Kitchen & Bath

The Chicago Faucets EQ Series single-hole, deck-mounted faucets with user adjustable temperature control provide unmatched user comfort, dependability and convenience in commercial applications. Heavy-duty EQ faucets feature on-demand IR detection for hands-free actuation and maximum water savings and are perfectly suited for the most demanding commercial and public restrooms.

“We talked to the commercial marketplace to find out what was required in an electronic faucet. The EQ Series is the direct result of those conversations. Plumbing professionals told us they needed user adjustable water temperature control, installation simplicity, reliable operation, adaptability to varying usage, all in a product that’s tough enough for demanding public installations. And, of course, it has to be affordable,” says John Fitzgerald, Vice President of Marketing for Chicago Faucets. “EQ is all that and more.”

The EQ faucets with user adjustable temperature control are available in two durable finishes, brushed nickel and polished chrome, and come in a choice of curved or high arc heavy-duty cast brass spouts. Vandal-resistant outlets with flow rates of 0.5 or 1.0 GPM are available.

Power supply options include battery, AC power, or a self sustaining power system that uses the flow of water to power the faucet. EQ faucets have built-in intelligence for superior user detection. The EQ learns over time and adjusts for dependable performance. Superior user detection means the faucet comes on when needed and shuts off immediately – no run-ons or ghost activations.

Plug-and-play installation reduces installation time to minutes. Modern design matches any public restroom décor. All components are made from recyclable materials.

Due to the advent of spring, contractor/builder Scott Pollak says now is the optimal time for a kitchen remodel. “Early spring is the best time to really dive into the kitchen-planning stages and find the right contractor,” said Pollak, owner of Sandcastle Builders, who has been remodeling kitchens for thirty years. “In the spring, there are pre-season specials from vendors, as well as contractor specials. Tax refunds are also rolling in, giving homeowners more income to complete their projects.”

For homeowners thinking about remodeling their kitchens this spring, Pollak shares the following three benefits:

No. 1: Increased resale value. A kitchen remodel can significantly boost a home’s resale value. Additionally, according to the 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, 82% of homeowners said their updated kitchen gave them a greater desire to be at home, and 95% were happy or satisfied with the result.

No. 2: Economically feasible. Minor kitchen remodeling can be as simple as putting in new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, appliances and countertops. In fact, according to a SFGate article, by itself, just replacing tired-looking kitchen cabinets adds immediate home value improvement, while midgrade painted kitchen cabinets with newer features are affordable and may even add value comparable to high-line cabinetry. “Whites, grays and neutrals are leading the way in today’s kitchens,” adds Pollak, “creating a light and airy, clean and simple look, which also lends itself to a classic, timeless design.”

No. 3: Ready for the holidays. “If you hire the right contractor/builder now, you can have the majority of the project construction done during the summer or early fall, and your new kitchen will be ready before the holidays,” said Pollak. “Most people start at the end of summer or early fall, hoping to get the project done by the holidays, which is a mistake as you should allow yourself more time if you want to host the next Thanksgiving celebration to show off your beautiful new kitchen, as the kitchen is the hub of the home.”

This story was contributed by Scott Pollak, owner, Sandcastle Builders & Development, Inc., a licensed developer, general contractor and builder, and is rated A+ with the BBB. It specializes in all phases of construction, including commercial and residential.

The Geberit Sigma20 flush plates now feature larger buttons, improving dual-flush actuation and accessibility while promoting water savings. The contoured buttons of the new Sigma20 make it easier than ever for homeowners to save water with every flush.

Sigma20 flush plates are made of high-quality metal or injection-molded plastic and are available in eight finish and color combinations to match any bathroom décor. A robust stainless steel version offers maximum durability.

“We constantly research our products and look for improvements. The Sigma20 is a perfect example of our never-ending effort to improve our products,” says John Fitzgerald, Vice President of Marketing for Geberit North America.

Geberit flush plates combine visual elegance with smooth operation and are available in a wide range of flawless finishes and styles. The Sigma Series offers the widest range of options available from any in-wall toilet system manufacturer.

Download the The Choice is Yours brochure at http://www.geberitnorthamerica.com/media/local_media/_imported/brochures/GNA7181.pdf or call 800-566-2100 to request a copy.

The Fast-In Sinks combine the durability and beauty of stainless steel with simple, no-tools-required top-mount installation; now available in Lowe’s stores across the nation

Franke, the largest stainless steel kitchen sink manufacturer in the world and a leading name in kitchen faucets, has designed the perfect kitchen sink for any Do-It-Yourself (DIY) homeowner. Franke’s Fast-In Quick Install Kitchen Sink System, now available in Lowe’s stores across the nation, offers simple no-tools-required, top-mount installation; versatile single-bowl or double-bowl designs; and either traditional or hand-crafted, modern styles. These sinks bring Franke’s superior quality, craftsmanship, performance, and innovation to the DIYer.

The Fast-In’s pre-attached, spring-loaded clips are a first-of-its-kind industry exclusive that make installation easier than ever before. Rather than going underneath the sink to attach screws, homeowners need only drop the top-mount sink through the counter-surface opening and press down until the built-in Fast-In clips click into position. Available in 18-gauge or 20-gauge stainless steel, Franke’s Fast-In sinks are ideal for laminate, tile and solid-surface countertops.

“The Fast-In Sink is a way for our customers to save time and money without sacrificing quality,” says Heather Jach, Retail Marketing Manager, Franke Consumer Products. “You don’t need to be a contortionist to install this sink. It simply drops into place, so you can spend more time making your sink work for you and less time working on your sink.”

Key features of Franke’s Fast-In Quick Install Kitchen Sinks include:

• Stainless steel composition is not only durable and sustainable, but offered in popular, timeless designs. Stainless steel sinks do not rust, chip or stain, and they are easy to clean and maintain.
• Extra-large sink bowls, made possible by the sinks’ unique designs, allow for easy washing and filling of large pots and pans.
• Sleek, Slim Rim Design gives any kitchen a fresh look. The drop-in design is available in one-hole and four-hole configurations, so a variety of fixtures can be added.
• Sound-dampening pads make the Fast-In Ultra-Quiet^TM.

Franke’s Fast-In Quick Install Kitchen Sink System comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is available at Lowe’s stores across the country for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) between $359 – $749 (depending on size and style). Learn more about Franke’s Fast-In sinks at www.franke.us/ks.