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How to Budget for a New Bathroom Vanity

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How to Budget for a New Bathroom Vanity

Upgrade your bathroom without the upfront sting by timing big box sales and spreading the cost over 18 months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,100 before anything else
Across the 0% window $61.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,100 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 new vanity changes how you feel every morning. It hides the clutter and updates a room that usually gets ignored until something leaks. The best time to do this is during the winter holiday sales when the big retailers drop prices to clear out floor models for the new year.

The physical swap usually takes a day for a professional or a full weekend if you do it yourself. Even for a simple job like this, ask three different plumbers for a quote. Prices for labor can vary wildly depending on how much they want the work during the slow season.

Keep in mind that once those 18 months are up, any remaining balance will start gathering interest at the regular rate. This window is a tool for planning your cash flow, but the bill still needs to be paid in full before the time runs out.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop the holiday sales

    Wait for November or December to buy your vanity and faucet. Big box stores often bundle these items or offer deep discounts on last year's styles to make room for spring inventory. You can often find a high-end stone top for the price of a basic laminate if you time it right.

  2. 02

    Get three labor quotes

    Changing a sink seems simple, but plumbing can be unpredictable. Call a few local pros and tell them you have the parts ready to go. Getting multiple quotes ensures you are paying the market rate for a half-day of work rather than a premium.

  3. 03

    Use a long intro window

    Pay for the $1100 project using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. By paying $61.11 a month, you can finish the project now without the immediate cash drain.

  4. 04

    Confirm your measurements

    Before you buy, measure the distance from the floor to your existing drain pipe. If the new vanity drawers hit the old pipes, you will have to pay a plumber much more to move the plumbing inside the wall. Pick a vanity that fits your current setup to save money.

  5. 05

    Plan for disposal

    Your old vanity has to go somewhere. Ask your contractor if their quote includes hauling away the old heavy cabinet and sink. If you are doing it yourself, check if your local trash service requires a special heavy-item pickup or a trip to the dump.

  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 install a bathroom vanity myself?

Yes, if the plumbing lines up and you have a friend to help lift the heavy cabinet. You will need basic tools like a wrench and some silicone caulk, but it is one of the easier DIY home projects.

When is the cheapest time to buy a vanity?

Look for sales around Black Friday and the weeks between Christmas and New Year. Retailers want to clear out old stock before the spring renovation season starts, so they offer the biggest discounts then.

What is included with a vanity?

Most include the cabinet and the countertop, but many do not include the faucet or the drain assembly. Read the box carefully so you don't get home and realize you are missing the most important parts to make the water run.

Should I get a vanity with a stone top?

Stone or quartz lasts longer and handles water better than wood or laminate. Since the vanity is the centerpiece of the room, spending a little more on a durable surface usually helps with the long-term value of your home.