A new lavatory faucet/bathroom faucet has caught my eye. American Standard has developed a faucet for the bathroom that has a pull-out faucet/head…exactly like a kitchen faucet. The “outreach” faucet looks like a typical 4” center-set faucet at first glance, at second glance; this faucet is far from typical. It is a pretty simple concept, we use pull-out faucets all the time in the kitchen, but this is the first time I have seen a pull-out for the bathroom. Kudos to American Standard for this well designed and functional faucet. I started out designing bathrooms 7 years ago, I’ve seen a lot of faucets in my time, but never one where the functionality of a faucet took precedence over the design….why didn’t someone think this up earlier? It makes sense…kitchen pull-faucets are very popular, why not a bathroom pull-out faucet?
I was faucet shopping online for one of my clients and came across this fabulously functional faucet. I took some time to really think about this faucet before writing this, beginning with a look at my own lavatory faucet and sink. What I found, embarrassingly, on the sink was toothpaste, makeup, mouthwash, and hair…yuck. If I had the “outreach” faucet, would my bathroom sink be cleaner? While examining my sink, my cat Scarlett leapt onto the countertop and snuggled her way into the sink….more hair. Then the light bulb went on…if I had the “outreach” faucet, I could bathe Scarlett in the bathroom sink, instead of the kitchen sink! Genius!
Consider these ideas that would make life just a little more simple and more fun: men shaving (and cleaning little hairs in sink), washing your hair in sink, hand-washing delicate laundry, filling a vase with water, cleaning up sink and countertop, getting stains out of clothing (spot cleaning)….the list could go on and on, but I will stop it here.
Just a note that this is not a true review of this faucet, I have not used this product…but I hope to soon in one of my next bathroom designs (any takers???)
The pull-out of the “outreach” faucet extends 24” and is available in two finishes: chrome and brushed nickel. It appears to me that this product is available exclusively through The Home Depot. The chrome finish faucet retails for $98.00 and the brushed nickel for $118.00. This price is fantastic, especially considering that the faucet has a ceramic disc valve cartridge (a must in my book for a faucet) and cast brass construction. The faucet also has a lifetime warranty on function and finish….what else could you want?
Well, there is one other thing that I would like, and that would be to see this faucet in an 8” widespread version. I’m not a huge fan of a 4” center-set faucet….though this faucet might just change my mind about the 4” spread.
If you are considering using this faucet at a retro-fit (replacing your existing faucet and not the sink and/or countertop) – be sure that your current faucet is a 4” center-set faucet. If you have an existing 8” spread or single-hole faucet, this faucet will not be a good fit.
I always enjoy reading the posts our designers, Jessica and Jennifer, write, but I thought I’d like to contribute this time from a consumer’s perspective. I don’t have a background in design or construction, but I do have a lot of experience in the hospitality industry and certainly we are all experts as consumers on customer service. No matter what industry I’ve worked in the same expectations for customer service is there. What’s really crazy though is we all hold high standards for how we want to be treated, but not everyone seems to be on board about how to deliver those standards to the customer.
What I may think is clear communication of my intentions may not be heard and totally received by my clients. Who hasn’t hung up the phone or read through an email only to turn around to your cubby buddy and say this person is crazy! Maybe your side of the conversation sounded a little like mine have: “I told them I was working on it. I told them this may happen. I told them I would get back to them on this issue and it’s only been 2 days and I’ve been working my tail off to get it resolved and they are still calling me non-stop!”
The best lesson I’ve learned so far, provide answers to questions that your client didn’t even know they would have. I’m a huge believer in constant communication even if it seems like it’s overdone or that I may be stating the seemingly obvious. It’s not a fool proof solution, but I feel like if I’m providing updates what may seem like every day to me but an emergency to my clients somehow brings some calm to a perceived storm.
Home improvement and remodeling is not only a financial investment but also a big emotional investment. I can only strive to improve the overall experience for my clients. I wouldn’t expect any less if the roles were reversed.
If you’re considering a remodeling project, check out our free online virtual estimate. We’ll help answer some of your questions and bring you some personalized advice on your project that you may not have considered. It’s one more tool we’ve created to help your customer service experience. Plus, if you’re considering a kitchen remodel and utilize the free online virtual estimate you’ll be entered to win a week’s worth of groceries (a value up to $500). I know I’m usually won over by a good meal!
