A Comprehensive Guide For Builders, Contractors And Designers

Kitchens sell houses and apartments. The kitchen faucet isn’t just the most visible tool in the kitchen, it’s also the most heavily used. A beautiful, functional kitchen raises the value per square meter of the whole unit. Meaning you can charge premium prices for the homes you design and build. So, which faucet should you use in your next build to maximize your project’s profitability?

 

This comprehensive guide will show you how to pick the best faucet for your next build from start to finish.

 

Coming Up

Chapter 1 Why Choosing The Right Kitchen Faucet Matters

Chapter 2 The Perfect Kitchen Faucet Checklist

Chapter 3 Basic faucet configurations, and which is best for your build and clients

Chapter 4 Additional features, and when you need them

Chapter 5 Finishes, Materials and Coatings

Chapter 6 Choosing a faucet brand and wholesale supplier

 

Chapter 7 Making the final choice

Chapter 8 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 9 Putting it all together

1. Why Choosing The Right Kitchen Faucet Matters

3 Ways The Right Faucet Can Grow Your Project Profits

 

1. Create Amazing Client Experiences By Enhancing Functionality

 

The right faucet makes the kitchen more efficient. That makes your client’s lives easier, which means they’re happier in the home. 

Which means they pay higher prices, leave better testimonials, and recommend your services to more friends and family. 

Of course, more functional features can raise the cost, and you do need to stay within your project budget. 

Balancing cost with client experience is all about your client’s lifestyle. Which features would have the biggest bang for buck? 

We’ll look into specific features and how they support different lifestyles in chapter 3.

 

 

2. Grow Your Brand Reputation With Elegant, Cutting Edge Design

 

The right faucet  can give your kitchen a sleek, futuristic look or a classic, rustic farmhouse vibe. It’s one of the most visible parts of your kitchen and could become a focal point for the room’s design. Find one that complements the style, finishes, and theme of the kitchen, and suddenly the whole room looks far better put together. Which of course means you can command a much higher price per square meter.  We’ll look at some popular design options in chapter 6 of this guide.

 

3. Improve Profitability With Long Lasting And Easy To Install Appliances 

 

At the end of the day, the faucet boosts your long term profitability on the project. 

An easy to install faucet means plumbers and contractors can install it fast, with minimal fuss and errors. A durable faucet means less accidental damage from leaks and corrosion, less maintenance needs, and fewer replacements.

Certain types of faucets (e.g. 2 handle faucets) can still be used even while waiting for repairs. This makes them a great choice for managed apartments as it reduces urgent maintenance calls. 

Bonus points if you get  lifetime warranty - so you and the new property owner can both get additional peace of mind.

So now you see why choosing the right faucet is important. Next, let’s look at the 5 main types of faucets and decide which is right for you.

 

 

2. Checklist: The Perfect Kitchen Faucet

 

Kitchen faucets aren’t a big-ticket item, but the perfect one can pull a kitchen together and  bring huge returns to your build. 

 But it’s easy to get overwhelmed because there are thousands of similar, yet different faucets to choose from. This checklist will help you narrow down your search.

 

2.1. Start with the Right Type of Faucet

2.1.1 Project Compliance Requirements

 

Project requirements are a good place to start your search.

Does your project specify ADA or other compliance requirements? What about water efficiency requirements or energy efficiency ratings?

Will you have a single basin sink or multiple basins? Multiple basins means your faucet will need to be able to swivel or rotate to reach both basins.

Eliminating any faucet that does not fit specs early on can save you a lot of time in research, and reduce the need for back and forth with the architects and build team. 

 

2.1.2 Profitability Goals 

 

Your specs may list a maximum price per faucet. Many wholesalers offer volume discounts, so we suggest you look at the total budget for faucets.

High end faucets that may seem out of reach, can be within your budget if you buy them in bulk. 

 

2.1.3 The Resident’s Lifestyle

The best kitchen faucet for your build is the one that suits the needs and lifestyle of the people who will be living in the home. 

For example, elderly and/or disabled residents would probably love faucets that are easy to use. In this case, you might consider ADA compliant faucets even if your project doesn’t specify the need.  

