Whether you’re hoping to renovate your current home or build your dream home, it’s likely that you’ll be selecting plumbing fixtures in the near future. And with that comes the age-old question: Where can I SAVE and where should I SPLURGE?
First, it’s important to remember that when it comes to plumbing fixtures, FUNCTION is priority number ONE. Be sure to purchase through a plumbing supplier as opposed to a big-box store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) or online retailer. The key difference between the two are the parts unseen. Fixtures from big-box stores and some online retailers generally have plastic internal parts, whereas fixtures from a supplier have metal fittings that are higher quality, better functioning, and longer lasting. You can also expect a lengthier and more robust warranty through suppliers as well.
There are a few areas in your home where you’ll want to SPLURGE a bit. Consider going “all-out” in your kitchen, master bath, powder room, and perhaps a bar area. These are the areas of your home that get the most use and also have the highest visitor traffic. Higher-end fixtures in these areas will get the most daily notice and appreciation from you, your family members, and your guests.
We advise our clients to SAVE on plumbing fixtures in their secondary baths and utility/laundry room. There are so many cost-effective options these days that will fit your style, function well, and not break the bank. For example, our homeowners often opt for a more economical undermount sink as opposed to overmount, vessel, integrated, or pedestal sink in their secondary baths. Likewise, they may save by selecting a counter-mounted faucet in order to splurge on a sleek wall-mounted sink faucet in their master bath. Or drop-in tub/showers may be selected for secondary baths in order to allow for a soaker tub and dream tiled shower in your master bath. As it is with all choices in life, you’ll want to prioritize what’s most important to you and make some concessions on the rest.
Believe it or not, another way to save costs is to choose your plumbing fixtures EARLY on in your renovation or new build. This will allow your builder to have the correct rough-in kits and valves on hand when it’s time to make important framing, plumbing, and final placement decisions early on in your project. Delaying the arrival of these “behind the wall” parts may lead to incorrect placement and work needing to be redone later. And as we all know, any schedule delays in construction will cost everyone real time and real money. Selecting early also means that you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of fixtures, and not just the ones with shorter lead times that can arrive quickly to keep your project moving smoothly.
Be sure to ask your builder upfront for a detailed selections schedule so that you are aware of ALL of the design selections you will need to make as well as your deadlines for making them. This will ensure the entire home renovation or building journey is MUCH more manageable and enjoyable for you. Before we begin each of our projects, we supply our homeowners with a basic Schedule of Design Selections AND a Comprehensive Selections Schedule that provide both a general and a detailed roadmap for chipping away at selections throughout their project. The firsthand feedback from our homeowners has been that these selections schedules make the process easier and less stressful for them.
Having a comprehensive selections schedule also helps when it comes time to visit showrooms. Having a detailed list of ALL selections that are needed from each showroom visit means that you are less likely to miss making a selection while there.
In addition, here are a few other tips that will help make the most of your plumbing showroom visit: