Savvy Shopper | Savvy Shopping

Savvy shoppers know that in certain things, you shouldn't always buy the least expensive (cheapest) item available. One of the most important areas where it saves money in the long run to purchase quality is when you are buying fixtures, furnishings, etc. for your home. Plumbing fixtures definitely fit into this category ... our constantly dribbling kitchen sink reminds me of that fact daily as it continues to worsen. It was inexpensive, but it is only two years old. If I have to buy a new one every couple of years, it's going to add up ... not to mention the time spent for replacing it each time. I haven't had the chance to replace it yet and I cringe at the thought of next month's water bill!

My own plumbing problems aside, fixtures that will be a part of your home for years to come are also an area where personal style comes into play in a big way. Even if you spend less, you just aren't going to be happy if you don't like the way it looks, and you're going to be reminded of that MANY times over the years you live in your home. When it comes to something you will be seeing every day, it pays (in terms of satisfaction) to take the time to find a design you really love.

A website like DesignerPlumbingOutlet.com is a great place to start your search for a quality fixture that will make your home distinctively you. Online sites can often offer you a much wider selection for browsing than you would be able to find at a local showroom. We loved the variety we found within their Moen showhouse. The bamboo collection would be lovely in an Asian-themed room, the Waterhill's absolutely charming pump-style look would be perfect in a more rustic home, the Destiny is wonderfully contemporary, and the lines of the Casa collection are very unique. The photo of Solace really wowed us, and I have to say that the pot filler faucets are an amazing innovation -- I WANT THAT!

I also found the by Devonshire faucets by Kohler to be exquisitely classic. These would be perfect for any luxury bath. The Moen aberdeen faucets were also quite interesting. The pulldown spout would be very handy, as would the single handle operation. The matching lotion or soap dispensers would also be practical and help keep the area clean under heavy usage (or in homes with children particularly).

Now I'm more motivated to take care of that drippy kitchen faucet than ever ... and while I'm at it, the bath shower toggle doesn't do a very good job either. Not only is browsing for home fixtures online a good way to see many options, but generally lower prices can be found online as well, even after adding in shipping charges. (In many cases, you don't have to pay sales tax for online purchases, so that can factor into overall cost as well.)