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How to Budget for a Kitchen Sink and Faucet Upgrade

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How to Budget for a Kitchen Sink and Faucet Upgrade

Swap your shallow sink and leaking faucet for a deep basin without wrecking your monthly budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $950 before anything else
Across the 0% window $52.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $950 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A deep sink changes how your kitchen works every single day. No more splashing water on the counter when you wash a big pot, and you can actually hide dirty dishes when people come over. The swap only takes a plumber a few hours, but you want to time this right. Spring is when home improvement stores run big sales on fixtures, and it is also the sweet spot to book a local plumber before their busy summer rush hits.

To get the best deal, you need to separate the hardware from the labor. Buy the faucet and sink yourself online during the spring sales, and get at least three quotes from local plumbers for the installation. If you want to spread out the $950 average cost of this project without paying extra, we can use a specific billing strategy to keep your cash in your pocket.

Here is the catch you need to watch out for. The 0% interest rate is a strict deadline, not a permanent discount. If you still have a balance on your Citi Simplicity card after those 18 months are up, the regular variable APR will kick in on whatever is left, making your cheap kitchen upgrade much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Buy your own parts online

    Do not let a plumber supply the sink and faucet. They often markup the hardware. Shop online during spring sales to find a deep undermount or drop-in basin and a pull-down faucet that fits your existing countertop cutout.

  2. 02

    Line up three plumbers

    Installation is a quick job, but prices vary wildly. Ask three local plumbers for quotes to swap a sink and faucet. Make sure their bid includes removing your old sink and hooking up your existing garbage disposal.

  3. 03

    Spread the cost with Citi Simplicity

    Put the hardware and the plumber's bill on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. You get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay off the project over a year and a half.

  4. 04

    Set up your monthly autopay

    Divide your total bill by 18. If your total cost lands around the typical $950 mark, you need to pay exactly $52.78 per month. Set up automatic payments for this amount so you do not have to think about it.

  5. 05

    Clear the plumbing path

    Plumbers charge by the hour. Before they arrive, completely empty the cabinet under your sink. Wipe down any old leaks and make sure the shut-off valves are easy to reach so the pro can get straight to work.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Can I replace a sink without replacing the countertop?

Yes, if you match the size. Measure your current sink cutout carefully and buy a new basin with the exact same dimensions to avoid expensive countertop cutting.

Do I need to buy a new garbage disposal too?

Usually no. A plumber can typically detach your existing disposal from the old sink and mount it to the new one, saving you about $150.

Is an undermount or drop-in sink easier to install?

Drop-in sinks are easier and cheaper to install because they sit on top of the counter. Undermount sinks glue to the bottom and require more labor to secure properly.

What happens if I miss a payment on this card?

While the Citi Simplicity card does not charge late fees, missing payments can still damage your credit score and put your promotional rate at risk. Always pay at least the minimum on time.