| One of the most important decisions in a bathroom | | | | - Brushed or Satin Nickel |
| remodel project is choosing the plumbing fixtures. | | | | - Oil Rubbed Bronze: This is the most expensive |
| There are so many options today; you need to | | | | finish; if you choose this finish, consider a high quality |
| consider a few key details to make an educated | | | | brand name, as the oil rubbed finish tends to rub off |
| decision. What fixtures are you shopping for? A | | | | depending on the amount of use. |
| typical bathroom remodel includes vanity faucets, tub | | | | Quality issues to consider include: |
| faucets, and shower faucets. Begin by making a list | | | | - The fixture needs to be manufactured from metal, |
| of the faucets you are shopping for. | | | | no plastic parts. |
| The next item to decide is your budget. Plumbing | | | | - The fixture should be heavy, significant of solid |
| fixtures can vary widely in price, so setting a budget | | | | metal. |
| is an important first step. You should not use price as | | | | - The fixture should have washer less valves and/or |
| your only factor in choosing fixtures, as the quality of | | | | ceramic valves. |
| fixtures also varies widely. You definitely get what | | | | - Does the fixture come with a warranty? |
| you pay for when it comes to plumbing fixtures. | | | | The best way to check quality is to test display |
| What is the style of your bathroom? Is it traditional | | | | models at your local hardware store. You can |
| or contemporary? Traditional style faucets include the | | | | immediately feel the difference between a fixture |
| standard 3 hole, 2 handle gooseneck, while a | | | | that is $50 and one that is $200. This will help you |
| contemporary look would be something like the Purist | | | | determine what will fit your needs based on price and |
| line from Kohler - simple and sleek. | | | | use. |
| What finish matches your style? Here are the most | | | | If choosing a tub faucet, make sure there is ample |
| popular finishes: | | | | flow rate to fill a tub in a reasonable amount of time. |
| - Chrome: Chrome is the least expensive and is the | | | | Some shower faucets take special plumbing |
| most easily matched across manufacturers. This | | | | requirements such as larger water lines and specific |
| simply means that you are generally safe buying a | | | | plumbing techniques for proper operations. If |
| chrome finish faucet from Moen and one from Kohler | | | | choosing a large shower head, you need to consider |
| to use in the same bathroom and you should not | | | | if the fixture will require a higher flow rate on the |
| notice the difference in finish color. | | | | valve and larger diameter plumbing for proper |
| - Polished Brass | | | | operation. Also, be sure to have ample support for |
| - Antique Brass | | | | long stem shower heads. |
| - Pewter | | | | |