2018 Kitchen Remodel Trends

 

2018 is upon us and as with every New Year, trends are rolling in! Whether you are remodeling your current home or building a new house, these 2018 kitchen remodel trends are sure to have you feeling right at home in your new kitchen.

Smarter Kitchens

New devices and apps, which make your home smarter and life simpler, are trending. Which is why it should come as no surprise that technology has entered the heart of the home in full force and not just in the form of fancy kitchen gadgets and appliances. Today’s kitchens can have technology integrated into every function – from the faucets to the fridge to the lighting.

Here are just a few smart kitchen trends to keep an eye on this year:

  • High Tech Taps

In years past, motion censored faucets held the high tech tap market. Now, you can find them just about everywhere, from your favorite restaurants to your very own home. When motion censored faucets took over, the touch-on/touch-off faucets weren’t far behind, becoming somewhat of a smart kitchen staple. Although, the amenity of the touch-on/touch-off faucet is still a market leader, you won’t believe the direction these high tech taps have taken.

Hiding below unassuming spouts are innovative systems that will transform plain water into sparkling water, or even into a café au lait. Transforming tap water into delicious beverages isn’t the only thing that these new age fixtures can do. Attach an LED faucet light to the end of your tap and watch as your water lights up, changing colors with the water’s temperature (blue for cold/red for hot). From unexpected flavorings to changing colors the high tech taps of 2018 will not disappoint.

  • Smart Appliances – Ranges & Refrigerators

No smart kitchen would be complete without high tech appliances.

If you plan on going smart with your kitchen remodel, then a smart refrigerator should be at the top of your list. In recent years, refrigerators have become much smarter and the fridges on the market this year are no different. The GE Cafe Series French Door with Keurig K-Cup Brewing System literally combines your coffee maker with your fridge. However, brewing coffee and tea isn’t the only thing that this fridge has to offer, it also features advanced water filtration and a full-width electronic temperature-controlled drawer with colored LED lights. If a coffee brewing fridge isn’t smart enough for you, the Samsung Four-Door Family Hub Refrigerator should do the trick. Samsung’s smart fridge can connect to and control third-party devices that are part of the SmartThings smart home ecosystem such as lights, thermostats, home video cameras, and more. The new Family Hub has also added a food management app that provides recipes while accounting for food preferences and dietary restrictions.

If it’s a smart range you are looking for, the high tech ranges 2018 has to offer do not disappoint. Smart ranges like the, Samsung Slide-In Induction Chef Collection Range + Flex-Duo Oven, projects virtual LED flames onto your pot, so you will always know when a burner is on and the oven allows you to cook two separate dishes at completely different temperatures. Maybe you would rather have the capability to whip up something remotely? Then look no further than Dacor’s Discovery iQ Dual-Fuel Range which combines two electric stoves and has an integrated Android tablet/control panel along with an app that lets users control it from anywhere with an internet connection.

Need help installing your new high tech tap or smart appliances as part of your 2018 renovation? Call Eastern Plumbing.

Countertops – Marble & Quartz

Granite has been king of the countertops for decades. But over the past few years, new contenders are challenging the throne. Now high-end kitchen countertops call for marble and quartz. These countertop options match granite in durability as well as cost. Like granite, both marble and quartz come in a variety of colors, textures and veining designs. With all these options you are sure to find the perfect piece to fit your 2018 kitchen remodel!

Multipurpose Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands are no longer an afterthought or something small to squeeze into the heart of your home for a little added counter space. Today’s kitchen islands are focal points and take multipurpose to the fullest extent. They have storage solution cabinets and can be fitted with various under-counter appliances while also providing seating. From simply growing in size to accommodating more storage to housing stove tops & sinks, 2018 kitchen islands do it all. But don’t forget, moving your kitchen appliances and/or sink to your new multipurpose island is going to mean a move for your plumbing, gas and electrical. If you think a new multipurpose kitchen island is the perfect 2018 trend for you, call Eastern Plumbing. We are experienced in kitchen remodels and our trusted contractors have all the tools needed to relocate any kitchen fixture or appliance.

MORE Storage

Think you have enough storage in the kitchen? Think again. 2018 is all about smart storage solutions. One of the biggest annoyances with kitchen cabinetry is the unnecessary waste of space. Try swapping out lower cabinets for drawers instead. This can double, even triple your storage capabilities. Plus, pull-out drawers are easier to organize and make it easier to see everything inside at a glance. 2018 will definitely see a range of new kitchen storage options throughout the whole kitchen!

If you are following trend and remodeling your kitchen this year, don’t forget to call Eastern Plumbing to help get the job done! We specialize in redesign and remodeling – with our experience and expertise, we can help you get your project done the right way, on time and on budget. Contact Eastern Plumbing today for remodel ideas and help!

