Do you have stone countertops? You will need a stone fabricator---NOT a plumber-- to refabricate the counters to fit your desired sink. IF it can be done at all. If your current sink is too large in one dimension, then you are not going to be able to divorce it.

Hi:

Stone fabricator..got it. Now I just need to find a reputable one in my area (Houston, Texas).

I might try to ask for the builder to put in a 50/50 undermount instead, I don't know if this will help at all if I was going to change to the single bowl with the same dimension.

They are charging $3400 for upgrades to the single bowl Stainless Steel made by Kohler--not in my price range at all :(

Thank You..

Is this a new build?

Yes it is a new build. I think the builder is purposely pushing us towards buying their upgrades and I'm pretty firm in saying No :)

Ok, I'm confused. If this is a new build, and the counters are not done yet, then the sink hole can be cut to fit any sink that you choose. Is the counter installed or not???

Sorry I was not clear. The standard with the builder is, they will install the 60/40 Stainless Sink with Granite on top. I cannot choose any other sink configuration.

If you mean even if they install the 60/40 I still can choose the sink hole, that would be great. This is my first time building so pardon if my question sounds very dumb :)

An undermount sink is more permanent than many marriages because it is MUCH more difficult to change once you commit to it. If your builder will only install his sink, and not one that you supply, then get used to his sink.

Or change builders. If he's that inflexible, I can't imagine that there have been other issues as well. Changing that sink later probably isn't going to happen as its not cheap or easy to do.

Sure, as long as the single bowl isn't smaller in any cutout dimension than your builders sink, it can technically be done. On site. With all kinds of granite dust generated. And that is if you find a decent fabricator instead of a hack who would ruin the entire installation.

No one that I know would touch it for less than $600. Some would charge more. And you will need to sign a waiver about absolving them of responsibility if they ruined the slab.

I hear what you're asking, but given your limitations, you might consider going with a drop-in (overmount) instead. Here's the same sink /same size in drop-in form: http://www.wayfair.com/Blanco-Diamond-33.5-x-22-Super-Single-Bowl-Drop-In-Kitchen-Sink-44019-BLC1228.html, and it's less than $400.

Drop-in is more do-able for your situation because you don't have to remove the counter top slab - everything happens "over" the counter instead of "under". A visual:

The drop-in is your friend in your situation because any plumber can change it out any old day. No need to remove your counter tops, no need to risk breaking an expensive piece of granite. Any plumber can do it in thirty minutes, as long as your new sink is the same size. And drop-in is "easier" in that circumstance too: If you're talking about 1/2" or so, the edge (is it a flange?) will cover a bit of the hole. With under mount, any small deviation would be visible.

Maybe its me and correct me please if I am wrong, but I cannot understand this at all. New build and your builder will not let you get any sink you want? New granite counter tops that are not installed yet or cut but you're only allowed a 60/40 cut out? What the heck is so difficult for this builder to have your sink/counter cut out to what ever sink you want? I would not accept this at all. Get what you want and have him do it or find someone else. That's rediculous! I would never want to try and change my sink later.

I'm with Jancy. Buy the sink you want. Have them install it. If that's not possible get out.

Also a single bowl sink is so much easier on plumbing, only one drain instead of two. I don't get your builder.

I think I would tell the builder to plumb for the sink and stop. Don't install a sink at all. And then tell the builder to have the countertop delivered but not install it. And then have someone else fabricate and install the sink you want. Yes, it will cost more unless you can negotiate a deduction with the builder to offset it.

I've never heard of such a thing. Don't most builders just charge an extra fee for something different than they originally contracted to do?

Hi everyone, thanks for your input.

I agree the drop ins sink is much more easier, completely agree.

The builder (Highland Homes) charges $3,400 upgrade fee for a 30" undermount stainless steel single bowl sink. I was trying to save some money doing the alternate. But I guess if it needs be, either I go with the drop in, or just pay the upgrade fee.

I will have another meeting with them tomorrow and I will voice my concern and do an update here. Wish me luck :)

That's an insane upgrade to me. Does the upgrade include the sink?

Oh yes, sorry to clarify. The $3,400 is for me to get the undermount, single bowl stainless sink. Either that or I get to keep the 60/40 undermount.

Ok still confused--A $3,400 upgrade fee for you to get an undermount sink? What exactly does this 3,400 dollar upgrade include? Can't possibly be just the sink.

Yes, it is just for the sink. Nothing else. There are pricing for everything else.

That's crazy - Unless this sink is made of gold and diamonds I have never heard of such a thing! For that price I'd have this builder deduct my counters and sink - Have them throw down plywood and go to a granite yard pick my own slab, get my own fabricator, buy my own sink and have it done my way.

Hi Jancy:

Good idea. I will mention that. That would be the best option probably for me :)

Absolutely :) For 3,400 dollars you can pick out everything you want and love with no redo's later.

