Hello Nancy and thank you for the feedback you posted on the Home Depot website. We are sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction with the gap between the handle and the escutcheon plate on your Moen Brantford Single-Handle Posi-Temp Valve Trim Kit in Brushed Nickel (Valve Not Included). There is a gap between the handle and the escutcheon plate to ensure the screws on the plate do not interfere with the operation of the handle. Depending on the installation, it is acceptable for this gap to be between ½” – 1”. Many times this gap is defined by the amount of room behind the shower wall the installer has to position the valve. Moen does offer an escutcheon extension ring that will work with a 7” round escutcheon plate, part number 162BN. This escutcheon extension ring will push the plate forward ½”. For pre-purchase, installation and warranty assistance, please call us at 1-800-289-6636. Our product specialists are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Eastern Time.