On the other hand, families with children might need durable finishes and safety controls to prevent burns.

And if you’re building in arid climates, or places with water shortages, many clients would love faucets with water saving features.

 

2.1.4 Design and Style

A beautiful kitchen really comes together when all its elements follow the same design aesthetic to create a cohesive look.

 

And that includes the faucet:

• Sleek and minimal for futuristic looking kitchens.
• Bold and heavy for that rustic farmhouse feel.
• Ornate and elegant for traditional maximalism.

 

Notes from the interior designer or architect can be a great jumping-off point in finding a faucet everyone is happy with.

With a narrow focus on faucets that suit their vision, you can save valuable time and find a faucet to satisfy everyone faster.

We’ll look at the various pros and cons of each faucet type in chapter 3.

 

2.2. Narrow Down the Specs You Need

So you know what your faucet needs to look like. But how will it fit? 

 

2.2.1 Mounting Options

Broadly speaking, you can mount faucets on the basin itself, on the counter next to the basin, or on the wall. 

Which you choose depends on functionality and design.

 

Deck mounted faucets are a lot more common. Pros:  Easier to install. Easier to maintain.  Far more options and designs available. Cons:  Take up more counter space, although many designs take minimal space. Needs to be compatible with the sink.

 

Wall mounted faucets save space in tiny kitchens.   Pros:  Good for small kitchens where space is at a premium. Cons:  Harder to install. More expensive. Repairs tend to be difficult and costly. You’ll need a thicker drywall for support. So be sure to let the build team know while the plumbing rough-ins are being installed.

  

2.2.2 Sink Compatibility

Most countertops can be adjusted to suit your selected faucet, but adjusting a sink is probably too expensive to be worth it for your project. 

We’ll explore configurations in more detail in Chapter 4.

 

2.2.3 Spout Height and Reach

 

The height and reach of a faucet’s spout directly impacts how usable the sink is. Too low, and the spout gets in the way. Clients will have trouble filling pots or bottles.Too high, and water splashes everywhere.  Too far out and the water splashes outside. Not far enough and clients have trouble reaching different parts of the sink. Tall gooseneck faucets can be an eye-catching design feature, but prominent windowsills or overhanging cabinets may mean a flat spout is the right fit. Ideally, your faucet should line up directly over the drain in your basin at a height that gives enough clearance for a sink full of dishes without causing extra splashing.

 

2.2.4 Usability and Features 

What features does your faucet need? How many handles? Is a pull out sprayer worth the cost? 

We’ll look into all the pros and cons of the most popular faucet features in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. 

 

2.3. Brand & Model

So you know what type of faucet you need and how it will fit. How do you narrow down a model or brand? 

Here are a few general considerations, and you can head to Chapter 8 for more details about how to find a reputable brand and distributor.

2.3.1 Installation and Maintenance

Since project profitability is the most important thing, we recommend prioritizing faucets that are easier for your build team to install.

 

The longer each faucet takes to install, the more it eats into your labor budget, especially on multi-unit projects.

 

Some faucets - especially those with advanced features - may take specialized knowledge or equipment to install. You’d like to make clients happy of course, but installation can end up being more expensive than you expected. 

 

Besides, maintenance and upkeep will impact how happy your buyer is with their faucet–and their entire kitchen–in the long run.

 

Higher end faucets - particularly those with lifetime warranty - may feel expensive upfront, but can save on maintenance costs in the long run.

2.3.2 Inventory and Delivery Options

When you’re on a deadline, every delay is a potential disaster. 

Your faucets need to get to the build site on time, packed in a way that’s easy for the build team to manage.

Then there’s delivery costs too. Hardware like faucets can be heavy, meaning shipping can be expensive.

That’s why, for builders, it’s worth choosing a brand that offers guaranteed inventory and fast delivery.  Some distributors may also offer flat rates or discounts on shipping, so that may help offset shipping costs and keep the total cost of the faucet down.

 

2.3.4 Support for Your Build

Some brands offer trade support, like helping you choose a model for your build, and even helping your team troubleshoot installation problems.

