Cost of Bathtub Fixtures & Faucets: Where to Save & Where to Splurge

Let’s say you’re staring at your bathtub’s sad, drip-droppy faucet, wondering if it’s a relic from the Nixon administration. You Google “bathtub fixtures,” and suddenly you’re drowning in options—$50 Amazon specials, $1,200 “artisanal” waterfall faucets, and a TikTok ad for a gold-plated showerhead that costs more than your car.  

As someone who once installed a “vintage” faucet only to learn it leaked and was haunted (thanks, eBay), I’ve learned the hard way where to save your cash and where to drop the bag. Let’s break down the cost of bathtub remodel, hidden traps, and why that $300 brushed-nickel handle might be worth selling a kidney for. 

The Faucet Face-Off: Splurge vs. Save

Your faucet is the Beyoncé of your bathroom—it needs to slay and work harder than your therapist. Here’s the tea:

SPLURGE: The Faucet Itself ($200–$800+)

- Why: Cheap faucets are like Tinder dates—look good upfront, but disaster awaits.  

- Get: Solid brass construction, ceramic cartridges, and a finish that won’t peel like a sunburned tourist. Brands like Delta or Moen are the Honda Accords of faucets—reliable, boring, and worth every penny.  

- Skip: Anything labeled “builder grade.” That’s code for “will corrode faster than your patience.”

SAVE: Decorative Handles ($20–$50)

- Why: Fancy handles are the *Access Hollywood* of fixtures—all looks, no substance.  

- Get: Basic lever handles from Home Depot. Swap them later for crystal knobs when you’re feeling ~extra~.  

- Pro Tip: Spray-paint old handles “oil-rubbed bronze” and pretend you’re Joanna Gaines.

Showerheads: Rainfall or Regret?

 SPLURGE: Showerhead ($150–$400)

- Why: A good showerhead is life-changing. Think of it as a daily spa day without the $40 cucumber water.  

- Get: A pressure-boosting model with anti-clog nozzles. (Kohler’s Forté series slaps harder than a Netflix cancellation.)  

- Skip: “Smart” showerheads that sync to your Spotify. You’re here to shower, not DJ.

SAVE: Shower Arm & Flange ($15–$30)

- Why: The arm (that curved pipe) is literally just a metal stick.  

- Get: A basic chrome arm. Polish it monthly with vinegar to keep it shiny.  

- Cautionary Tale: I bought a “vintage” copper arm that turned my shower water green. Now I bathe like the Statue of Liberty.

The Drain Dilemma: Super or Sad?

SPLURGE: Pop-Up Drain ($80–$200) 

- Why: A sleek, toe-operated drain is the James Bond of bathroom tech—smooth, functional, and mildly pretentious.  

- Get: Stainless steel with a hair catcher. Your plumbing will thank you.

SAVE: Standard Drain ($10–$30)

- Why: It’s a hole. A glorified hole.  

- Get: A simple strainer. Bonus: Paint it to match your tub. Or don’t.

Hidden Costs That’ll Make You Swear in IKEA

- Installation: $150–$500 (unless you’re handy with a wrench and YouTube tutorials).  

- Plumbing Surprises: $200–$1,000 (e.g., “Oops, your pipes are older than Friends”).  

- Permits: $50–$300 (because your city wants to ruin your fun).

Where to Cut Corners Like a Pro

1. Refurbished Fixtures: eBay and Facebook Marketplace are goldmines for lightly used Delta/Moen. Just boil the parts in vinegar to exorcise the previous owner’s germs.  

2. Factory Overstock Sites: Build.com sells dented/discounted items. A scratch on the underside? Who cares—you’re not doing handstands in the tub.  

3. Vinyl Decals: Cover ugly finishes with stick-on “brushed nickel” film. It’s the duct tape of home decor Bathroom Remodel Vermont.

When to Sell Your Soul (and Savings)

- Water Efficiency: A $400 WaterSense-certified faucet saves 30% on water bills. Math it out—it’ll pay for itself by 2045!  

- Resale Value: Buyers foam at the mouth for Moen or Kohler. A $600 faucet could add $1k to your home’s value.  

- Aesthetic Unicorns: That $800 waterfall tub filler won’t make your bath hotter, but it’ll make your Instagram hotter.  

Final Thoughts

Bathtub fixtures are like a Netflix subscription: You can go cheap, but the premium plan hurts less long-term. Splurge on the faucet and showerhead, save on the bells and whistles, and for god’s sake—avoid anything “antique” unless you’re into exorcisms.