Renovation Tricks: Expensive Tastes Simply Require More Planning

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Hansgrohe-Starck-V

When it comes to renovation, there’s no substitute for planning.  As a serial renovator, my flavor of planning might be called “hoarding” by the uninitiated.

You may recall back in October 2015 I wrote about some interesting bathroom fittings. Two of which were the Hansgrohe Starck Axor V faucet and the Dornbracht Deque faucet.  I salivated that one day … one day I’d be able to afford to add them to my stable of piece parts for use in an unknown, but assured, future renovation project. The Deque listed for $1,700 while the Starck Axor V weighed in at just over $1,400 … each.

I got ‘em.

The Starck Axor V was an interesting trail.  As I said, generally, you’re looking at $1,400, but also a finagle since it’s not available in the US (see original story for that tale of oddity).  Since Brexit was voted in last June, the British pound has fallen about 20 percent against the US dollar. Add to that, C. P. Hart, my favorite UK plumbing spot (yes, I have a favorite) was having a 35 percent off sale in January.  Top it off with a full refund of the 20 percent VAT tax, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that at roughly 60 percent off, it was time to buy … especially as I had a visit to London coming up  I made all the arrangements via the internet and due to free UK shipping had it delivered to my hotel … no fuss.

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Dornbracht Deque

The other way I get what I want for pennies is eBay.  For those not familiar, you can setup alerts for specific items.  When one is listed, you get an email.  As you might imagine, I have more than a few setup.  One of for Dornbracht faucets.  In popped a Deque. After some very light bidding, I got the $1,700 faucet for $293 including shipping.

It’s important to realize things like faucets are not Louis Vuitton handbags. It’s fantastically unlikely that goods like this are counterfeit.

I’m not writing this to show off (OK, maybe a little). I’m writing to encourage those of you contemplating a renovation in the coming year or two.  Start looking at the pretty things you’d like to have … faucets, appliances, lighting, etc.  Instead of discarding the “too expensive” ideas, create alerts on eBay, track sales for online retailers.  Don’t be afraid to use coincidental travel to go hunting for things that’ll fit in a suitcase (although don’t buy lighting outside the USA, you’ll have to factor in rewiring it).

Sure, it’s possible that a unicorn deal won’t pop in before you need it. In fact, it’s unlikely you’ll find everything on your shopping list in the time you have.  In that case you go with your number two option that’s typically in your price range.  But for quite little work (setting up alerts on eBay is the work of an hour) you will have some very special “jewelry” to use during an upcoming renovation.  You don’t need to be bonkers like me and buy things for a renovation that could be a decade away in a home you don’t even own yet.

But I guarantee that every time you use that treasured item, purchased without breaking your personal bank, you will enjoy it all the more.

Remember:  High-rises, HOAs and renovation are my beat. But I also appreciate modern and historical architecture balanced against the YIMBY movement.  If you’re interested in hosting a Candysdirt.com Staff Meeting event, I’m your guy. In 2016, my writing was recognized with Bronze and Silver awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors.  Have a story to tell or a marriage proposal to make?  Shoot me an email [email protected].

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Jon Anderson is CandysDirt.com's condo/HOA and developer columnist, but also covers second home trends on SecondShelters.com. An award-winning columnist, Jon has earned silver and bronze awards for his columns from the National Association of Real Estate Editors in both 2016, 2017 and 2018. When he isn't in Hawaii, Jon enjoys life in the sky in Dallas.

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