The moment we set foot in the kitchen of flip #6, I knew it needed a farmhouse sink. Thinking it is easy, executing it is another story. Just take out the current sink and put the new one in, right? HA! It only takes about 549784 steps to get a farmhouse sink in your kitchen. Here is how we did it!
Step 1: Do NOT Rip Out Your Old Sink!
Once you have made the decision to upgrade to that beautiful farmhouse sink, do NOT get all crazy and tear out your current one. Finding a farmhouse sink that you love might not be as easy as you think!
So…..what is the first step? I like to look online to see what my local stores carry prior to going there. Why? Because we have 6 children ages 7 & under. We try to include them in as many of our adventures as we can, but to be successful we have to be strategic.
Off we went to the big box store to find an amazing white porcelain farmhouse sink. Only downfall….the display model was the last one. In looking at it, there was not a speck of damage and it was in pristine condition. Since we are at said store multiple times a week, we knew we needed to find Gord who runs the plumbing department most days we are there. Due to its weight, he needed a second hand to get it out.
We waited well over 30 minutes for two guys to disassemble the huge display that surrounded our soon to be centerpiece of our farmhouse kitchen AND at an incredible price since it was the display model. It has a decorative front with a beveled border…..only $280.00!! SCORE!!
Step 2: Manhandling Your New Farmhouse Sink
These farmhouse sinks are no joke! They are definitely a two person lift kind of situation! Now think about putting an insanely heavy sink into a cabinet casing that is over 100 years old. Then imagine how much heavier it would be full of water or maybe full of water and having a baby in it for a bath. YIKES.
With the help of my dad, we added a new frame type structure to the base cabinet to support the weight of this beastly farmhouse sink. Every time we had dry fit it into its space was a chore!!
Also with the help of my amazing Dad, new dark countertops were installed to give some contrast to our white cabinets and shiny new farmhouse sink.
Step 3: Cue the Plumber
If we have learned anything over the last few years of renovating houses, it is to have a good plumber. Some people will tackle little plumbing projects here and there, but the reality of it is…..if you end up having the slightest drip of water and you do not realize it, you will be flushing more money down the drain (pun intended–HA!) and creating yourself more work.
When flipping houses, you have to weigh the amount of time you invest in something as well as the skill level involved vs saving time for a bit more money. We have never installed a farmhouse sink and we also purchased all new fixtures in two full bathrooms and had pipes that had to be brought up to code. Cue the plumber.
After hours of grief….the farmhouse sink went in!!
Are you curious to see how the rest of the kitchen was transformed??