KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
11th December 2015
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 International News
Products Burbidge shows that the difference really is in the detail with landmark Langton
New MGS Black Steel 3-hole basin mixer available from Grange Design
Add some colour with multi-coloured grab rails
Schmidt shows how a relaxed country casual style suits both modern and period homes
Liebherr revolutionises refrigeration design with BluPerformance
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I'm well aware from my estate agency experience that a downstairs cloakroom is on many buyers' lists of criteria and the convenience this adds to a family or even someone living alone is quite obvious. However, I've noticed over the past 10 years that this now tends to be lower down on the list than the 'en suite to the master bedroom'. It appears that when discussing home improvements, renovations and refurbishments - or indeed creating additional value, the humble 'downstairs loo' has become the poor relation to the more ubiquitous 'en-suite' - but have we been casting our eyes in the wrong direction in terms of return-on-investment? The best barometer of intangible value could be calculated by the amount of use a downstairs facility gets or the number of people it benefits. The intangible value knows no bounds as it supports the needs of whole family - particularly useful for felt-pen wielding minors and less limber seniors! For those who like to entertain at home but don't wish to invite multiple guests to traipse up-and-down the stairs and give them the opportunity to peer into the boudoir or form a disorderly queue outside the poor overworked family bathroom, then a downstairs loo is a saving grace. With the plethora of compact cloakroom suites offered by this industry, where or how to position a cloakroom will take a lot of potential customers by surprise. People won't necessarily need to knock down walls or build an extension to fit one into a typical home... A large cupboard, under-stair space or a portion of a room that can be syphoned off, could offer the perfect place. Asa Bentley, managing director of MakeurMove (www.makeurmove.co.uk), says that the cost of installing a downstairs cloakroom will typically range between £2,500 and £4,000 including materials and labour, and take between one and two weeks to complete. But just how much value will it add to a property? Asa says we should expect to see around 5% increase in value - which, based on Office of National Statistics September 2015 average house price figures, equates to up to £18,000 (£26,500 in London). Not bad for a small outlay and a little inconvenience, is it? And an idea definitely worth suggesting to people browsing a showroom, who may never have previously considered adding such a useful - and money-making - facility to their home... Yours,
 This Week's News
Will you be arguing with your family over Christmas, about who's going to do the dishes?
In a survey by Hotpoint, the brand revealed that over 42% of those polled believe that dishwashers are a waste of either water or energy, whilst over 55% expressed they don't have enough space for a dishwasher*. These beliefs have resulted in poor dishwasher penetration in the UK of just 41.9%, whilst Germany and France reap the rewards of these efficient appliances at 69 and 63%**. Sublimated Trascenda is permanently patterned
Created using cutting-edge dye sublimation techniques, the distinctive designs are embedded into the surface of Trend's slimline granite, quartz, porcelain or even recycled glass composite sheets, so that permanent images are transferred into the material. The host agglomerate sheet retains all of its technical properties, so these beautiful surfaces are non-porous, low maintenance and resistant to heat, impact, scratch, stains and chemical cleaners. Dream Doors rounds off 'best ever' year as turnover for 2015 hits £26 million Dream Doors, the UK's largest kitchen makeover retailer, has announced record financial results for 2015, on the back of a year where it opened 12 new showrooms across the UK and Ireland and unveiled a comprehensive new recruitment and training programme for franchisees.
Aestus presents wintertime heating solutions
Rainwater harvesting market boost for 2016 A new 130 page MTW Research report on the rainwater harvesting market states that there will be more than 60,000 rainwater harvesting systems in use within the next few years. It says that the housebuilding market is slowly embracing rainwater harvesting, with at least one housebuilder identified in the report, committing to include rainwater harvesting systems in all its developments in the next four years. "Some housebuilders recognise they can add significant value through rainwater harvesting technology and this is providing a volume boost to the market," notes MTW's director Mark Waddy. "Given the forecast upturn in new build activity, the opportunities in this sector for growth are compelling." Gaia provides underfloor luxury to prestige river-side apartments
Developed by Lifestyle Design and Build, (www.lifestylebyasq.co.uk), the apartments at Riverside Court feature DEVImat self-adhesive electric mesh heating systems to provide warm floors in the bathrooms. Ideal as a supplementary heating system, DEVImat can also be used as a room heating system, depending on the heat loss of the room. Fresh shower tray solutions fashioned from innovative new materials
Stonetto is amazingly similar to stone... a stone that has been worn down by water is smooth and has an even surface without rough edges. Its robustness and pleasantly polished surface makes it both hard yet soft. Electrolux group wins CIH supplier of the year award
Robin Millwood, the chairman of CIH said: "The Electrolux Group has shown great commitment to CIH through delivering a comprehensive range of exclusive products to support its Agency initiative". Miele offers extended warranties on latest range of washing machines and dishwashers
Miele's latest W1 generation of washing machines offer gentle fabric care, outstanding cleaning performance and convenience. Just in - new photography of Caple's Holton range in stunning Moss & Stone and Storm Grey
The cabinets work well in both contemporary or traditional homes as these new images demonstrate - the Moss & Stone finish gives the bedroom a classic and elegant look while the Storm Grey finish is very much on trend, cool and current. New sealing system is simple to install
Beko launches new built-in range
The82 litre Self Cleaning Oven is equipped with a fully programmable timer that can be used to start and stop the oven at a specific time, alerting the user when the food is ready. Grohe unveils new Eurostyle mixer range
Equipped with the latest technical features, the Eurostyle falls into the category of affordable luxury- so everyone can enjoy Grohe quality and style. Van drivers face increasing dangers
He says: "Common sense dictates that road accidents are more likely in bad weather, but this research shows just how seriously fleets could be affected and it has important duty of care implications." New marketing appointment for Aqata
Responsible for key marketing activity, Kayleigh will deliver effective campaigns and point of sale material to support customers and improve communication through the Aqata website and a dynamic social media strategy. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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People
Aqata announces new regional sales appointment for the South East
Uform strengthens senior management team with two new recruits
BAL strengthens unique support network
British Ceramic Tile evolves its marketing team
Steven Jaques joins board of directors at Utopia
Ian Hall, joint managing director, comments: "Steve has in effect been fulfilling this role at Utopia since 2013 and we are now very pleased to recognise this formally. Marketing
1500 retailers interviewed to identify range enhancements
Literature
Caple's new sinks and taps brochure now available
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