If you're simply wanting alternatives to what you have that are in the same configuration as what you have, there areother fillers that are 7" oc.

I'm not advocating any of those in the Signature link because I don't know specifically what isn't working with your present setup that you are looking to avoid with the new setup. The Signature link was simply the first hit I got when searching the 'net.

So yes, there are other 7" setups out there.

As suggested by your contractor, you could build a pedestal to go behind the tub and hide the supplies if you were looking to go in a completely different direction. You could choose any type of filler you want, as the supplies could be hidden inside the pedestal so you wouldn't be stuck with a 7" setup.

I'm a little gun-shy as far as trying another brand that I'm not familiar with. When I originally researched this, I went with the Cheviot tub filler based on not finding complaints. Boy, was that stupid. Because in hindsight, I didn't find glowing reviews either.

The Cheviot tub filler continues to run full force for about 6 seconds after shutting off the water and then drips for another 10 seconds, leaving a puddle of water on the floor behind the tub. The wand does the same thing. According to Cheviot, this is normal.

I'll be damned if I'm setting out a bowl to catch dripping water every time I use my brand new tub.

I have had good luck with Kohler, Moen, Grohe, and to a lesser extent, Hansgrohe. I intend to stick with something from those brands.

There is a comparable filler by Toto that's a stretch but probably no more expensive than building the pedestal, topping it with quartz, re-doing the wainscot, painting, buying a roman deck set etc. I need to find some glowing reviews about Toto!