The One Finish That Gets Compliments Every Time

When budgeting rental renovations, it’s common to opt for the cheapest fixtures available. On the surface, it seems like a smart move: $15 faucets, economy hinges, budget towel bars all line items that keep initial costs down. But with each maintenance call, tenant complaint, or unexpected replacement, what seems like a saving turns into a drain on time, money, and professional reputation. Through countless projects, DOCI has learned that investing in premium fixtures upfront not only improves tenant satisfaction but also preserves your bottom line. Here’s how.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Fixtures

Plastic Faucets that Crack

Take the example of a $15 plastic faucet. It may appear serviceable, but under regular use and water pressure, it becomes vulnerable. Cracks form around joints and handles, causing drips or leaks. Within months, tenants report issues and you find yourself flooring a repair request alongside a new water bill. This isn’t rare; it’s predictable.

Hinges that Loosen or Break

Inexpensive hinges are another frequent failure. Loose doors, unaligned cabinets, creaks these issues crop up rapidly once metal fatigue sets in. Tightening may offer temporary relief, but as screws loosen again, tenants file maintenance requests. Each revisit consumes labor, time, and tools that add up over months.

Towel Bars Ripping from Drywall

A refresh with new towel bars can quickly backfire. If the mounting hardware is weak or fastened into only a drywall cavity, expect the bar to rip away when weight or a careless tug is applied. That leaves you repairing sheetrock and replacing hardware, often during a tenant turnover when time is tight and costs escalate.

Real Cost Comparison: Cheap vs. Premium

When comparing cheap fixtures to premium ones, the numbers tell a clear story. A plastic faucet may seem like a bargain at only $15 upfront, but over two years it typically requires five repair visits. At an average of $80 in labor per visit, that adds up to $400 in repairs—bringing the total cost to $415. On the other hand, a solid metal premium faucet costs $55 upfront and requires zero repair visits. Over the same two-year period, its total cost stays at $55.

Although the premium model is $40 more expensive initially, avoiding repeated service calls makes it far more economical. In fact, the cheap faucet ends up costing nearly eight times as much once labor is factored in—and that doesn’t even account for tenant frustration or unit downtime.

Benefits of Premium Fixtures

Durability of Solid Metal

Fixtures made from brass, stainless steel, or heavy zinc alloy endure pressure, hits, time, and heavy use proof against daily wear and tear. Plated or cast, these withstood a full lease term and beyond, maintaining form and function.

Long Lifespan and Peace of Mind

High quality fixtures often last five to seven years spanning multiple tenants in many cases. That longevity saves both labor and replacement purchases, keeping properties in leasing ready condition.

Consistent Performance

Smooth operation, no squeaks or drips, and unchanged finish premium models look and feel new through years of use. That creates a property that tenants perceive as reliable and well maintained without additional polish work.

Warranty and Parts Support

Most premium fixture lines come with manufacturer warranties, often spanning years. Need a seal or handle replaced? Often a replacement part is sent at minimal or no cost, saving you from full unit reordering or labor expense.

ROI Analysis: Expense vs. Investment

A $55 fixture may seem like a small upgrade over a $15 alternative. But look at the lifecycle:

• Avoided five maintenance calls = 5 × $80 labor = $400
• No service interruptions or tenant inconvenience
• One time premium purchase pays off in just months

DOCI has installed premium fixtures across multiple units and seen maintenance expenses drop by up to 80%. Over 10 or 20 units, that’s real savings that pay dividends over time.

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Choosing Quality Hardware

Searching for the right fixtures can be confusing. Here’s what to look for:

1. Material
   
   • Solid brass or stainless steel > light zinc or plastic
   • Heavy finishes show stability and longevity
     
     
2. Hardware Finish
   
   • PVD or powder coated coatings last longer than thin electroplating
   • Matte or satin finishes resist visible wear
     
     
3. Certifications
   
   • Commercial Grade or ADA rated indicates durability
   • Check specs for flow rates, torque strength, and plate thickness
     
     
4. Trusted Brands
   
   • Moen Commercial, Delta Commercial, Pfister Pfirst, Kohler MasterShower look for professional lines, not entry level consumer products
     
     
5. Product Reviews
   
   • Online feedback often reveals stories of service performance and common failures before purchase
     
     

Maintenance & Warranty Tips

Ensuring longevity is a two way street:

• Routine cleaning   Use mild soap and soft cloths; avoid abrasive cleansers
• Tightening parts   Loose handles or fittings early on often prevent leaks later
• Inspect seals   Watch silicone gaskets and O rings for wear and replace as part of standard turnover
• Log warranties   Keep receipts and serial info for warranty claims ahead of move out

These simple steps keep fixtures working well beyond a single lease and maximize asset lifespan.

Why It Matters for Property Managers

Fewer Service Calls = More Income

Labor is expensive. Cumulatively, skipped service visits save money and free up schedules for bigger projects or leasing activities.

Elevated Tenant Trust

Tenants notice when fixtures work flawlessly. That builds goodwill, encourages renewals, and avoids small complaints turning into dissatisfaction.

Pro Look and Feel

High end hardware signals professionalism. Listings with polished details often show faster leasing and stronger offers.

Stronger ROI

One time costs win over repetitive maintenance. Premium fixtures protect long term returns and help manage renovation budgets without sacrificing aesthetics.

Real World Spotlight

In a three unit renovation project:

• Entry level “hardware bundles” for faucets, cabinet pulls, handles, towel bars were swapped for commercial grade matte black versions.
• Turnovers included minor plumbing adjustments and hardware tightening.
• Result: Maintenance calls were reduced from 12 to 2 per unit in the first lease year, with zero tenant complaints.
• Cost difference across all hardware: under $800 but savings in labor and replacements surpassed $3,000 within 18 months.

That return is anything but theoretical it’s a direct win for tenants, managers, and the portfolio.

Conclusion: Investing Upfront Pays Dividends

While cheap fixtures seem appealing in low cost bids, they frequently become high cost liabilities. By choosing premium fixtures:

• You spend efficiently: $55 vs. $415 over two years
• You avoid inconvenience and tenant complaints
• You reinforce leasing readiness and property image
• You protect your renovation’s ROI and brand reputation

This is flooring level ROI: switch once, and let quality keep working for you.

👉 Want to lock in durable hardware for your next rental project? Let’s talk.