New Year, New Bathroom Remodel

 

The New Year means new resolutions. How about adding a bathroom remodel to your list? It may be 2018, but is your home stuck in years past? Eastern Plumbing can upgrade your home quick, easy and on budget. Here a few remodel ideas that will modernize your bathroom and make you more comfortable in the New Year.

Hide the Toilet

If you want a stylish and functional master bathroom for 2018, consider moving your toilet to a more discreet area. Hide this fixture in a “room-within-a-room” or behind a half wall. This will allow you to have more privacy and will also upgrade the look of your bathroom. If you aren’t sure of the best layout for your bathroom to incorporate this upgrade or if you need the toilet moved to a different location in the bathroom, contact Eastern Plumbing. We are experienced in bathroom design and our trusted contractors have all the tools needed to relocate any fixture in your bathroom.

Step Up Your Shower

Is your shower outdated? This year is the perfect time to upgrade it. Consider widening your shower, adding a modern tile design and replacing the shower head. Rain shower heads are quite popular. They are installed in the ceiling and create the feeling of standing out in warm tropical rain. Another popular type of shower head going into 2018 are body sprays. If one shower head just isn’t enough for you, these are the perfect solution. These swivel heads are mounted at multiple heights in your shower. You can add as many or as few as your heart desires for the perfect water massage.

Upgrade for Water Efficiency

Toilets, faucets and showers have all become much more water efficient in recent years. So, if one of your resolutions was to save money consider upgrading your bathroom fixtures. Upgrading your bathroom to be more water efficient can help you save money on your monthly utility bill. When planning your bathroom remodel, remember that these item maximize energy efficiency:

  • Tankless water heaters
  • Low flow toilets and faucets
  • LED lighting
  • Radiant floor heating
  • Insulated windows.

Make the Most of Your Space

Get rid of counter clutter in your bathrooms by adding more storage space. Consider replacing a pedestal sink with a custom vanity-mounted sink perfectly fitted to your space. Use the cabinets in the vanity to store towels, soaps and extra toilet paper. Consider replacing shower curtains with glass doors. This will add the illusion of more space and make your bathroom feel more open. Not to mention, glass shower doors are trending in 2018.

Go Low Maintenance

Do you want to be less stressed in 2018? Make your bathroom low maintenance by selecting finishes that are easy to keep looking clean and new. For example, opt for quartz counters instead of marble and get glass shower doors that are treated with water anti-spotting agents.

No matter your 2018 bathroom goals, Eastern Plumbing is here to help. We specialize in everything from shower and bathtub repair and installation, to redesign and remodel. With our experience and expertise, we can help you get your project done the right way, on time and on budget. Contact Eastern Plumbing today for remodel ideas and help.

Warnings that You Need a Pipe Repair

As the weather gets warmer, rain in eastern North Carolina will rise. Coming out of the winter season, the temperature elevation combined with this increase in precipitation puts a lot of demand on your pipes. It can bring to light problems that already exist, but it can escalate issues that may be minor. It’s important to diagnose these issues as soon as possible so that immediate action can be taken to save you time, money and headaches. Here are a couple of signs to be on the lookout for this Spring and Summer season.

Low Water Pressure

This warning sign is noticeable in the shower, washing dishes, washings your hands, brushing your teeth, etc. If you notice the water is not coming out of your shower head or faucet as powerful or consistent as it used to, do further inspection – a pipe repair might be in the future for you.

Pipe Leaks

Leaks in pipes can be heard and seen. If there is a dripping sound coming somewhere in your house, this is a clear sign that something needs to be done. Leaky pipes need to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid monetary and time consequences.

Damp Spots in Walls, Floor or Ceiling

When spotted, wet spots in your home are always a sign of a bigger issue. It is highly recommended to get the help of a professional before investing large amounts of money on something that may or may not fix the problem. While most of the time this is a major indicator of a pipe issue, it is best to be sure before going further.

Water Discoloration

If water coming out of your fixtures smells bad, is discolored, or has any unusual properties about it, this is a possible issue. It is best to further investigate before consuming or using any more water in your house.

Inexplicably Rising Water Bills

If your water bills are higher than normal and you are not sure why, your pipes could be behind it all. If you have a leaky pipe or two, water could be wasted daily. By leaking out, you may run more water because of low water pressure. This causes your bills to rise, which will get higher the longer it takes you to discover and fix it.

Weird Noises

It is possible to hear the sound of water running through your pipes in your house. If there is an uncommon noise associated with this, that’s a red flag. This noise could be the result of a blockage, a leak or pipes that are too old and need attention. Be aware of peculiar sounds, especially in the walls of older homes.

Corroded Pipes

Inspecting your pipes up close can also reveal rusty and/or corroded pipes. Even if the pipes that are located outside are rusty, that is an indication that the pipes inside the house are rusty as well. Corroded pipes can cause subsequent problems throughout the house. It can hurt entire plumbing systems, cause foul odors, stain fixtures and produce health problems.

If you need a pipe repair or are unsure, contact Eastern Plumbing today.