Money-back guarantees can give you the chance to see your selected faucet in place to make sure it works perfectly with your design and return it risk-free if not. (note some brands may charge a restocking fee if you want to return goods due to a change of mind).

Every bit of support for your build team can ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible and maximize your final results as well as your profits!

 

Now that you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, let’s look at the different types of faucets and when each option would be the best fit for your project.

 

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3. Basic Configurations for Kitchen Faucets

The faucet configuration and basic features are all about usability, and they directly impact how satisfied residents are with their kitchens. 

Let’s look at the pros and cons of these basic configurations, so you can decide which you need on your project.

 

3.1 Single-Handle Faucets

A single-handle faucet has one handle to control flow as well as hot and cold supply.  Single-handle faucets generally have a simple, more modern vibe and usually take up less space than double-handle faucets. PROS: Faster installation. Less pieces to install. More accessible for people with disabilities, the elderly, etc. who may struggle with double handle designs. More hygienic; can frequently be turned on and off with wrist or elbow. Versatile; can work with large or small basins and have a range of designs. With one handle to control both hot and cold inputs, single-handle faucets are safer for families with small children who could burn themselves using separate controls. CONS: Can be difficult to adjust temperature to user’s preference Leaks or broken handles mean the sink is not usable until it’s fixed. That means repairs on these faucets are urgent maintenance calls. Best for Your Build If… There’s limited space for your faucet. You’re going for a sleek, modern, or industrial design. You’re building a lot of units and installation time would add up quickly. You’re on a tight budget and need a cost-efficient faucet.

 

3.2 Double-Handle Faucets

Double handle faucets have a separate control for hot and cold water. They take up more space than a single-handle faucet, and they have a more traditional look. They’re usually pretty easy to install, but some come in several pieces. PROS: More precise control over water temperature. Sink is still usable if one handle fails or leaks, so repair calls aren’t as urgent. Can add traditional charm to a sink. Utilizes horizontal space for a more balanced look for wide sinks. CONS: Can run the risk of burns if user only opens the hot tap. Installation can be more complicated. Sometimes have several pieces to install (more time per sink, higher labor cost for large projects). Doesn’t fit well in small spaces. Best for Your Build If… Your sink has a wide basin You’re building a large kitchen where a single-handle faucet would look undersized You’re going for a traditional esthetic (although contemporary and modern designs are available)

 

3.3 Pull-Out and Pull-Down Faucets

 

A sprayer makes the kitchen sink more functional for everything from washing produce to scrubbing pots and pans. But a separate spray nozzle can look dated. Pull-out and pull-down faucets give your client the convenience of a spray nozzle without taking away from the look of the sink. They’re also faster to install in most cases. PROS: Gives user the versatility of a spray nozzle without separate pieces. Faster and easier to install than a separate spray nozzle. Benefits of spray function with the same streamlined esthetic as a regular faucet.

 

Pull-out option saves space where there is not enough clearance for a pull-down. Pull-down faucets may look better with many designs. CONS: Installation is more complicated than a sink with no spray nozzle. More expensive than standard faucets. Potential for failure over time (e.g. dangling head). Won’t work well with low water pressure.   Best for Your Build If… Your design is contemporary and a side sprayer would make it look dated. Space is too limited for a separate spray nozzle. The kitchen has good water pressure.

 

What’s Better: Pull-Out Our Pull-Down?

	Pull Down	Pull Out
Looks	a high arching spout that reaches up and over into the sink basin	usually have a straight spout that aims upward
Pros	Typically have an integrated sprayer with multiple settings: aerated stream, needle spray, powerful jet, or shower mode. High neck makes it easier to fill tall jars or pots	perfect for rinsing dishes and filling pots quickly Often come with features like adjustable flow rate or pause mode that offer greater control when washing dishes.
Cons	Shorter hose  Heavier spray head	Longer hose and more reach Don’t reach as far out into the sink  Usually lower water pressure than pull downs
Price range	More expensive	Less expensive
Best for	Bigger kitchens with more counter space	Smaller kitchens and smaller sinks

 

3.4 Swivel and Rotating Spouts

 

If your sink has split basins, this is a non-negotiable for your faucet. Where some faucets are fixed in place, many have the ability to swivel, allowing the user to move the spout as needed.

