Plumbing Fixtures - Buying through US websites vs. Canada?

17 years ago

I posted over on the plumbing board but not getting any responses, so I thought I'd try over here ....

We're building a new house in the Vancouver, Canada area, and have been doing some research on various forums on getting good prices on plumbing fixtures. I've read that faucets are considerably cheaper from various US websites - and the prices I've seen do seem to confirm that. I would say that most seem to be at least 50% less???

I would make sure that they are CSA approved models.

BUT, in talking to my builder, he said there were a few things I should look into before buying fixtures in the US over the Internet.

1. There is a difference between the "professional" lines sold through his plumbing stores and the kinds sold at Home Depot - even though they make look the same. Is this true for the ones on websites? Or if the model # is the same, then it would be the same as the "professional" line?

2. He had an insurance company void a claim because the shower fixture that caused the leak wasn't purchased in Canada.

My builder would give us his whole contractor discount so he doesn't make any $ off us buying fixutres from his suppliers. He said it's up to us where we purchase the fixtures, but he can't warranty them if they're not purchased through one of his various suppliers (and he has accounts at all the local plumbing supply stores).

Has anyone who is building a new home install fixtures purchased in the States? The prices seem to be so much less, am I missing something??? Is there something that makes it different if I'm building a new home versus an existing home with plumbing? Or does anyone have any feedback? Thanks!

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Comments (4)

worthy
17 years ago
I'm a custom builder and have purchased plumbing bits on-line from the US and Mexico. But only faucets and sinks that weren't available here or were way overpriced.

I know where your builder is "coming from," as they say.

Plumbing fixtures and fittings are the most annoying part of the home, especially as I build only high end homes with five and six bathrooms. After trying different approaches, I found the easiest way is to specify everything to the plumbing contractor and let him supply it all, except maybe some odd fixture or two. That way, he is responsible for all the inevitable problems--defective parts, mixed-up orders, product failures after installation--that arise.

But rather than say that flatly, your builder is raising red herrings.

Last time I looked southward, not many of the US e*tailers were selling into Canada anyway.
jasonmi7
17 years ago
As a former (retired) contractor; I couldn't agree more with Worthy. Don't play the 'best price on a...' game. Spec it with the builder through the plumber, and then through their supply chain. You'll most likely get the best, and pay for it. But it won't show the huge, quick signs of age you get from similar looking, but differently made products sold at the big boxes, and the warranties intact.
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stinkytiger
17 years ago
Hi,

Ah the devil is in the details. I built a house from the groud up 4 years ago. Plumbing fixture ordering is an exercise in precision data. To make this point let's consider a shower control for your bathroom.

OK you want a shower control. This comes in two bits (a) the valve that sits behind the drywall and tile and (b) the control handle and surrond that you see. Note the valve is only compatible with certian handles. Also the valve is only compatible with other valves depending on how fancy your shower will be. Body surround, hand held, + the usual one over head. Get any of these compatible things wrong and you will have to rip out all that dry wall and tile.

OK so you order the stuff. Again ordering requires precision numbers. Let's say you now want a Handshower from Handgrohe. One order number is Aktiva A8. 28547XX1. Note any mistake on the typing, will mean the wrong part. Also note did you get the most up to date catalogue.

Finally you get the valve on site + the handles. BUT the handle and trim are not to be installed until after drywall and tile. Think maybe two to three months apart time wise. You will have to store somewhere that part. NOT on site because it will be lost, damaged thrown out etc.

In the end we ordered from a shop. They had computers there which check for compatiblility and people who can tell you if the who set up will work or not. They also will hold parts for you untill you need them. Note that for four bathrooms your shopping list is maybe 10 to 15 pages worth or computer print out. Mine was. Note any error will men the wrong part and delay in your build. And worst of all a whole tile and dry wall redo.

There are all the niggling detalis too. Part numbers like the 28547XX1, what is the XX. Well replace XX with 00 for chrome, 09 for chrome / gold, 80 for steel, 82 for brushed nickle, 83 for poliched nickel, satin chorm 88, and polishe dbrass 93. Any one error, oohps wrong part. Now multiply this by 15 pages of computer print out.

My recomendation is go for a good shop which has a good reputation, and a great return policy. Good computer and knowledgeable people that your builder has worked with before. A few dollars here can really save you time, sanity and dollars in the long run.

If you want to save money and are good with a spreadsheet, you can try ordering door handles and kitchen handles online. I did. Again precision data. Fortunately this aspect is a little simpler hence less probability of error.

Good luck with your build.

Warmest regards, Mike.
bdpeck-charlotte
17 years ago
First, if the model number is the same, the fixture is the same. Period. I have friends that work for manufacturers, and they can guarantee it.

Second, MAP (minimum advertised price) vs what on online retailer can sell for is why you can save some money from online retailers.

Finally, with all that said... I'll side with Worthy, and suggest you spec out what you want, let your plumber and builder hassle with getting things right. As an OB, we had a few snafus with the plumbing that wouldn't have happened just spec'ing it out with the plumber. You might spend $10 or $20 more per fixture, but it won't be thousands of dollars. Just make sure everything is in writing and signed by all parties.

Brian