I'm in the process of building a new bathroom that includes a bathtub, and I really want to have a rainhead, a handheld showerhead, and the faucet for the tub all in one. However, my contractor is recommending that I stick with just a handheld shower and the tub faucet since adding the third function would be too costly. I'm wondering if opting for a 2-function system instead of a 3-function would be a mistake. What do you all think?
4 Answers
Check out the Delta 22000 rough-in on Amazon. It seems like a solid choice if you're looking to include a 3-way diverter. Just a thought!
You might want to look into rain heads that also have detachable handheld sprayers. It’s like getting the best of both worlds without having to install three separate units!
Honestly, I don’t get your contractor's reasoning here. I checked Home Depot, and they've got kits with both a handheld and a fixed showerhead starting in the low $100s, though they can get pretty pricey for top-tier brands. Usually, the installation costs are about the same since it's not much extra work to add in that third option. Make sure to ask your contractor for a clear price difference for including that extra function, and do some digging on what you actually want from the fixtures!
Have you thought about calling up Kohler's customer service? They might have their Anthem 3-way thermostatic mixer system available without the pictures on it, which would let you plumb it however you want. I have a 2-way version, and it works great! You could also look for a complete shower system that includes all three fixtures. I pieced mine together, and while it can get expensive, it’s totally worth it for the quality!

Just so you know, Home Depot might not stock every 3-way option. Your contractor could be right about needing to check a specialty store.