 

Swivel and rotating spouts are fairly easy to come by and don’t usually add significant expense.

PROS:

• Spout can be moved out of the way to put large objects like pots into the basin and remove them easily.
• Decreases dead areas of large basins.
• Works with split basin sinks.

CONS:

• Needs to be installed correctly. For example, overtightened mounting nuts can make the spout hard to turn.

Best for Your Build If…

• The sink has split basins.
• The sink has a wide basin.
• Optimal usability is essential for your build.

 

3.5 Commercial-Style Faucets

Commercial-style faucets are eye-catching and highly functional. They’ve become popular in recent years and fit a range of looks from cozy country kitchen to modern industrial. PROS: Versatile options for small to large spaces. Eye-catching feature. Highly functional. Fit a wide range of design esthetics. More durable and needs less maintenance than other faucet types.  CONS: More expensive than standard faucets. Need sufficient vertical clearance (height may not fit in some spaces). Stands out more than the average faucet, which may not appeal to some buyers. Many designs have external springs that may be difficult to keep clean. Use more water than some other faucets. May be more difficult to install, though most models are very straightforward  Best for Your Build If… You want the sink to be a statement-piece. The property has good water pressure, as the pipes may be larger than with other faucet types  You’re building a large, open kitchen where a small faucet would look out of place. Your design has a country kitchen, industrial, or unique aesthetic where eye-catching style is key. Now that you have a good idea of the basic features and configuration you want for your faucet, let’s look at some additional features you may want to consider.

 

4. Advanced Features and Technology for Kitchen Faucets

Let's look at some advanced faucet features next. 

Some of these features will reduce maintenance costs in the long run. Others offer better usability. 

But these features do add to the cost, so it’s a balancing act.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common and desirable add-ons for enhanced usability so you can weigh their value against your budget for the project.

 

4.1 Touch Activated

A touch activated kitchen faucet turns on with a quick touch anywhere on the fixture, no turning or lifting a handle required.   The user can turn water on using their wrist, elbow, arm, or any exposed skin, making it more hygienic. Because touch activated faucets use electrical signals from your skin to turn on, they can only be made from conductive metals like chrome or nickel, so they don’t come in stainless steel.   PROS: Won’t accidentally activate like a touchless faucet. Turns off automatically after a set time and saves water. No worrying about leaving greasy fingerprints or contaminating the faucet after handling raw meat. Very easy to use.   CONS:  This high-tech option costs a bit more up front, but will save in the long run by reducing water waste. Adjusting temperature and water flow settings may take extra steps. Needs a power supply and touch activation won’t work if the power goes out or batteries die (although most have a manual option just in case). Best for Your Build If… You’re working with strict water usage limitations or your build is in an area where water is very expensive. You’re building a modern, utilitarian design. The resident has disabilities. Your client wants a high-tech kitchen and every smart home option.

 

4.2 Spray Options

We covered a few options for spray nozzles in Chapter 3.4.  Beyond where the spray nozzle is located on your sink, there are also options for what the sprayer itself can do. Spray options can include a soft setting, wide-angle sweep, boost for added pressure, and a pause button.

 

PROS:

• Significantly improves sprayer functionality.
• Boost makes it easier to clean stuck-on debris.
• Pause allows the user to easily swap out items without making a mess.
• Soft settings can prevent splashing and make the sprayer useful for delicate tasks like washing berries.

CONS:

• More expensive than standard sprayers or faucets with no sprayer.
• May take longer to install as you have to make more connections
• May need more counter space for installation. If it’s a small sink pull out may be a better option
• Can make repairs more expensive.

 

Best for Your Build If…

• Your build demands optimal functionality and high-end appliances.
• You’re creating a higher-budget kitchen or high-end build.
• The project is aimed at residents who will own or live long-term in the home.

