What To Expect: Selecting and Installation of Plumbing Fixtures

Building a new home is filled with exciting decisions, and one of the most hands-on steps is the selecting and installation of plumbing fixtures. From the faucet in your kitchen sink to the rainfall showerhead in your ensuite, these fixtures are the finishing touches that tie your design together and bring everyday comfort to your home. At Kimball Construction, we guide homeowners through the selecting and installation of plumbing fixtures with a process that is clear, collaborative, and customized.

So, what exactly are plumbing fixtures? They’re the visible components of your plumbing system—the sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and faucets that you interact with every day. These are not the hidden pipes in the walls, but the polished hardware and surfaces that define the feel of your bathrooms and kitchen. Plumbing fixtures are among the most visible personal touches in your home, and they deserve thoughtful selection.

In most new construction homes, plumbing fixtures are installed in two phases. The first is the rough-in stage, which happens after framing and before drywall. This is when pipes are laid and positions are finalized. The second phase comes much later—typically near the end of the build—when the walls are painted, cabinets are installed, and it’s time for the final trim. This is when sinks are set, toilets are placed, and your selected fixtures are mounted and connected.

The selecting and installation of plumbing fixtures starts well before anything is installed. Once you reach the selections phase with Kimball Construction, we present standard fixture packages within BuilderTrend, our online construction management platform. Homeowners can log in to review their options, approve items, and even request upgrades. BuilderTrend keeps everything organized and transparent.

Of course, we understand that sometimes you want something more specific than the curated options we provide. For inspiration and ideas beyond the standard offerings, many homeowners enjoy browsing stores such as Ferguson, Lowe’s, Home Depot, or even boutique brands like Rejuvenation or Signature Hardware. If you fall in love with something from one of these sources, just let us know—we’ll help determine if it’s compatible with your home’s plumbing and available within our timeline.

Once fixtures are selected and ordered, we factor in both lead times and the construction schedule. Some items can take weeks to arrive, particularly specialty finishes or higher-end products. Therefore, it’s best to finalize fixture selections early. At Kimball Construction, we typically order fixtures shortly after rough-in plumbing is complete, allowing enough time for them to arrive before installation is scheduled.

When installation day arrives, licensed plumbers—coordinated by Kimball Construction—handle everything. These professionals install each fixture according to code and manufacturer instructions, ensuring that every component functions properly and looks great. Depending on the size of the house and the complexity of the layout, installation may take a few days to complete. For example, a typical three-bathroom home might take two to three days of work to fully install sinks, showers, toilets, tubs, and faucets. However, ordering and rough-in timing can add weeks before actual installation begins, especially if owners delay finalizing selections.

As your general contractor, Kimball Construction manages the entire process, from initial selection to the last drop of water flowing from your new fixtures. Our goal is to make the selecting and installation of plumbing fixtures simple, stress-free, and tailored to your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to purchase the plumbing fixtures myself?
No. Kimball Construction includes plumbing fixtures in the overall build budget. We present standard options in BuilderTrend, and we handle purchasing unless otherwise discussed.

Can I choose something not listed in BuilderTrend?
Yes. If you find a fixture elsewhere—such as at Ferguson or Rejuvenation—we’ll help confirm compatibility and availability before purchasing.

What happens if a fixture arrives damaged or delayed?
We coordinate with suppliers to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. If there’s a delay, we may suggest a temporary or alternate fixture to keep the project on schedule.

Will the plumber handle all fixture installation?
Yes. All plumbing fixtures are installed by licensed plumbers under Kimball Construction’s supervision.

How far in advance should I finalize my selections?
We recommend finalizing your selections shortly after the framing and rough-in walkthrough. This helps ensure fixtures are ordered early enough to avoid delays.

Are upgrades available?
Definitely. Whether you’re dreaming of a freestanding tub or a matte black kitchen faucet, upgrades can be added through BuilderTrend and priced accordingly.

Are there brands of plumbing fixtures that you don’t recommend?
Yes. While we encourage homeowners to explore different styles and finishes, we do require that all plumbing fixture brands have a local warranty parts supplier. Many online-only brands or imported products may look appealing, but they often lack local support for parts and repairs, which can lead to delays or additional costs down the line. Brands like American Standard, Brizio, Delta, Glacier Bay, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Kohler, Moen, Pfister, and Toto are widely available and have reliable local service networks, making them safe and recommended choices for your new home.

I found a sink I like that has three holes; I want a faucet with one hole. What are my options?
There are several ways to adapt a three-hole sink to a one-hole faucet. You can install a soap dispenser, a side sprayer, or a sink hole plug in the extra holes. Alternatively, some faucets come with a cushion plate (also called an escutcheon) that covers the additional holes for a clean look. Kimball Construction’s plumbing team can help you select the best solution based on your preferences and the overall design.

Plumbing fixtures might be small in size, but they play a big role in both function and style. When you build with Kimball Construction, you get the benefit of expert guidance and streamlined communication from start to finish. By planning ahead and making thoughtful selections, you’ll enjoy fixtures that not only meet your needs but elevate your entire home.