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| | | Replacing pitted or rusty fixtures or an obviously past-its-prime bathroom vanity can give new life to an old room for a relatively low cost or can provide a subtle upgrade that gives a bit of style or pizzazz. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Prices start around $20 -$70 for a basic bathroom faucet but can go up to $450 -$750 or more for models with brushed nickel or bronze finishes.Designs that can evoke anything from French provincial to Scandinavian designers. Bathtub faucets start around $55 -$75 for the basics and go up to $500 -$800 or more. BetterHomes&Gardens.com offers a slide show of unusual faucet options priced from $150 -$1,450.
- Installation of a new faucet usually takes a matter of minutes, but depending on the type of access and the level of corrosion, removing the old one can require anywhere from several minutes to several hours. If all goes well, expect to pay a plumber's minimum service charge of $75 -$150 for installing a faucet; if things don't go well, it can run $200 -$500 or more, depending on the difficulties encountered and if any corroded parts or lines need replacing.
- A basic drop-in or pedestal sink starts around $50 -$250, but can be $300 -$1,000 or more for high-end designer models. A small vanity with sink, countertop and faucet starts around $250 -$550, but it can run anywhere from $600 -$1,200 for a top-of-the-line, fine-furniture version with double sinks and faucets. BetterHomes&Gardens.com displays a slide show of distinctive bathroom sinks ranging in price from $150 -$9,000. Most sinks come with the faucet included; on some the faucet is a separate charge, but this lets you choose the one you want.
- A relatively simple and straightforward pedestal sink or sink-and-vanity installation (faucets included) starts around $75 -$250, but can be $300 -$600 or more if removal of the old fixtures is difficult, or if pipes or parts need moving or replacing to fit the new setup.
What should be included: | - ThisOldHouse.com gives an overview of the various types of faucets and lists detailed do-it-yourself instructions for replacing a basic bathroom faucet.
- Installing a new vanity make take a few hours or up to a day. Once the old sink or vanity is removed, it's a good idea to fix up and paint the walls behind it before installing the new model. It's important that the new cabinet be leveled and caulked and that all plumbing connections be sealed tight. Reader's Digest gives step-by-step instructions for installing a pedestal sink or a basic sink and vanity. Typically this type if do-it-yourself project can be accomplished in a single weekend.
Additional costs: | - Do-It-Yourself installation tools and supplies might run $20 -$50 if you don't have everything on hand.
Shopping for a bathroom sink: | - Major faucet and sink manufacturers include American Standard, Kohler, Moen, Price Pfister, and TotoUSA.
- Most handymen can replace a faucet, but if there are any complications (such as replacing or re-routing pipes) it can be better to hire a licensed plumber to install a sink. Plumber referrals are available through The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association; or ask for recommendations from family, friends, or clerks in the local plumbing supply or hardware stores.
- For a complex project, get more than one estimate. Request and check references, and be sure the plumber is properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state and whether there are any complaints listed with the Better Business Bureau.
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Article updated February 2008 |
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