 

4.3 Magnetic Docking

As discussed in Chapter 3.4, pull-out and pull-down faucets add great functionality to a sink while maintaining a modern look.  More moving parts can mean greater risk of damage from wear and tear. A dangling spout is a serious annoyance in any situation. Magnetic docking helps prevent dangling spouts and improve the longevity of pull-out and pull-down faucets. PROS: Prevents dangling spouts. Makes it easier to put the sprayer away after use. Prevents wear and tear on the hose. Prevents spray head from getting stuck when retracted. CONS: Increases purchase price of the faucet but decreases maintenance costs. Best for Your Build If… You have room in your budget for a high-end kitchen faucet. Your build demands optimal functionality.

 

4.4 Ceramic Disc Valves

The valve is an internal component of the faucet that controls the flow of water. Ceramic disc valves use durable, precision-crafted ceramic discs to control the flow of water.

Because ceramic disc valves don’t depend on plastic or rubber components, they’re resistant to wear and tear common in other types of valves.

 

PROS:

• Most durable and longest lasting option. 
• Low-friction operation makes the faucet easier to activate and decreases wear and tear on the valve.
• Smooth operation makes faucet more accessible for people with disabilities.
• Cartridge frequently allows users to regulate temperature and water flow settings with precision, eliminating risks of scalding and making the sink easier to use.
• Can handle extreme temperatures without warping or breaking down.

CONS:

• Most expensive type of valve.
• Don’t handle hard water well and may need an in-line filter.
• Need to replace the entire cartridge if a disc gets broken or damaged (can’t just replace the discs themselves).

Best for Your Build If…

• You’re willing to pay for a more durable faucet that needs less maintenance.
• Long-term function with minimal upkeep is important to your buyer.
• Your build is in an area without extremely hard water, or your budget allows for a higher-price faucet plus in-line filtration.
• You’re building a kitchen for elderly or disabled residents, or families with small children.

 4.5 Touchless Faucets

Touchless kitchen faucets use motion or infrared sensors to activate the flow of water.  Touchless faucets decrease water waste and are easy to use. The advanced technology of a touchless faucet may require special installation considerations. PROS: Limits water waste (won’t leave water running when not in use). More hygienic, as it limits touch surfaces. Convenient and easy to use. Many include easy controls for temperature, water volume, and to switch to manual mode. CONS: May unintentionally activate. Sometimes won’t turn on when you want it to. Expensive. Needs a power supply accessible under the sink. Can be complicated to install. Limited designs available. Sensors tend to fail or stop working due to mineral buildup. Best for Your Build If… It’s a commercial kitchen or in a public area  (e.g. commercial building breakroom). The resident will be able to keep the sensors clean and well-maintained. There is a convenient power supply available under the sink.

 

Now that you have a good sense of what features you want your faucet to have, let’s take a look at finishes and coatings and how those can affect the look and durability of your faucet.

 

5.1 Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a common metal for the internal components of many faucets because of its superior durability. It’s also very popular as an external finish for faucets and other kitchen hardware. Like brass, stainless can be polished to a high shine or have a softer brushed finish. Stainless steel typically has a warm gray color that can blend with a wide range of color palettes. It can also be fabricated in other colors. Many black faucets use stainless steel. PROS: Lead-free. Easy to clean and maintain, especially if you choose a matte finish. Can withstand extreme temperatures. The most common faucet material, so it comes in almost all designs and sizes  CONS: High shine finishes may show dust, scratches and stains. Glossy surface can be a fingerprint magnet. If not properly treated, stainless steel can develop rust, so it’s best to only by from a reputed brand  Best for Your Build If… You want a versatile, affordable faucet that fits most design themes  You want a consistent appearance that won’t change over time  You want your faucet to last as long as possible. You want an affordable option for faucets in colors like black.