Oh, I get it. From a business point of view, I get it.

You're talking about a builder who builds up a whole neighborhood over the course of a year or two ... and he's able to build cheaply because he's buying 150-200 of the very same sink. His builders are fast because they do the same 5-8 houses over and over again. Any deviation from this "template" costs him money and time ... so if you ask for something unique, he will make you pay.

Also, his starting price is low, but he makes big bucks by charging outrageous prices for small alterations like this, knowing that each home owner will opt for a couple items that really matter to them.

Do I like this, or do I think it's fair? No, but it is the way things work.

And, no, the home owner can't put in the plumbing and install her own sink later. The bank -- assuming a bank and a mortgage are involved -- will say no. The bank'll insist upon the house being COMPLETE before a certificate of occupancy is issued, and the home owner can't bring in her own contractor to install the sink -- not while the builder has "exclusive rights" /a contract with the future home owner and the bank to build. Yes, the builder has the whole thing tied up in a neat little "my way or the highway" package.

Agree to what mrspete said. Outrageous though. And I think it will be tough to change out the sink later.

Good News Everyone. The builder said they can install the base undermount stainless steel sink with the 50/50 configuration--no charge at all. This way I can just change it out later and not worried about the different cut out like in the 60/40 configuration. Phew.

They said they cannot Not Install the sink for inspection purposes, and they won't allow me to buy the sink myself and have it delivered to the house and have them install it. So the best option is the 50/50 for me.

Thank you everyone for your input :)

Kingadrian, not meaning to be a pain, but how does installing the 50/50 help you? Won't it be difficult to change out once the granite is in place regardless?

Yeah, that's not even remotely what you said you wanted. I think I've missed something, but I'm glad you're happy.

My gc said to replace the 50/50 sink to a single sink of similar measurement he just have to cap something off and then rework the drainage so it fits. Not totally understanding it but he said that is something he can do...

If you are having granite counters installed it is going to be difficult to replace the sink regardless of the style. It has nothing to do with the plumbing.

No, no ... an undermount sink will be essentially impossible to remove (because the whole countertop must be removed). This is true whether it's a 60/40 or a 50/50. This is true regardless of the dimensions of the sink. If you intend to change the sink out, do not let them install an undermount sink.

If you intend to change it, you need a drop-in sink.

Ok I see what you guys mean. I guess I have to settle with the 60/40 then

or like someone earlier suggested a top mount

Can you get out of the contract alltogether? You're spending a lot of money and it should be to your taste. Your request is absolutely reasonable, greed has gotten in his way.

As Joseph says, an under mount can be changed out at a later date.

Not a big deal, providing the sink does not extend past the base cabs walls, and even then, it can still be done.

Yeah I wish they are more flexible but the builder that that I chose is not that bad, a lot of the things that is usually not standard with other builders, are a standard with them. Only this sink I have to be butting heads with them :)

To Joseph and cookncarpenter, I might soon beg you guys to elaborate. I read Joseph's blog and he did an excellent job.

Thanks everyone, have a Great Weekend!

If you say he is not that bad then sit down and have a heart to heart talk. Tell him everything you like about the job he is doing but explain that this one issue is really bothering you. Show him the sink you want and ask him to put it in. If he says no, or wants a huge amount of money to do it. Make him explain it. I can't tell you word for word how to take this but hopefully you get the idea. Push him. Tell him this makes the difference between you recommending him to others and you cursing him every morning. I would push and smile until he relents.

The faucet and dispenser holes are filled with scraps from the cut-out.

This is a job I did last week; removing a failed polyester bowl from a polyester solid surface top and replacing it with a stainless steel sink. No countertops were removed in the process. It isn't that much different with stone, the trick is making sure the footprint of the replacement is identical to or larger than that of the original. I've had budget-conscious clients that didn't care that the negative reveals were off on their replacement sinks in stone.

Sink, faucet, soap dispenser, and disposal replacement, plumbing, top refinish and cleanup (ooo..it's messy) just over 3K.

That's a Mirabelle sink made in Vietnam. Nice.

Nice...did you use a harness on it too?

practigal:

Yes. You can jump up and down in that sink and it ain't movin'.

Hi Joseph:

That's a nice job. I am going to a stone fabricator today near me and I will explain my situation. See what they will say.

I will implement the garfield smile tactic too as debrak suggested :)

Thanks everyone.

I have some good news :)

I went to 2 different stone fabricators today and both of them confirmed they can cut the granite on site if needs be, they suggested we find a sink that is similar to the size of the sink installed by the builder, or something slightly bigger. But nothing smaller than the one installed. They would charge me anywhere between $250-$500. I am so happy. I can buy the sink of my choice and get it installed using the same granite that comes from the builder.