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IT


TAPPING INTO CHANGING


I


t’s unsurprising that latest research uncovered 57% of individuals adapted their homes during lockdown to create multi- use spaces*. For the kitchen in particular, this area had to be modified to facilitate home schooling and working, whilst simultaneously maintaining the practicality of preparing meals and cooking.


For homeowners who may have had additional savings last year due to the cancellation of holidays or events, the increased period at home, combined with this new requirement for multi-functional rooms, presented the ideal opportunity to tackle large scale renovations or minor cosmetic upgrades. As the research suggests, it’s here important to note that these changes aren’t always being driven primarily by aesthetics, says Martin Walker, CEO of Methven. “Whilst visual appeal will always remain one of the most important factors, the long standing performance and functionality of the appliances and products installed throughout a property have also been highlighted throughout lockdown, as increased usage cycles have brought into focus the importance of performance and functionality,” he says.


Walker says that whether homeowners are looking to undertake a complete renovation project, or are simply looking to make some affordable upgrades to their kitchen or utility areas, tapware is one of the most effective areas they can consider, and as such, is a key product category that merchants should be looking to promote throughout 2021 to capitalise on potential sales.


“This is due to the very nature of kitchen tapware, as not only does it serve a key functional purpose, it can also play a central role in tying an entire interior design scheme together.


“For example, tapware that is available in a range of finishes, including chrome plated,


34


KITCHENS


KITCHEN DESIGN


The renovation revolution shows no sign of slowing down, as homeowners look at upgrading their homes, with kitchens and bathrooms core areas of focus.


brushed nickel or on trend matte black, can complement a kitchen’s wider hardware and accessories, such as cupboard handles and kettles. This makes it an extremely versatile product, whether being incorporated as part of a new installation, or as a standalone upgrade to add a fresh contemporary touch to an existing kitchen.”


Additional functional elements, such as accessible pull down nozzles for quick rinsing of kitchenware and utensils, or dual handles to provide separate flow and temperature control for ease of operation, also play an important role in the purchasing process, particularly in response to the increased usage cycles experienced by many homes over the last year as a large proportion of individuals continue to work from home.


Walker says that, by stocking tapware that is available in a diverse range of designs, finishes and functions, merchants can successfully meet the personal requirements of every customer, regardless of their chosen style.


“However, the water and energy efficiency of tapware is another key consideration that is quickly growing in importance, with research conducted last year identifying that almost 60% of homeowners want to be more eco-friendly in 2021,” he adds.


Tapware that is fitted with a dedicated flow rate regulator and is optimised to operate at a rate as low as six litres per minute, such as Methven’s latest range of contemporary Kitchen Tapware, can achieve a significant reduction in annual water useage.


“This can also aid a corresponding fall in overall energy usage when the tap is being used for hot water, providing additional benefits that can be promoted to the installer or their client when they are making initial sales enquiries. “This is particularly beneficial for merchants that may be working with small scale or independent housebuilders who are following


the principles of the Future Homes Standard and are looking to adhere to Part G’s optional requirement of 110 litres per person, per day,” Walker says.


“As the home improvement boom continues to grow, merchants can support installers and their clients in choosing the right tapware to meet their individual requirements, regardless of budget or design preferences, by stocking a comprehensive range of WRAS Approved products that have been expertly designed and are backed by long-standing warranties to deliver the highest standards in durability and longevity.


“By working with manufacturers that also offer a range of digital collateral, such as videos, customer testimonials shared across social media and online brochures, merchants can also proactively target potential customers by bridging the gap in physical showroom interactions that may have been significantly minimised over the last year.” BMJ


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2021


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