 

5.2 Brushed Nickel

Brushed nickel is one of the most popular finishes for everything from kitchen hardware to lighting fixtures. There is a lot of variation in how brushed nickel looks, but overall it usually has a softer, more satin look than the hard shine of polished chrome and a warmer color. Brushed nickel can also come in other colors like gold. PROS: Durable, easy to clean, and low-maintenance. Popularity makes it affordable and easy to source. Matches well with many paint colors and design themes. CONS: Can be hard to match to hardware or other fixtures because of wide variation in shine and color between manufacturers. May tarnish faster than polished chrome. Best for Your Build If… A high-shine faucet would look out of place. You want the next step up from chrome without breaking your budget. You’re designing a versatile kitchen that can have fittings and hardware in multiple colors.

 

5.3 Chrome

Chrome is one of the most common metals for faucets and kitchen hardware.  It has a cooler color than stainless steel and tends to be polished smooth for a high shine. While it’s fairly durable, it is more susceptible to damage than stainless steel. Chrome is very versatile and suits many different design esthetics. PROS: Affordable alternative to stainless steel. You want a brighter and glossier look than stainless steel  Lighter than stainless steel faucets  Good durability and fairly low maintenance. Versatile enough to suit many looks. CONS: More susceptible to stains, scratches and corrosion than stainless steel Requires more upkeep over the long-term. Best for Your Build If… Your faucet budget is tight and you can’t spend too much on bells and whistles.  You need to keep the weight down. Limiting future maintenance is more important than the long-term looks of the faucet.

 

5.4 Copper

Like brass, copper is considered a living metal that evolves over time and can even self-correct some types of damage.  Its naturally warm tone will develop a patina over time. Copper comes in highly polished or matte finishes. Copper kitchen sinks and faucets make a unique and eye-catching statement. PROS: Naturally antimicrobial, making it great for food safety. Considered “self-healing” to some extent. Eye-catching and unique. Can fit with traditional, rustic farmhouse, and contemporary styles. Fairly easy to maintain. CONS: Susceptible to acid damage from foods and beverages, but discoloration will usually fade on its own. Appearance may change as the patina develops. Not as durable as stainless steel, though most copper faucets can last decades with minimal upkeep  You’ll pay a premium for its unique appearance. Best for Your Build If… It’s a unique design and you want your sink to make a statement. You’re using a copper sink basin, or other furnishings that work well with copper You don’t have to source a lot of faucets, and your supplier has enough inventory.

 

 5.5 Brass

Most faucets are brass or stainless internally with other finishes added on top. Brass faucets do away with the extra external layer and let the simplicity of this durable metal to speak for itself.  Brass is considered a living finish that changes and evolves over time. Brass can be polished to a high shine or brushed for a muted look. PROS: Adds a unique look and warmth to a kitchen. Resists corrosion. Develops a patina as it ages, adding a sense of heritage. Considered a luxury finish. CONS: Can be hard to source and match to other hardware. Hard to predict how the patina will develop; may add warmth or look worn out. Price tag matches its reputation for luxury. May contain trace amounts of lead, so best to only buy from reputed brands. Best for Your Build If… You’re using a rustic design theme that works well with brass  You want to make a statement about luxury with bold, brass faucets  You want to balance dark or cool-colored cabinets with warm fixtures. You’re designing a kitchen in a classic, rustic, contemporary theme and using unique elements.

 

5.6 Bronze

Bronze is a very dark, high-end finish.  Bronze comes in several varieties, including Tuscan, Mediterranean, and oil-rubbed, which is the most popular. Oil-rubbed bronze is very dark with streaks and highlights of a warm copper color. Bronze adds eye-catching accents that can break up neutral color palettes or complement dark cabinets. PROS: Adds an eye-catching accent to a wide variety of designs. Won’t show fingerprints or water marks. Very durable and easy to clean. Easy to source. CONS: May need replacement after about ten years. Higher maintenance than some other finishes. Is a high-end finish with higher cost than some other finishes. Best for Your Build If… You want a faucet that won’t look dated. You’re looking for a unique feature in a traditional design. The kitchen has a neutral palette that needs to be broken up with eye-catching accents. You want to complement dark wood or paint on cabinets. These are some of the most popular kitchen faucet finishes. There are other alternatives, but they can be hard to source, difficult to maintain, or won’t have wide appeal.

