"Rip out the wall"? I don't think you need to do that. Aren't you just changing the trim kit? I'm not a plumber, but I don't think that is a difficult fix. Perhaps a plumber will chime in.

From your description, I would say that the correct plumbing definitely has to be installed, period. Now, who pays for that, depends on who miscommunicated, what was in writing, and who will accept blame. I wouldn't get too caught up in that, because the hardware shouldn't be too difficult to change.

The OP clearly states that the valve is the wrong one and doesn't work with the trim kit desired.

How far along is the bathroom? Is there tile already installed over the valve? If so, is it possible to access the plumbing from the other side of the wall? Both would make it feasible to replace the valve without re-doing the whole shower.

Also, can you double check with Moen that they don't offer a trim kit that would work with the valve that would be satisfactory? It's possible the option is available but not easy to find as a consumer.

Finally, I would expect the contractor to make the situation right. You had a specific design and thoroughly communicated your expectations. It is their job to do things right and check their work. Have a conversation with the contractor and ask them what they will do to make the situation right. Be polite but firm.

The valve they put in is a specific moen valve that only goes to the one trim kit that i linked (that i don't like and did not purchase). I am in a condo, so the back of the wall is actually someone else's unit :(.

It wasn't an afterthought, because the one they installed has the diverter and temperature in the same piece versus having the diverter separate. It was moreso a lack of communication between the plumber and my GC, that now I will be dealing with. Thank you for your help!!

If you have to keep the valve and use chrome or nickel trim, you can sometimes find pieces that combine black with metal. I have a delta lahara shower head that is black (plastic) with a stainless neck. It does not look bad. Or you could do chrome or nickel in the shower and add black accents.

Get the model number of the valve so you can google what trim kits are available for it. If you can’t find a black trim kit (by calling moen, your designer, the GC, google, online vendors like build.com that are good at helping people sometimes, pro plumbing supplies and showrooms), and if you aren’t will to work around the silver metal, you might have to look at redo options.

Are the shower fixtures visible to the rest of the room?

I would lean toward insisting that they redo the plumbing (and the work that came after it). But be sure you have the model numbers for all the trim and valve pieces that are needed.

If the GC and/or designer screwed up in communicating to the plumber what was to be installed, then the GC and/or designer needs to get it fixed to YOUR satisfaction on HIS/HER dime. Now, if to your satisfaction means having the original trim you ordered/selected, so be it; it’s not your problem to deal with!

Good luck!

Yes, that chrome Moen is Ugly. But are you sure that you want black plumbing fixtures. (Only way I would consider black would be if I had distilled water coming out of the taps.)

Agree with Sammy.

I'm assuming they only noticed when they went to install the new trim? This happened to us once. They were able to access and replace the valve through the backside of the wall, so there was no need to take out any tile. Just a little drywall and paint repair. Make them do this.

Something like this

or this

I guess I would ask, what do you need the transfer valve for (the knob at the top)?

Either they tear out the wall and install the right valve or you don't pay.

Their mistake if the design specifications and communications clearly indicated the trim and valves necessary.

Is that literally the only shower trim that works with the valves. I agree that it is butt ugly and the finish is the least of the issues as it looks like the least expensive rental apartment fixture I can imagine.

I went through quite a bit in determining exactly the configuration of the shower trim and consequently the rough which was necessary and I would have been beyond distraught if I were expected to use that hideous bit of shower because of the GC/plumbing error.

It should be changed at their expense since there isn't any reasonable accommodation the homeowner can make in terms of selecting other trim that would work.

I live in a condo and you can sometimes get your neighbor to agree to let you access plumbing depending on what is on the other side. For example, in my condo, in order to access the shower drains, it is necessary to go through my downstair neighbor's ceiling. I lucked out because my downstairs neighbor had recently died and the apartment was original and going to be completely remodeled so they weren't very picky about repairing the ceiling since my GC just had to patch and paint a generic white. It may or may not be easy to access and then repair your neighbor's drywall - your neighbor would have to grant access I think if your valves needed to be replaced I would think in the future but you should talk to either your manager or the Board to determine how to proceed.

It's their problem, they need to install the correct valve. It is really wise to check progress regularly, so mistakes are caught before they become major problems.

go over your contract. any time i did renovations, i always supplied all the valves and hand sets. why didn't you supply the proper valve to the plumber?

If you want it done right have it removed and redone.

the question of who pays to redo will be in your contract. I have never had a plumber buy anything for me.