When you are planning a home entertainment area it is important to not only make it a comfortable place for your family, but also a safe one. It is common to use glass in cabinetry housing a television, game console, and home theatre system. Be aware that unless it is tempered glass, it can cause serious harm if broken.
Base cabinet doors are required to have tempered glass. I recommend that upper glass doors also receive this treatment so you can enjoy a safe happy home.
Plain glass breaks easily and shatters into sharp shards. Tempered breaks into tiny little bits that are much less dangerous (why it’s required in car windows). It is much stronger, but is also vulnerable to sharp taps. The higher price for tempered glass is because it has to be heated to almost melting then cooled after it has been cut to size.
FA Design Build carries 3 lines of kitchen cabinets: JSI, Wellborn Forest and Medallion.
jkaiser@fadesignbuild.com
Cork Flooring Reviews – What You Must Know Before Purchasing
Today, more and more people are becoming more aware of the environment, making them find more ways to take care of the nature. When it comes to choosing the right flooring, cork flooring reviews provide helpful points for eco-friendly floor installation. With the numerous modern manufacturing techniques, it may be useful to know about cork flooring reviews in order to be informed about this kind of improvement for homes.
Cork flooring reviews discuss about the reasons why natural cork flooring is a better choice. For one, cork flooring is known to be an eco-friendly floor. Cork oak tree is used in the manufacturing process of cork flooring and once it is harvested, the tree is milled and processed in order to create sheets. Afterwards, these are oven-baked to make flooring tiles. This kind of floor is usually used in houses, offices and other light commercial establishments.
Cork flooring reviews also point out that cork flooring production requires strict regulation. The cork tree must be at least twenty-five years old before harvesting. This way, the bark of the tree can still grow back, resulting to more sources for floorings. This is one of the many reasons why cork flooring is a better choice when planning to purchase materials for your floors.
According to cork flooring reviews, this material is durable and resilient and can endure different kinds of impacts. It has microscopic air pockets, creating a surface that can return to its original status even after pressure or impact. In addition, cork flooring is the perfect choice for people who have pets at home but it is essential to make sure that their nails are kept short in order to prevent floor damage.
Cork flooring is known to be resistant to moisture as it contains suberin, which is a waxy substance. Suberin is the reason why floating cork flooring is best when it comes to moisture resistant. However, it is still best to avoid spilling fluids on the floor and letting it stand for a long time. Make sure to clean the spills right away if you want to maintain the quality and beauty of your floor.
Aside from moisture resistance, cork flooring is also insect resistant due to the suberin substance. This waxy element makes the material tough against molds, mildew and insect infestation. With this in mind, if your children are experiencing allergies, it is recommended to change your carpet into cork flooring.
Aside from acting as a good protection, the cellular structure or air pockets of cork flooring can also help confine heat, making the floor warmer and more comfortable even in barefoot compared to other flooring materials such as vinyl or laminated floors.
Additionally, the cellular structure of the cork effectively absorbs sound. Compared to other flooring materials that produce hallow sound, cork flooring absorbs sound well and can be useful for hallways and certain areas where echoes can be a concern.
Cork flooring has low maintenance and everyday dirt can be removed with just a broom. It is recommended to wipe the floor with a slightly damp mop at least once a week. Make sure to clean any liquid spills at once using paper towel or sponge and then dry the cork flooring with a mop. Remember to avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners with this kind of flooring.
Good home design is not just visual and functional; it is also an auditory experience. How does it sound as you walk into a room? This sound should be as pleasurable as the sight of your room. An echo in a room can make it feel cold. Soft furnishings, such as window treatments and area rugs, can reduce the level of the noise and create a warm inviting environment. Don’t be afraid to use an area rug in the kitchen. Stain resistant carpet fibers take the fear out of drips and spills. The type of flooring you choose can also help reduce the noise level. For example, a cork floor will absorb harsh sounds as well as provide a unique visual appeal.
Appliances play a big part in your auditory experience, too. If you are in the market for a new dishwasher, find the dBA rating (decibel rating). This will tell you how well insulated the dishwasher is, therefore how quiet it will be in operation. With a rating of 45 dBA’s you will have a difficult time knowing if the dishwasher is operating or not. Anything in the 50 dBA range will be comfortable to carry on a conversation and not feel as though you need to shout.
Balanced acoustics create a serene and comfortable home environment and will help you shake off the stresses of the day. Just one more way FA Design Build can help you turn your house into a home.
jkaiser@fadesignbuild.com
