Source
r/LasVegas•
GenXCub

Home Improvement Stuff

I wanted to get some opinions (mostly to correct mine, which are more "guess" than opinion).

I'm not handy in the slightest. I'm a computer person (servers, sysadmin, etc), so I do have a logical path I follow, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's correct when it comes to home improvement.

Here it goes:

I really need to replace my kitchen sink. Its' 20 years old, there's a leak somewhere, and the faucets are crusty. That, by itself, probably doesn't need a major discussion, but like a computer, replacing one thing can cause other problems if you don't pick the right component.

So when I look around the sink, my laminate countertops are not horrible, but they're also the age of the house (20 years), so when replacing something like a sink, is it a good process to evaluate the counters for replacement too? And beyond that, I'm not in an expensive house, so I assume going high-end on kitchen counters in a cheaper house isn't the way to go (polishing a turd, and all that).

Before I overthink this some more, is this something you all have gone through? I probably didn't want to spend more than $2000 on a sink + counters (the kitchen isn't large).

Thanks in advance for anything new you can teach me (and feel free to tell me I am wrong. I have never done something on this scale, but if you do, tell me what you would do). Also, if this is the type of work you do, I'd be happy to talk about any potential installations.

Posted Jan 18, 2022, 2:50 AM UTC

88
NoIncrease299•

I did residential construction as a summer job for 5 years when I was a kid; so there's not much I can't do around the house myself. (Funny enough, though, I make my living as a software developer so I get your comparison)

With that qualifier out of the way; replacing a sink is actually pretty easy. The only thing that might come up is if you need to shorten or re-route the plumbing if you get a new sink that's deeper or a different drain layout than the current one. But even doing that isn't too bad. Definitely something a n00b could knock out.

A nice sink can be had for a couple hundred, nice faucet for around the same. (Also need things like drains and/or garbage disposal flange, plumbers tape and putty, etc) Just depends on what you want. I redid the sink in my old house and our current one with nice Kohler stuff and came in around $500-$600 or so all in.

Counters, on the other hand, can be a major project and can get pricey pretty quick. If you've not done it before, I'd strongly recommend having a contractor handle it. Which would definitely blow up your budget.

6
Bertakins•

We have replaced our sink, and I really wish I would have evaluated the counter situation first. It’s not necessarily the counters that are the problem, but whoever placed the cabinets in this house didn’t space them correctly. So we have two drawers that don’t open all the way. One in particular that can’t be opened unless I open the dishwasher first.

So yes… if you think counters are in your future start researching now and try to plan for them with the sink.

Formica counters are relatively inexpensive and can look nice depending on the color you choose.

2
annotherperson•

Also, remember, if you have someone doing your counter tops, the contractor may install the sink and faucet for you. If you have Home Depot, do a countertop; they also install one sink and faucet as part of the installation.

I'm always a proponent of if it ain't broke; don't fix it. So if the countertop is in good repair, just leave it be.

2
FromAntToApt•

A couple of comments: the people over at r/homeimprovement have been really helpful as I - a computer nerd - have been working on my first major Home Improvement project.

Second, I'll be starting my counter restoration in a couple of weeks, using Daich Spreadstone (https://daichcoatings.com/shop/spreadstone-mineral-select-countertop-finishing-kit/). I've done a bit of research, and this seems to be a pretty good bang-for-your-buck. For their $125 kit, you can cover 40 square feet. I'd be happy to let you know what I think when I'm done, but the reviews and videos I've watched have been pretty positive. Might be something to consider!

2
Johnwilkinson6•

I’m a carpenter and have installed lots of remodel kitchens over the years. I would Recommed replacing the countertop and sink both at the same time. Laminate countertops are nice an inexpensive. Probably best to get a professional to do the job for you.

2
GenXCubOP•

Oh, for sure. I think I would have DIY if it was sink-only. No way would I do countertops or cabinet work. I didn't want to go looking in a place like home depot. Would you say a counter specialist shop could also talk about sinks as part of the same job?

Thanks for the reply.

1
Johnwilkinson6•

I’d probably try to find the person you want to do the work and let them recommend where the counter tops come from. Here where I am in southern utah we have a laminate counter top supplier who did the last job where I needed what you need. They fabricated the tops and installed them along with the new sink. Hopefully you can find a similar company near you. Otherwise Home Depot is a resource that can work.

1
[deleted]•

[removed]

1