WOWOW FaucetsUpdated October 21, 2026
Quick answer: Plan a DIY kitchen or bathroom refresh by defining one useful outcome, documenting the existing fixtures, checking product compatibility, and pricing the complete job. Decide which tasks you can handle and which need professional installation before taking anything apart.
A refresh can begin with a small frustration: a kitchen faucet that does not suit the way you wash dishes, a crowded bathroom vanity, or accessories placed out of reach. A clear plan helps you choose improvements that belong together. This WOWOW guide focuses on preparing the work and choosing fixtures, rather than promising a particular renovation cost or resale return.
Start with a short project brief
Write one sentence describing what you want the room to do better. For example: “Make the sink area easier to use while keeping the existing countertop.” That sentence gives you a way to judge each proposed purchase.
Separate the project into three lists: keep, replace, and investigate. A sound cabinet may belong on the keep list. A worn faucet may need replacement. An unexplained damp patch belongs on the investigate list and should be assessed before you spend money on cosmetic changes.
Record the setup before you shop
Photograph the fixture from above and below, then keep the photos with your measurements. For a sink faucet, record:
- The number of mounting holes and the distance between their centers.
- The mounting surface thickness and available space underneath.
- The basin size, backsplash position, and clearance for the handle.
- The supply connection details and any existing model information.
- For a pull-out or pull-down design, the space available for the hose and its return mechanism.
Measure the actual installation. A product photograph cannot establish whether a faucet will fit your sink. Compare your notes with the specifications of the exact model and finish you plan to order.
Choose the fixture around the task
In a kitchen, think about how you fill pots, rinse produce, and clean the sink. Consider the spout position, handle movement, and whether a movable spray head suits those tasks. In a bathroom, focus on comfortable handwashing, basin proportions, and access around the drain.
Compare WOWOW kitchen faucets or bathroom faucets after completing the measurement list. Keep a shortlist of models that fit, then compare their appearance and documented features.
Budget for the complete change
The price of the faucet is only one part of the project. List the items and services your particular installation needs before deciding whether the plan is affordable.
- The selected fixture and any compatible accessories sold separately.
- Tools or supplies specified in the installation instructions.
- Professional labor for the parts of the job you will not complete yourself.
- Any repair needed to the mounting surface or surrounding finishes.
- An allowance for issues that cannot be confirmed until the old fixture is removed.
Choose that allowance based on the condition and uncertainty of your project. If the total is too high, reduce the scope before starting. Keeping a working sink and delaying an optional accessory can be more useful than opening several unfinished projects at once.
Decide who will do each task
Measuring, comparing products, organizing storage, and planning finishes are useful preparation tasks. Installation requires a separate assessment of your tools, experience, and the existing plumbing.
Read the model-specific instructions before deciding to replace a faucet yourself. If supply valves do not work properly, fittings are damaged, or connections need to move, arrange a qualified plumber. Structural changes, electrical work, and changes inside shower walls need their own professional assessment and any locally required approvals.
Put the work in a practical order
- Confirm the plan: settle the measurements, model, included parts, and installer responsibilities.
- Check the delivery: inspect the correct finish and components before scheduling removal of the old fixture.
- Prepare the area: clear storage, protect nearby surfaces, and make room to reach the installation.
- Follow the model instructions: use the required installation and leak-check procedures.
- Check daily use: verify handle clearance, spray-head movement where applicable, drainage, and access for cleaning.
Keep the manual and model details with your purchase record. Our installation guides provide a starting point; use the instructions that correspond to your specific product.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy the faucet before measuring the sink?
No. Record the mounting layout and clearances first. An attractive faucet still needs to suit the installation and leave enough room to use the basin.
Does a small refresh have to include a new countertop?
No. If the existing countertop is sound and compatible with the chosen fixture, you can plan around keeping it. Have damage or unsuitable mounting conditions assessed before proceeding.
What if I cannot identify a connection or component?
Keep the existing setup intact and gather clear photos and model information. Contact WOWOW for product questions and ask your installer to assess the existing plumbing.
More WOWOW planning and care guides
Use these focused checklists for the details that apply to your project.
