
Full Story
HEALTHY HOMEA Guide to Indoor Air Purifiers
Get the lowdown on air filtration systems for your house and the important ratings to look out for
Full Story
DISASTER PREP & RECOVERYMore Power to You: How to Pick the Right Generator
If your home's electricity goes, don't let it take your necessities with it — keep systems running with this guide to backup power
Full Story
GREEN BUILDINGWhat's LEED All About, Anyway?
If you're looking for a sustainable, energy-efficient home, look into LEED certification. Learn about the program and its rating system here
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNWarm Up Your Bathroom With Heated Floors
If your bathroom floor is leaving you cold, try warming up to an electric heating system
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNGreen and Clean: Sleek Water-Wise Bathroom Fixtures
By choosing ecofriendly faucets, showerheads and even toilets, you can save loads of water and money without sacrificing style
Full Story
ritsuko22