Responsibility, Risk & Payment
Many times clients have come to our showroom to talk about their remodeling project and asked to do some part of the project themselves or buy the materials and have them on the job site for us to install. At this point, we are trying to understand what role exactly of the following three methods the client is asking us to perform.
1. Formal Proposal Method – (Fixed Bid) Contractor takes total responsibility for job and all risk factors.
The remodeling proposals are based on the costs of labor and materials, company overhead and profit, and the amount of risk involved in each remodeling project. All these business costs are included in each formal written proposal. Barring any additional work or unexpected conditions, (e.g. compromised sub-floor and floor joist), the total charge for the project is stated in the formal written proposal.
2. Cost Plus Method - Contractor takes total responsibility for the job; however, client takes total responsibility for the bottom line cost. (Could be above or below the estimated cost.)
The contractor provides the client with a best estimate for the total project cost, actual labor and material costs are recorded, and based upon these total project figures, a 25% to 30% (industry norm for remodeling projects) for overhead and profit is added to the final job cost. The client accepts the risks and the final job cost could be more or less than the “Formal Proposal Method” listed above. From the contractor’s point of view, this method is best used when the variables are not all apparent.
3. Client as Contractor Method - Client acts as their own general contractor and assumes full responsibility and risk.
Client purchases all materials and contracts with subcontractors to complete every aspect of the entire job. The client has the responsibility to contract directly with all the tradesmen (e.g. plumbers, electricians, tile setters, drywall finishers, painters and finished carpenters) to complete the entire remodel project. The client accepts both the responsibility of the project outcome and the risk of the final job costs that could be more or less than the “Formal Proposal Method” or “Cost Plus Method” listed above. However, with this method the client will saves the 25%-30% overhead and profit that he would pay in the two methods listed above.
Getting Names
The first place to start your search for a reputable contractor can be to ask friends and family members whom they have used for similar projects. If they had a good experience, most people would be happy to refer their remodeling contractor. Professional organizations are also a good source for finding quality contractors. One such organization is the Homebuilders Association of Middle Tennessee, which is a subchapter of the National Home Builders Association. You can phone them at (615) 366-7185 and request a list of contractors that belong to the Remodelers’ Council. Another excellent organization to contact is the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) at 1-800-843-6522 and request a list of members in the middle Tennessee region. These organizations as well as the local Better Business Bureau should be helpful in beginning the search process for the right remodeling contractor.
Getting Credentials
Verify that the contractor is registered by asking for their state contractor’s license. You can reach the State of Tennessee Contractors License Bureau at 1-800-544-7693 or online at www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/contractors. In addition to their license, you should also get copies of their insurance policies including liability, workers' compensation, and property coverage. If your contractor is not licensed or properly insured, you are putting yourself at risk.
Getting References
Sometimes, contractors offer to show you kitchens and baths of former clients where they may have used similar materials as proposed for your project. This job visit is very useful as it allows you to not only observe and compare materials but also evaluate their workmanship. It also allows you to discuss with the contractor’s former client their remodeling experiences (e.g. contractor’s work record, care of client’s property, remodeling expectations) against the final remodeling results, etc. The personal visit provides you an excellent reference on the contractor. If this is not possible, however, phone calls to several of the contractor’s former clients may suffice. Reputable contractors will be pleased to provide you the information so you can make an informed decision.
Getting Detailed Proposals
Generally, most people are not aware of the tasks or material costs involved in remodeling a kitchen or bathroom area. They usually start by calling several contractors, getting at least three ballpark estimates and comparing the bottom lines for the remodeling project. Nothing has been selected or written down and each contractor makes certain assumptions about the project, so comparing each estimate at this stage is like comparing apples and oranges. The project has to be defined with a detailed needs assessment and a design, and all the materials need to be selected in order to initiate a comprehensive proposal. Only with a written detailed proposal that includes the same work tasks and materials can comparisons of proposals be made. Require each contractor to be specific with their written bids, listing all the tasks to be performed as well as the materials with a complete description including color, model numbers, etc. to be used.
A Final Word
Another important factor is the respect factor between you and your contractor. This is not necessarily a personality contest; however, you must feel comfortable and have respect for the contractor as well as he for you. It is a mutual blessing for both of you: He needs the work and you need the work professionally done. Your association must be a win-win for all concerned.
Why You Should Choose "Hantel Kitchens and Baths" For Your Remodeling Projects
1. Member of Professional Associations - We are members and officers of the Middle & West Tennessee Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) as well as members of the National and Middle Tennessee Home Builders Association, Green Building Council and Remodelers Council.
2. Full Construction Company – We are licensed, bonded and insured to do major renovations and home additions as well as kitchens and baths.
3. Design Services Provided – Our certified kitchen and bath designers will not only plan your space to maximize the function but will also assist you with all your color and texture selections to enable your finished renovation to be exactly what you wanted.
4. One-stop Shopping for Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Projects – We provide a turnkey service by working with you from the design stage through the completion of the project. We do it all.
