I’ve got a bathroom remodel that threatens to go out of control on cost; the wife has decided on luxury fixtures and brands like Waterworks and Kallista.
Anyone have any references for discount suppliers (web-based or otherwise) for this stuff? Kallista lists an acrylic tub with fixtures for $11,709!
I’ve tried Froogle (Google’s shopping search engine) and found varies faucets and stuff; but not the tubs that go with them….
Thanks!
NotaClue
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Replies
i search ebay alot... last year i got a new in the box shower set up that i'd only seen in high end mags (german made) that retailed for $1700.00 i paid $140 for it on ebay... guy told me he'd purchased it for a high end bathroom remodel that never happened... i think he got it in the divorce... told me he'd come visit it some day at my place
pony
I used a Waterworks tub on a job once... it was identical to an American Standard tub and I got the feeling that a lot of Waterworks stuff is not made by them, but repackaged from other manufacturers with a higher price.
No kidding! that would be pretty disturbing. Of course, gives me a chance to redirect her to a Home Depot Expo site rather than the Design Center with the kitchen and bath designed in tow...The tub that impressed the wife the most was retail listed at $20,000! (This is not a misprint). Non-whirlpool, 6 foot, acrylic, does not include the faucets.
I almost choked.
This has got to the same technology used in boat building, and I couldn't find a 6 foot dinghy that was that expensive unless I told them to use Kelvar and unobtanium for the oar locks....
NotaClue
For $20,000 you could probably get a custom-made, one-of-a-kind tub in copper, stainless, ceramic, cast glass... you name it. For acrylic that's insane.
Hey, nothing is insane if it caught her eyes and the hubby is willing to fork out for it.
Just personal experience.
Hubby is NOT willing to fork out for it.
Is the Waterworks faucets and hardware at least proprietary? I haven't found it anywhere else.
NotaClue
Me neither. Those are nice faucets, I think they are proprietary. I don't know about the basins and the tubs though.
If you can't put the deal together, either change her or your wallet. Change her mind, I mean, not the person.
Ah yes, changing the person usually leads to a 50% subsequent decline in the wallet!
NotaClue
That's a no brainer, considering the alternative, that $20,000 tub is a steal.
Didn't I tell you?
Edit. I just noticed, why is this thread in the business section?
Edited 1/10/2005 10:53 pm ET by TOMCHARK
Because at my cost plus rate of 10 and 10, that 20 grand tubby yields me FOUR THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY ($4,220.00) in gross margin.
That's business!
I only get $4200.00
That $20 is due to me for sending business your way? I want at least a 20% cut.
Deal?
This started (and has variously continued) as a thread on places to pruchase high(er) end plumbing fixtures at something other than list...
To the point at which I learned that American Standard may have manufactured "Waterworks" branded goods, I saved a considerable amount of money in my thinking.
Ebay has yet to pan out as a search site for tubs and what not. Took a look and didn't find much.
Anyone else?
Roger
It was the plumber who pointed out to me that the Waterworks tub the owner had bought looked identical to a tub that cost about 70% less. If you deal with a plumber knowledgeable in high end fixtures, or take your shopping list (and a pic of the platinum plated tub) to a good retailer, you'll find accceptable substitutes for a lot less. Every major city has stores that specialize in bath fixtures.
Of course.... maybe your wife has chosen a $20K tub because you can afford it, and in that case maybe you should.
Afford a $20k tub? Hmmm, that's money for the flat screen!
The suggestions for the picture idea are good; so the ideas for the plumber (to counter balance the designer, who gets paid hourly + a commission over wholesale).Homeclick was promising and I have looked there. Did anyone else have problems with slow loading of graphics from that site?
NotaClue
Thats right, dig around enought and you can find most of water works stuff with their first makers name on them!
have you tried homeclick.com
we have a project that the tub the owner wanted , from any local supplier was over 8k. they got it at homeclick for 4.6k including shipping
and becasue the ordered it before Jan 2 they got an additional 350 off
even my plumber said no way, until they saw the receipt and the shipping info with all the rough-in demensions