Choosing taps and fixtures for a new build is one of the most enjoyable parts of the process — but it can also be one of the most confusing. Unlike a renovation where existing constraints guide decisions, a new build gives you a blank canvas and near-total flexibility. That freedom can be overwhelming without a clear framework.
This guide walks through everything you need to consider when specifying taps and bathroom fixtures for a new build home.
1. Plan Early — Before the First Fix
The most important piece of advice for new build specification is simple: decide before the plumbing goes in, not after.
Wall-mounted taps, shower valves, and concealed cisterns all require pipework to be positioned accurately inside the wall at the rough-in stage — before plasterboard, tiling, or decorating. If you choose wall-mounted taps after the first fix, retrofitting is expensive and disruptive.
Confirm your tap positions, installation types (wall vs. deck-mounted), and valve specifications with your plumber at the first fix stage. Bring product specification sheets if you've already chosen your taps.
2. Decide on Installation Type for Every Bathroom
For each bathroom and the kitchen, decide early:
- Wall-mounted or deck-mounted basin taps?
- Freestanding bath or built-in bath?
- Concealed or exposed shower valve?
Wall-mounted basin taps are increasingly popular in new builds because they create a cleaner aesthetic and make cleaning the basin surface easier. They require the hot and cold supply pipes to exit the wall at the correct height and spacing — typically 200mm apart, at an appropriate height above the basin.
3. Choose One Finish Thread and Run It Throughout
In a new build, you have the opportunity to specify a consistent finish across all bathrooms and the kitchen — something that's much harder to achieve in a renovation where existing hardware may already be in place.
Choose one primary finish and use it for:
- All basin taps and kitchen taps
- Shower valves and thermostatics
- Towel rails and rings
- Cabinet handles
This creates a home that feels architecturally coherent rather than assembled piece by piece.
Popular choices for new builds:
- Brushed Brass — Adds warmth and character to new builds that can otherwise feel cold.
- Brushed Nickel — Versatile, modern, and works with almost any colour scheme.
- Matte Black — Creates strong visual contrast and works well in contemporary new builds with light surfaces.
4. Check Water Pressure Early
New builds with combi boilers typically deliver water at 2–3 bar — more than sufficient for most taps. However, if the development uses a shared pressurisation unit or a cold water storage tank, pressure can vary. Confirm with your builder or plumber before ordering taps with specific pressure requirements.
5. Order in Advance
Supply chain timelines mean that taps and fixtures should be ordered 4–6 weeks before your plumber needs them on site. Order everything together where possible — this ensures finish consistency across batches, which can vary slightly in tone between manufacturing runs.
6. WRAS Approval Matters
In the UK, taps used with drinking water must be WRAS approved (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme). This is a building regulations requirement and will be checked on new build sign-off. All Cortenvale taps carry WRAS approval.
The Cortenvale New Build Range
All Cortenvale kitchen and bathroom taps are suitable for new build specification — solid brass, WRAS approved, available in 8 consistent finishes across both collections. This makes it easy to specify the same finish across your kitchen and all bathrooms from a single supplier.
Browse the full range at cortenvale.com.