INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK!
The Best Choice?
Everything Ages
Looking at our own homes is sometimes like looking in a mirror. We just do not really “see” how things are wearing out. One of the items that does not always age well (but which we may not notice) is the builder-installed kitchen sink that we use many times each day. Look closely. Yours may be showing that age and wear. The correction may be easier than you think.
How Do You Know What You Have?
Most production builders install an “enameled steel” sink because it is the least expensive. You can tell that is what you have by “thumping” it with your fingers. If you hear a hollow, oil can sound, you have enameled steel. If you are continuing to read this and considering a replacement, you are probably noticing some chipping and marks. The steel flexes but the enamel does not and that is why it does not stand up as well.
Some production builders install “stainless steel” sinks. This tends to be a slightly better option. The two problems with many builder-installed stainless steel sinks is that they are often shallow and of a lightweight “gauge” of stainless. Owners usually do not notice this until trying to wash the turkey roasting pan and/or finding dents in the sink.
It is possible that you may have an enameled cast-iron sink either by the builder or a replacement by a prior owner. Because of the cast iron, the “structure” of these sinks holds up well but the enameled finish really takes a beating over time and eventually does not clean up well.
What Are The Options?
Over my twenty years of showing homes, I have seen thousands of kitchen sinks. The older sinks that look the best are always of heavier gauge stainless steel. Various factory made composite sinks have been available for several years and my outlook for these is good. There is just not as much history as there is for stainless. If you are replacing counter tops with a manufactured solid surface, I recommend against the integral sinks as I am seeing many of those look beat up and chipped after a short time.
What To Look For?
Be sure to see the sink that you are considering out of the box. Check the depth and be sure that it will meet your needs. (Hint – 6 inches is too shallow!) Price will vary according to the design and very important, the “gauge” of the metal. (Lower numbers are heavier guage.) Anything lighter than 18 gauge (i.e. a higher number/gauge) is likely to disappoint as it will dent easily. Consider a heavier gauge if your budget allows.
Should You Attempt The Installation?
If you have already had some experience with plumbing repairs around your home, removing the old sink and replacing it with a new one may be a fit for your skills. If not, call in the pro. You can figure 2-4 hours depending on the complexity of your installation.
Other Home or Replacement Questions?
I see a huge number of homes every year and have listened to comments from hundreds of home buyers. You can look to me for any of your home-owner questions and/or to have a broker with you who really knows how to evaluate the condition of a home.