What to Consider Before Buying Your Own Fixtures for Your Kitchen Remodel

When you’re taking on a big remodeling job like a kitchen, it’s perfectly natural to look for ways to reduce your overall cost and cut a few corners. Since you’re probably already allocating substantial chunks of your budget for those big-ticket items – new countertops, new appliances, maybe even new cabinets – saving a few dollars here and there on the fixtures can seem like the perfect way to be frugal and still get what you want.

However, before you head over to your hardware store to pick out your new kitchen faucet, consider these three contributing factors.

First of all, yes, your remodeler will likely be more than happy to install fixtures you didn’t purchase through them.

Once homeowners realize they can purchase items like a kitchen faucet for less money on their own than if they go through their remodeling company, their first question is usually whether the company will install items purchased separately. The short answer is yes. However, there’s a little more to it than just a one-word answer.

When you buy your own fixtures, sometimes things don’t turn out how you expect.

Remodelers are used to spotting problems with potential products and can usually contact the supplier to get a replacement item quickly, without causing delays in your schedule. However, when we don’t purchase the product directly, we might not notice defects or errors until it’s time to install. Instead of a problem that takes a quick phone call to correct, you could be stuck running around town looking for the product you want, which could end up delaying your completed remodel and causing rescheduling conflicts.

Buying your own fixtures might save you a little money, but it could cost you a lot of time.

When you purchase your products and supplies through your remodeling company, they take responsibility for making sure everything is exactly as you want. However, when you make your own separate purchases, you’re the one who will be expected to return the faucet with the mismatched finish or the chipped tiles for the backsplash and supply a replacement product. By the time all is said and done, you may have saved a few dollars, but you’ll have cost yourself several hours of frustration.

So, yes, you can buy your own fixtures and supplies for your remodeling job…but it likely won’t be worth what it fully “costs” you in the long run. Unless you’re willing to take on the headache, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals.

Visit our blog for more helpful home remodeling tips!