Ben Bogie
Owner, Built to Last Design & Build LLC
New Milford, Conn.
It was a good thing American Standard sponsored last year’s Model ReModel, because its kitchen and bath products are top shelf. Plus, they fit perfectly within our mission to transform and update an aged home using universal and energy-efficient design.
In the Bathroom
Our shower and toilet were standouts. We used a detachable shower head, which is a luxury a lot of clients are looking for, but this particular model had the added benefit of adjustable height. That’s an critical accommodation for someone using a bench or wheelchair.
The ActiClean toilet was of particular note because it was self cleaning—an impressive concept, considering no one likes to clean a toilet (at least, I know I don’t). It works off of a built-in touchpad with options for a quick, one-minute clean or a deep clean, which will still only take about 10 minutes.
In the Kitchen
We used American Standard’s hands-free faucet in the kitchen, and I was really happy with it. It has a built-in IR sensor that makes turning it on and off as easy as the wave of a hand, which immediately makes it feel like a luxury item, something that’s totally convenient.
The faucet has the added appeal of being environmentally friendly. The Environmental Protection Agency says that letting your faucet run while washing dishes can waste up to 10 gallons of water. Being able to turn it off as easily as waving an elbow in front of it can help reduce that waste.
Add new comment
Related Stories
This New Tech Turns Any Countertop into a Wireless Charger
FreePower for Countertop has swept awards for its innovation—and the company claims installing it is "as straightforward as cutting a sink"
Pro's Picks: A Quick Install Composite Stone
This pro completed a high volume facelift project months ahead of schedule
Pella's New Debut Promises Faster, One-Person Window Installs
The window manufacturer promises 3.15x faster installation with its Steady Set system
Marvin Releases Switchable Privacy Glass Window
The privacy glass windows can be purchased from Marvin's Direct Glaze windows
Innovative Products: Window Shades That Create Natural Light
Wait, shouldn't window shades keep light out?
New Insulation Innovation Reshapes Our Thinking of Refrigeration
Whirlpool Corporation's latest innovation allows refrigerators to do more and be more
Innovative Products: A Whole-Home Energy Monitoring System
Homeowners can control their lighting, load control, and EV charging through one app
Pro's Picks: A Paperless Note-Taking Tablet
This remodeler recommends a tablet that makes note-taking and document organization easier
Building Materials Show Stability in 2023
Although supply chain bottlenecks have eased in recent months, shortages of some key materials persist.