babyboomer1001: 100% silicone is perfect caulk between a sink flange and the bottom of stone. Polyseamseal and other Latex caulks are not; they do not have the adhesive stickiness or flexibility of silicone. It's best if you can pull your sink, clean the sink flange and stone bottom, recaulk with silicone and reinstall the sink. If this isn't reasonably possible, use a stiff plastic shim or plastic laminate to gouge the caulk out, clean the gap with acetone, and recaulk with silicone. Ignoring a leaking sink flange can have catastrophic consequences if your top has been "rodded" or reinforced with steel. If the fabricator used the wrong rod and/or the wrong bedding the rod can rust and blow up your top. I've fixed about 8 of these so far and it runs around $1,000.00-$1,600.00.

Why did you design in such a constraint? Only a 25” Kohler Riverby cast iron will fit the bill.

If you want a custom sink that is made in the USA, there is Handcrafted Metal made with 14-gauge stainless steel. Also Rachiele sinks are popular on this forum. I think there may still be some of the Kohler stainless steel sinks made in Kohler Wisconsin. The way to tell whether it is made there or in China are (A) the price will be $1200+, or (B) you call their customer service number and ask them.

$2000 is a steal for what Joseph would be taking on....especially if he promises to replace the top if he breaks it. Not many fabricators would offer that! My fabricator would only change out this sink if they homeowner signed a waiver...that if the top was damaged during the rework, they would not be liable. Same goes for uninstall and reinstall of countertops...homeowner takes on entire liability. In my neck of the woods, just a plumbing REHOOK costs $400-$800. But back to the liability....homeowners often wonder why the high price....'but it's just a little sink install"...why is it so expensive. By the time Joe would pack up tools, drive to your house, unload, set up and get an extra man (maybe) to help lift sink out, a half day is gone. You aren't paying for the sink install as much as a very specialized SKILL and service that is very hard to find. You might be able to hire a handyman to give it go....but that's a huge risk to you. Joe does it everyday, knows the tricks, knows the sink models...has been around forever. You're paying for years of knowledge and experience. Skilled, dying out trades are all getting top dollar these days and I only see this as going higher in the future. Get your sons and daughters into trade schools. I wish I made as much $ as one of my 30-something woodworking friends makes.