Has your current kitchen faucet run its course, and is it time to replace it? It may have started leaking all over the sink, or you may have noticed some rust forming. In short, there could be numerous problems that are affecting its functionality. Or, you may have simply fallen out of love with it, so to speak, as it went out of style, and you no longer like it. Whatever the case, replacing this item in your kitchen is a good idea, but you have to do it right.
In other words, you have to choose wisely so as to be perfectly happy with the faucet that you will ultimately get. This goes both if you’re replacing the old faucet and if you’re just now designing a brand new kitchen and thus choosing a new product. And while you understand the importance of making the right choice here, you may not know exactly how to do it. Click this to get some tips on that.
It is extremely important for you to be patient in this process and to try to do everything right so that you don’t regret your purchase afterward. So, it is a good thing that you’re wondering how to do this before you actually start shopping. People who don’t take the time to think about this tend to make certain mistakes in the buying process, which leads to those regrets I’ve mentioned.
Since you don’t want to make those mistakes yourself, you’re right to be careful and to do some research before making any final decisions. And, what you have to do, among other things, is find out what kinds of mistakes other people have been making in this process so that you can do your best to avoid them. So, what we are going to do right now is list some of those common mistakes for you below, hoping to help you get better acquainted with them and thus avoid them.
Not Taking Measurements
Not taking proper measurements can lead to buying a faucet that won’t be quite functional, as it won’t fit in with your space perfectly. Sure, you will still be able to use it, but you will notice that it isn’t quite right and that you could have made a better choice in terms of functionality. What kinds of measurements do you have to take here, though?
Well, for starters, you have to measure the sink. But then, you need to measure the space around it as well. So, consider the width and the depth of the sink, as well as its configurations, so that you don’t need to drill additional holes when installing the faucet.
Then, measure the space around the sink, so as to ensure there is enough clearance between the faucet and the cabinets or shelves above it.
Here is a buying guide to help you: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/kitchen/faucet-buying-guide/
Not Considering the Reach and the Height
Since we are talking about functionality, let me continue along the same lines and tell you about another mistake that you should undeniably avoid when buying this product. Basically, a lot of people forget to consider the reach and height of the faucet, even though those have a huge impact on overall functionality. A product with a short reach can make washing larger dishes difficult, while one with too long a reach can lead to water splashing outside the sink, which is why you need to get this just right. The same goes for height, so make sure to select the height that will work for your overall kitchen design.
Not Considering the Spout Type
The spout type is another significant factor to consider. The most common types are stationary, pull-down, and pull-out. Not considering the type can have a negative impact on the usability of the faucet. Once again, though, you have to make sure that the spout type you select works perfectly for your sink and your overall kitchen.
Not Considering Materials
A lot of people focus solely on the style of the faucet, failing to take materials into account. This, however, is not a good idea. Materials have a significant impact on the quality of the faucet, and thus on its durability, as well as on the maintenance requirements. So, if you fail to consider the materials, you may have some problems in the future – with the longevity and the quality of the faucet.
Since that is not what you want, you should definitely take time to explore the advantages and disadvantages of all the materials, and then to ultimately choose the perfect option for you. Stainless steel and brass tend to be more durable and corrosion resistant, while plastic may be a bit cheaper, but doesn’t last long. So, check out the different materials in details, and think about what may be right for you.
Going for the Affordable Option
I’ve mentioned that plastic is cheaper than stainless steel and brass. There are also cheaper and more expensive options regardless of the materials.
It is, however, not a good idea for you to get carried away with the price and to make your choice based on it alone. Sure, there is nothing wrong in saving some money, but you need to be more mindful of the quality when buying these products.
Not Researching the Suppliers
Here is another mistake that people often make. They fail to research the suppliers of these products. When you want to buy a great kitchen faucet, however, you should definitely research different suppliers in details, aiming at ultimately buying your products from highly reputable places. So, check reputation, check the selection of products and check the prices before making your final choices.
Neglecting the Aesthetics
I’ve talked about functionality and the importance of choosing a faucet that will work perfectly for your kitchen. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the aesthetics. Quite on the contrary, you should take your time to carefully select the right style and design, so that you can ultimately create the perfect look in your kitchen.