 

So, as you can see the material and finish can affect durability and usability. It’s mostly, but not just about the looks.

 

Once you find a faucet you like it’s important to ensure your supplier has enough inventory, and can ship to you quickly. 

 

Let’s look at how to find the right supplier for your build next.

 

6. Choosing a Supplier

Now that you’ve narrowed down the specs and look of the perfect kitchen faucet for your build, you’ll want to choose a dependable supplier.

 

Many manufacturers do not sell directly. And besides, you’ll probably want to get your sink and faucet together. A wholesaler lets you combine different brand faucet and sink brands. 

 

Building a lasting relationship with the right supplier makes life easier. 

 

A great supplier can save you the headaches of supply chain problems, shipping delays, and friction in the ordering process.

 

What makes a great plumbing supplier?

 

6.1 Consistent Quality

As discussed in Chapter 5.2, buying from a reputable brand ensures you get high-quality materials and trustworthy manufacturing.

When buying faucets in bulk, you may notice little imperfections and small differences in some of the faucets. 

This is because some wholesalers may use different manufacturers from year to year. They may have had some pieces in storage longer than others.

Choosing a wholesaler that uses the same manufacturers - rather than batching orders to the lowest bidder - ensures you get predictable quality between units and projects.

SImilarly, choosing a supplier that orders in huge batches means you’re less likely to have quality differences between units.

6.2 Reliable Supply and Delivery

The next step is getting the faucets to the build team in time. 

The last thing you need is to find out the faucet you’ve chosen is out of stock and you have to scramble for a substitute. 

You need a supplier with high inventory and a good transport system to prevent supply chain issues.

Some brands stock over 6 months' inventory at once. So they can usually guarantee delivery anywhere in the US in under a week. And when you buy in bulk, you can usually get flat rate shipping or bulk shipping discounts. 

 

6.3 Extra Support for Professionals 

 

Some manufacturers offer better service for industry and trade professionals. 

For example, they may help you choose the right faucet or sink for your project at no extra charge. You may also get a dedicated account manager to help with the selection and ordering process and delivery coordination. 

This can save considerable time and stress when you also have a hundred other parts to source.

They can also provide priority phone and video support for installation and maintenance, so you can finish the project faster with fewer errors. 

Many suppliers also give money-back guarantees, allowing you to pivot if what seemed like the perfect faucet ends up not being exactly what you had in mind.

If you want to build a long term relationship with a supplier, you’ll want a company that can step seamlessly into your process, so you can focus on the build and not worry about bureaucracy. 

In general, the ideal supplier will get you the piece you need reliably, affordably, and with support throughout your process. They will step into your process seamlessly, you can focus on the build and not worry about bureaucracy.  

 

Now let’s look at a few ways you can make sure it’s the perfect choice.

 

7. Finalizing the Perfect Choice for Your Build

How can you be sure the faucet you choose will deliver the beauty and functionality your buyers want for years to come?

 

Here are some advanced tips.

 

7.1 Read Reviews

 

The most important factor - after profitability - is how happy the homeowners are with their faucet.

Customer reviews can give you great insights into how people felt about the faucet and any problems they ran into. But it can sometimes be hard to find useful feedback versus people venting.

Websites like Consumer Reports and CNET frequently post in-depth reviews of particular faucets and can give you some insight into what’s currently popular with buyers.

However, most of these sites are aimed at consumers and not industry professionals. Many may also have been compensated for their review.

So look at the reviews for an overview of the faucet's usability, but take the reviews with a grain of salt. 

 

7.2 Consult Professional Publications

 

The residential building industry has loads of professional publications. To get an idea whether a certain brand or particular faucet will deliver what you need, you can check out publications for designers, contractors, architects, or builders. Because these journals are aimed at industry professionals, you’ll get information more targeted to what you need to know. For example Forbes puts out a best sink brands of the year award every year.

 

 

7.3 Talk to Your Team

Consult with designers, contractors, plumbers, and architects on your team who may have previous experience with a particular brand or type of faucet.

