common misconceptions

•  What is a broach / Spline? - this is the section that your handle slips onto to control the flow of water. You will usually have small  ridges around the stem. These are what you need to count now some stems may be square, half moon, D shaped and various other shapes
• Why do you need to tell us this? - If we do not know exactly what you have your handle will not interchange
• What are some of the colors I can choose and how much does it cost? - We offer a wide variety of colors; polished brass, polished chrome, oil rubbed bronze, gold, satin nickel, and more. Prices vary depending on how many pieces and the finish.
• How long does it take to refinish? - Usually about 4 - 6 weeks. Our refinishing center is very busy so we put our items in line. If it is a special color or a match it may take longer.
• If I refinish my faucet will my handles match? - they might with only a slight difference . It is the same as if you you put new paint on part of your car and not the rest. Age does lessen the color over time. In some cases we can match a sample.

Older high end valves were built to last with the intention of being repaired instead of replaced.  Most of these fixtures work for years with little to no maintenance, when operated properly in normal conditions.  Ocean water, well water and hard water all cause different maintenance schedules.  

Example:  If someone drives a manual car in a city, and someone else down a dirt road every day, there will be very different maintenance schedules that have nothing to do with the car itself.

High end valves are meant to be worked on from the front, specifically so you do not have to open up your wall for repair.  

There is a big difference between repair and replacement plumbers, as well as high end and low end plumbers.  High end anything is a whole other world. 

Example: You can't take your Ferrari to a Volkswagen mechanic.

A mechanic can be in the field for 30 years and be fantastic at what they do.  If they work on Toyota's and Nissan's, when someone pops the hood of a Mercedes or Bentley, they don't know what they are looking at, how to troubleshoot, or have the correct tools.   It isn't about good or bad, it is high end vs low end.  

Example: You can go to the highest quality salon that only has the top stylists, but the person who specializes in cut, isn't necessarily the best person for color.  You have to have the correct person for the specific task at hand.