Fair warning: Visiting the showroom of Meridian Plumbing will inevitably lead you to the sure knowledge that you need a new bathroom. Immediately. You will be surrounded by displays of walk-in steam showers; glittering glass tiles; faucets of every conceivable design; above-counter sinks; bamboo, hardwood and slate flooring; stunning light fixtures and spa-like luxury at every turn. It’s impossible to resist.

Meridian has been around since 1984 when it was founded by brothers Jim and Marty Phillipich and remains a family-owned and run business. Besides Jim and Marty, Craig and Michelle Phillipich and Ann (Phillipich) Farhat and her husband, Mike, are also involved. There are currently 18 employees.

In terms of the company’s plumbing and HVAC services, trained technicians are available 24/7 for any plumbing, heating or cooling problem a home owner encounters. Meridian Plumbing trucks (the company has a fleet of eight plumbing and two HVAC vehicles) are equipped with just about every part needed for residential plumbing and are manned by uniformed professionals. Meridian Plumbing promises repair or replacement, competitive pricing, prompt and expert service and a commitment to quality.

Besides plumbing and HVAC services, Meridian is noted for its full-service bathroom remodeling. After outgrowing two previous facilities, Meridian moved to the current location, 21,000 square feet in all, in 2000. Its showroom, filled with the latest and greatest in everything a bathroom needs, is open by appointment. According to Michelle Phillipich, store manager and remodel estimator, “Our customers appreciate having the showroom to themselves and receiving the personal and undivided attention of a staff member. There are lots of decisions to be made when remodeling, and our by appointment only service gives a customer time, space and attention to make the best choices.”

According to Craig Phillipich, Master Plumber, “As the population ages, there is a growing need to retrofit homes to be safe and comfortable for older people. We are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) which gives us the expertise to come into a home and identify changes that need to be made in bathrooms and other parts of the home to meet present and future needs to allow residents to stay in their own houses as they grow older. For instance, we can install showers that wheelchairs can roll into and bathtubs with either doors that open to allow people to walk into them or step-through inserts that make getting into the tub much easier. We can also install safety grab bars, provide comfort-height toilets, widen doorways and install scald guard faucets. And we do offer senior discounts.” CAPS is a joint training program of the National Association of Homebuilders and AARP.

Current trends in bathroom design bring a spa-like vibe into the home. According to Michelle, “Whirlpool tubs were very popular for a while, but they are falling out of favor. Now we are installing large, walk-in showers with multiple showerheads and steam shower capability.”

Steam showers are integrated into the walk-in shower, allowing the user to surround himself or herself with soothing, often scented steam. As an effective treatment for respiratory and sinus conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis and allergies, they can be justified for their health benefits alone, but they also are great for stress reduction and relaxation. In addition, they are touted for their ability to increase flexibility and circulation, stimulate the immune system and enhance skin tone.

Michelle continues, “Bathrooms are becoming more and more luxurious. People want a sanctuary, someplace where they can escape from the pressures of their busy lives. We know how to make that happen.”

Employees keep current with the latest trends and products by attending kitchen and bath seminars and shows and by working with representatives from a wide range of vendors. In addition, they work with interior designers to create just what the customer orders. 

According to Craig, “Some people come in knowing just what they want, while others are open to our suggestions and ideas. It’s easiest when customers have a certain style they like, and we can take it from there. One customer brought in a robe hook for the back of the door and said, ‘I want my bathroom designed around this.’”

Michelle says, “Our reps tell us that Michigan is a bushel basket of styles; no one style is particularly favored over others. In the larger cities, there’s an emphasis on streamlined retro design, even going back to some of the popular colors from decades past like avocado and bright yellows. But we haven’t seen a lot of focus on that here.”

Building green is becoming more and more relevant, and Meridian has the products and services to make those concerns part of their work. They are part of the Greater Lansing Go Green! Initiative and take that philosophy seriously. Hosting recycling events for the community is part of that effort.

Despite the economy, Meridian continues to do well. As Craig says, “People have to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so that part of our business stays constant. Our remodeling services continue to be strong. We feel like we’re doing all the right things to steer us through the current market.”

Meridian’s commitment to quality is matched by its commitment to the community. Besides contributing to Toys for Tots, Special Olympics, VFW, Habitat for Humanity, Ele’s Place, Meridian Township, local school athletics and the Wanger family project (a cooperative effort to build a home for a family with several special needs children), they sponsor events providing food for the needy including those at Lansing’s Rescue Mission and offering pro bono services to meet community needs. In addition, employees are encouraged to volunteer their time and talents.

For the ultimate comfort in bathroom design, a room that appeals to all your senses and a sanctuary in a busy world, Meridian makes it happen.