FYI, you can order the same Kohler items through Lowe's and get 25% of the Kohler list pricing. It's not lower quality items like some maintain, they come straight from a plumbing wholesaler to your store. Realize also that the plumber and/or contractor sometimes use the difference between wholesale and retail pricing to fund the warranty and service they provide to you, as well as to pad their pocket.

Even at the high end showroom we ordered through (one that our GC didn't deal with so no contractor pricing) we got less than the retail list price. Sorry not sure what % the discount was.

My understanding is that if your GC has an account with the store, they usually get a % discount. Then it is up to them whether they pass this savings on to you in whole in part or not at all. Our GC gave us the discount, but we weren't happy with the selection at some of the places he dealt with.

The contractor's price to you for fixtures also covers the cost for his time to order the items, track the items, inspect the items (and perhaps return any faulty things), arrange delivery, and bring them to you. Plus there is often plenty of aggravation at each of those steps (just peruse these forums to hear the stories!). Plus you are paying for his expertise in ordering the right type of valves, or other plumbing or tile items. Plus the contractor deserves to make a living, and make a profit. Alternatively, you can purchase the items, get the various discounts offerred by Lowes or online site. But be aware that it will be you who will be taking the time to deal with ordering/tracking/delivery, etc. I chose to purchase everything myself. My electrician in particular was happy to leave me to it, cause he just wanted to be an electrician, not a supplier. My kitchen GC had a similar philosophy that he was a GC, not an appliance salesman, so I purchased all my kitchen appliances without him. My experience with ordering things was uneven. Some things were a cinch and practically efffortless, while others were frustrating and added to my stress level. I would likely do so again, though--not for the money-saved aspect at all, but rather it gave me a feeling of control that I knew when everything was arriving, and that it was exactly what I wanted.

I wouldn't worry about the guaranty if you purchase, say, a faucet/sink/tub, etc. yourself; those are provided by the manufacturer.

akchicago,
There is a new store downtown called Hydrology, owned by the same man as Advantge Kitchen and Bath. I'm planning on purchasing most of my items from them. Where did you shop in Chicago?
Donna

Donna - I shopped at Community Home Supply on Lincoln Ave., and Studio 41 in Highland Park (studiofortyone.com), and on the 'net, sites like homeclick.com and faucetdepot.com. Thanks for letting me know about Hydrology. I thought I read a thread where you are looking at tubs online, but me personally, I wouldn't risk such a heavy item like a tub online. I'd want to buy something like that locally.

Donna, forgot to add that for electrical items, I purchased at Active Electric on Lawrence Ave. If you are buying a lot of stuff at Active, they'll provide you great customer service (but don't go on a Saturday). But if you're only buying a couple of light switches or outlets, you'll get short shrift there.

Sorry to hijack the thread.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I will be following up with the local plumbing supply and Lowes. In the mean time my contractor (who tried to discourage me of course) is looking at my items to work up pricing so we'll see where we're at soon. It really is a help being able to bounce this stuff off someone! Thanks again!