 

They’ll let you know if the faucet you’ve chosen is easy to install, holds up well over time, and how satisfied users are with it.

 

Your team may also have custom recommendations or specific requests that may not show up on a normal search.

 

You’ve nailed down the specs, found a supplier, and chosen your faucet. 

 

Let’s go over a few final frequently asked questions that may come up.

 

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8. Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What’s the best kitchen faucet brand?

 

A: The best faucet for you depends on your build specs, but you can check out our bestsellers. 

 

Now, when it comes to brands - as a builder, contractors, or designer - you’ll likely want a supplier that understands your needs and provides the best service. 

 

That way you can finish the project with minimal stress, and can build a relationship with someone who will provide consistent, high-quality products year after year. 

They’ll have a range of options to suit any budget, and enough style, configuration, and finish options to give you the perfect fit for your build.

 

Q: What features do most people want in a kitchen faucet?

 

A: Each person’s lifestyle and accessibility needs will determine what usability features are most important to them. 

 

We find simple, single handle faucets with spray options tend to be more popular.

 

 

Q: How can I create a luxurious kitchen sink for my build? A: Beyond your basin choice, the kitchen faucet you choose can add luxury in terms of looks and features.   For some home owners, luxury means high-tech functionality upgrades options like touch activated controls or a pull out sprayer.    For others, it’s more about the looks - uniquely shaped designs in high-end  finishes like copper or bronze that add a rich look to their kitchen.   Find a supplier with multiple high-end options that can suit preferences for your buyer, designer, and everyone on your team from project to project.

 

Q: What’s the best faucet for managed rental properties?

 

A: For managed properties, you want a highly durable faucet that needs minimal maintenance

 

This may seem unorthodox, but we find 2 handle faucets are good for managed properties. Even if one handle breaks or leaks, the sink is still usable thanks to the other handle.

 

Choose a durable, low-maintenance finish and configuration that will keep the kitchen sink functional while awaiting repairs.

 

Q: What is the best faucet for areas with hard water?

 

A: If you’re building in a location with hard water, you’ll likely want to minimize water spots, or have a faucet that will be easy to clean.

 

A matte or satin finish in a brass, gold, or warm gray color will hide water spots and minimize cleaning. 

 

A low-profile or wall-mounted configuration can also prevent mineral build-up on the faucet.

Also keep in mind that ceramic disc valves can sometimes struggle with hard water, so a different valve configuration may work better.

Alright, you’ve seen how to choose a faucet for your build and learned the pros and cons of various types of faucets. 

 

Now let’s bring it all together.

 

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 9. Pulling It All Together

A great kitchen can totally change the feel of a home and dictate how satisfied your buyer is with your build.

 

The sink and faucet aren’t just the visual and functional centerpieces of a kitchen. The right faucet is essential to creating a kitchen sink that will support the success of your build.

 

Here’s a brief summary of our recommendations for finding the perfect kitchen faucet.

1. Start with a basic plan - consult project specs for must haves, and profitability targets for a price range. Details in chapter 2.
2. Consider what features the residents will need to decide on a configuration and basic features. Details in chapter 3 and 4. 
3. Consult the designers to know how the faucet will be mounted, and how they want it to look. Details in chapter 5. 
4. Choose the brand and model that suits your needs best. Then decide which supplier you should buy from. Details in chapter 6 and 7.

Find the Perfect Faucet for Every Build With KralSu 

We hope this guide makes it easy to find the right faucet for your build.

 

But there are a LOT of faucets available, each with their own pros and cons. So it  can be difficult to tell which one is best for you. 

 

If you’re having trouble deciding which faucets to go with, we can help. Just contact our trade liaison and we’ll help you choose the best faucet for you.

 

Plus we offer:

• As early as 5 day delivery anywhere in the US on certain products 
• 30 day money back guarantee on all products 
• Lifetime warranty with certain brands 
• Almost unlimited inventory with certain brands 

 

That’s it for our guide to  the Perfect Kitchen Faucet for Builders, Contractors And Designers

 

Have a question about kitchen faucets, or speccing your build? 

 

Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll share our answers and add it to the guide.