Faucet Installation

Scenario 1: Homeowner selected granite tops and granite back splash.  The homeowner said they will go out and purchase their own sink and faucet.

Results: Granite fabricator creates a template for the counter tops and back splash.  The homeowner has the sink available for the fabricator to take back to the shop for cutout.  The homeowner is still waiting on the arrival of the faucet, but supplies the hole size to the fabricator.   A week later the installation of the tops and back splash are complete and the faucet arrives just in time for the plumber to do all the hook-ups.  The selections are beautiful and the homeowner is very pleased.   That is, until they go to turn on the faucet.  Due to thick granite slab back splash, the faucet is not fully functional!  The problem is that the lever, when pushed away, runs into the back splash before it gets to the maximum temperature.

Solution: Easily achievable, this time.   Most side controlled single handle faucets (always check specifications first!) can be installed with the handle turned to the front/face of the face.  The bonus is that when you turn the faucet off and your hands are wet, the drips of water fall into the sink rather than on the granite!   In the end the homeowner thanks thanked their lucky stars, and apologized for not taking the recommendation of working with their designer through every element to assure proper function along with beauty.  The money they saved by buying from an unknown internet source was lost with the extra trip charge incurred from the plumber.

Scenario 2: Quartz counter tops, tile back splash, stainless steel sink,  single handle faucet and accessories, and a quartz window sill.

Results: Similar scenario? Yes.  Except the fabricator did not follow the guidelines given by the designer This time the results ended with the tall standing lever hitting the window sill.

Solution: The homeowner was given the choice:  A) change to a different style single handle faucet and cap the hole.  B) have the fabricator remove the sill plate and reduce the depth.   They chose the latter 🙂

Lessons Learned (by all parties):

1. Complete the design in it’s entirety and select all products before work begins.  Have aCertified Designerreview your selections for any possible conflicts.
2. Do not template or fabricate based on written specifications.  ALL product should be on site for layout and discussion.  The reason?  There is an evil little disclaimer at the bottom of all specifications: “Specifications are subject to change without notice.”
3. Understand the (numerous) risks involved with purchasing such products from unknown sources on the internet.   At least the homeowner was spared of buying a defective faucet or one with missing parts that could have delayed the project further, along with additional trip charges from the plumber.
4. Additionally be aware of the sink size!  There are a few models on the market that have two large, deep bowls that require the faucet to be installed at the center back side, installing it even closer to the back splash or window.
5. Last, but not least… VERY similar situations can incur on an island top that has a higher level bar top attached to it.