We just installed the Kohler "Stillness" trim over a Kohler pressure-balanced valve in the guest bath tub shower. In the master bath shower, we're planning to install the same Stillness trim, but for the Kohler thermostatic valve instead. The pressure-balanced valve works as advertised, and I like the minimalist look of the single-lever trim. Although it's not really a problem, I wasn't initially aware that pressure-balanced valves were either "all on" or "all off" (varying the position of the handle merely controls the temperature). Thermostatic valves on the other hand, have two levers: one for temperature, and one for volume (the valve cover trim for the thermostatic valve will have two handles). The benefit is that you only have to set your preferred temperature once. Thereafter, you'll only have to turn the volume control on. That said, the Kohler pressure-balanced valve looks and works great, and there's really nothing "wrong" with it. However, if you want to control volume, or would appreciate the added convenience of a pre-set temperature, then go with the thermostatic valve.

The trim plate is sized to cover the hole in the wall. The hole in the wall is sized to allow for replacement of or maintenance on the valve without having to demo any additional wall tile. You could go with a different sized hole or take a single large hole and turn it into two smaller ones. Should maintenance or replacement ever be required, you can go through the tile or go through the back side of the wall if access can be had that way. Just watch what you mix and match. Some escutcheon plates are simply held in place by the knob, some by screws that screw into the valve body. Some have small notches that register them to the valve body. If you decide to go out on your own, just watch for those details.

This is interesting. We've been showing with our valve about4 months. Both of us commented its not as warm but thought we were crazy. We had the tile guy over to work on a spot in the shower so we've been showering in the other bathroom. Its amazing how hot that water is. So I guess we need to have ours adjusted also, we just thought it was us.

I would never install delta - but that is my bias. I've never met a professional plumber who recommended delta but it's not like I've spoken to every plumber in the world either. What part do you mean is plastic on hansgrohe ? For example, did you know that all the Grohe shower diverter trim plates are actually chrome plated plastic? I highly suggest at least going into a fancy showroom just to touch and feel the items even if you order them on the net. I'm lucky in that I have a local plumbing supply that sells all the stuff at very similar price to the Internet so I get the best of both worlds. Grohe is very reliable and very respected. many plumbers here like the valves. Hansgrohe is a brother company to Grohe - both founded by members of the same family. Hansgrohe is considered generally having the higher end product lines whereas Grohe has a lot of very reliable, home-owner priced sets. To save money I do have one shower that is not Grohe or Hansgrohe - bought the shower set on Overstock.com basically. Wouldn't you know it, I had to repair/replace the shower mixer after a year. It was under warranty but took up 2 hours of my time. The Grohe shower on the other hand - no issues whatsoever. However, I have found several Hansgrohe lines that are similarly priced to Grohe. And some things you can mix and match whereas others you can not. For example, I recently helped a friend spec out several new bathrooms. All Grohe handheld shower valves and bars and handhelds. But for the "elbow" part that connects from the handheld hose to the wall water outlet, I suggested buying the Hansgrohe elbow instead of the Grohe one. The reason is for the same price Hansgrohe gives you an Elbow with a "check valve." The plumbing inspector will definitely be looking for that check valve as soon has he/she sees that handheld and hose. A picture of your open wall would be helpful to understand your dilemma with no room for a valve. Is this for a Tub - or a Tub shower combo - or a Tub, shower, Rainhead and handheld combo, etc., etc... If you choose more items - obviously the plumber has to connect more copper pipes off the shower valve to go to each separate thing you want. if he is limited with space - can you really have all those different items in your shower? Have you considered having the shower diverter valve not in the typical location? The plumber can put the Shower diverter valve on a wall far away and even on a separate wall from where all the heads and handhelds are. this might solve your problem. For example, it's not uncommon now for people to have their shower valve control closer to where they can reach to get the water started and warmed up without getting wet - like on a totally different wall - perpendicular to the actual shower head. For ideas and pictures - go to houzz.com and do a search for "showers" or make it more specific. They have thousands of pictures.