A durable and stylish kitchen faucet or bathroom faucet combines functionality and aesthetics. Well-made faucet makes life much easier. Excellent valve mechanism and more durable finishes increase longevity and appearance.

Here are six steps to choosing the right faucet for you:

1. Two-handle designs, typically as little as $50, allow you to regulate the temperature more precisely. Having separate control for hot and cold water makes it easy to adjust the temperature.

Single-handle faucets, also known as back-mounted faucets, typically cost between $75 and $200, work with either a side-mounted lever or a top-mounted knob. Most single-handle faucets have pull-out spouts.

The cross-shaped design and large wing levers are the most popular designs. However, most faucets have different handles that can be attached to the body of the faucet for a custom look.

2. If the style of the faucet is important, start your choice with the type of finish. The most affordable finish for a faucet is a chrome finish. Its price is usually around 60 dollars. The chrome finish has a long warranty against scratches.

More colorful enamel coatings will generally set you back $20 to $200 more, and are more susceptible to scratches and chips. Add 25 to 40 percent more to the price of faucet liners for stainless steel faucets.

3. A PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish is better than the usual plated finishes, but adds $150 to $750 more in cost. The PVD finish is made by vaporizing the metal and glazing it with a scratch-resistant, non-fogging film.

Look to brushed chrome, oil rubbed bronze, and satin nickel for rustic appeal. The brushed finish and satin finish skillfully hide scratches.

4. There are more spouts than the standard straight faucet. There are high-arch goosenecks, ideal for filling pots. A pull-out faucet can take you anywhere in a sink with three bowls. You can switch from a spray mode to a stream mode with a touch. There are also restaurant-style models for those extra-long hoses.

5. Know that there are four types of faucets.

has. compression valve:

The compression valve uses rubber washers. The compression valve type of faucet will eventually leak, but they are usually easy to fix.

b. Ball valves:

The ball valve controls the flow and temperature of the water through the use of a steel ball. Because of this, ball valves do not have washers and are easy to maintain. Replacing a ball valve is easily affordable and easy to do.

counter ceramic disc

The ceramic disc is practically a maintenance free water faucet. It is guaranteed not to wear out, but it is obviously much more expensive than the ball valve or compression valve.

d. The cartridge faucet

Like the ceramic disc, the cartridge faucet is generally maintenance-free. Like the ceramic disc, it comes at a high price.

Regardless of the type of faucet you choose. Always check the warranty and finish.

6. You can opt for filter faucets, which cost an extra $200, to bring you purified water. Several filters are placed under the sink, while others are placed inside the spout. To set the maximum water temperature, an anti-scald faucet can be used. An electronic faucet with an infrared sensor is also available. They save water and allow for cleaner handles.

In general, you don’t need to hand over your hard-earned money to pay for good quality. Most faucets have the same basic parts and sometimes even the same finish across multiple price lines.

For a streamlined urban look, choose a faucet that is wall mounted, this is often used with vanity sinks.

Make sure your faucet connection matches the holes in your sink. If they do not match, you will need to provide additional drill holes or cover the unused holes with a shield plate.

All faucets generally have at least one year warranty. Even low-end models have at least a year of warranty. Many faucets carry a manufacturer’s warranty of over a year.

Good luck choosing the perfect faucet for you.