5. Trained Professional Staff Members – Our designers and workmen are trained and certified in the construction industry. We attend courses, seminars, and industry shows to make sure we are always on the cutting edge.
6. Family Owned and Operated Since 1979 in Tennessee – Our staff members do the majority of the remodeling tasks in your home. When necessary, qualified licensed subcontractors assist our staff by providing specialized services.
7. High Level of Workmanship – Kitchens and baths become works of art. We strive for perfection.
8. Speed of Remodeling Project Completion – Generally small bathrooms are completed in about two to three weeks. Small kitchens are completed in about six to eight weeks (from tear-out to completion of the project).
9. Customer Oriented – We focus on the customer’s goals in the design and implementation of any remodeling project.
10. Respect for the Customer's Property – We make every effort to minimize construction dust and clean up after ourselves each day to make the impact of the remodeling process less stressful for you and your family.
Bathroom Remodeling: How much does it cost today?
In remodeling your bathroom, you soon realizes that the bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms in the house to remodel, (per square foot). Some homeowners merely want a basic functional bathroom space while others want a bathroom that is far beyond just functional. They want their bathroom to provide a place where they can refresh themselves as well as be as space that is as beautiful as the other rooms in their home.
How much does it cost to remodel an average-size hall bathroom today?
It really depends on what needs to be changed. If minor changes are made such as wallpaper or painting, toilet, vanity, faucets, etc., the costs are merely the cost of labor and materials. (Labor costs vary depending on the amount of time required to do each task as well as the risk in accomplishing the task; e.g. in replacing the toilet, the toilet could leak and cause water damage.) Individuals sometimes put off remodeling their bathroom until a crisis has occurred or is eminent, e.g. the floor is about to fall into the basement or crawl space. At this stage, the only solution is to remove everything (tub, toilet, vanity, floor tile, etc.) and rebuild the new bathroom space from the sub-floor up. Generally, the cost of totally rebuilding an average hall bathroom in the middle Tennessee region, using basic materials, is approximately $15,000 to $25,000. This also does not include moving walls or making major plumbing changes. If you change the walls or plumbing or must install new floor joists, etc., the costs could increase significantly, even as much as $10,000 more than the basic cost.
Many people underestimate the cost of remodeling a small bathroom. There are just as many tasks to be completed in the remodeling of a small bathroom area as there are in the remodeling of a larger bathroom area. Regardless of the size of the bathroom, the following tasks are required for a full bathroom remodel: the demolition and disposal of materials, reconstruction of the sub-floor and overpayment, adjustment of the plumbing and electrical code requirements, installation of shower or bathtub, installation of tile backer board, tiling and grouting of the walls and floor, installation and finishing of drywall, painting of the walls, ceiling, doors, windows and all moldings as well as the reinstallation of the toilet, vanity, mirror, lights, tissue and towel holders. In addition, as a result of the smaller space in some bathroom areas, only one person can work in the bathroom at a time while a helper waits to assist when called upon. It really takes more time to complete the tasks, and subsequently the cost, per square foot, increases.
In summary, there are many decisions to be made in remodeling your bathroom (e.g. deciding on a budget that is realistic for your home’s value, choosing the right materials that will be used in the remodeling process and choosing the right contractor that will make your dream bathroom become a reality). Regardless of the size of the bathroom remodel, the process begins with the bathroom design and the services of a person who knows the marketplace, can advise you throughout the material selection process, and can assist you with the colors and textures so that you achieve your bathroom vision. Bathrooms that are works of art don’t just happen; they have to be designed and built to the specifications of the design.
So You Need a New Shower in Your Bathroom?
When a person calls or comes to our showroom with the need of a new shower, there are many questions that come to mind in order to do a proper needs assessment. Is the current shower space adequate, or does the current shower footprint need to be changed? Is the shower area going to be combined with a bathtub area as well? What is wrong with the current shower situation? Has the current shower area leaked and affected the home in any way? What are the features, materials and budget for the new shower? All these questions and more need to be considered in the initial consultation.
The shower features, size and materials contribute to the final cost of the shower. Showers today can be merely utilitarian in nature or they can be much more with such features as dry and steam heat, body jets, large rain shower heads, dry or mist-heated air-filtered system, or aromatherapy with the essence of oils. The shower unit material options may be constructed of fiberglass, acrylic, cultured marble, solid surface materials such as Corian, ceramic tiles, manufactured quartz/stone tiles such as Silestone or Cambria, natural stone tiles, and full slabs of manufactured quartz/stone or natural granite and marble. Another cost factor is the size, design and shape of the shower. Usually the smaller the shower area, the higher will be the square foot labor cost (cutting and fitting around the floor, wall and ceiling edges), whereas the larger showers may utilize more materials, although the labor cost may not be significantly changed. Therefore, all the variables in the decision making for the shower (e.g. size, design, shower features and the types of materials) will contribute to the bottom-line cost of the shower.
Shower Features
Showerheads with multiple settings that offer a variety of sprays have been around for several years. However, the popularity of shower diverters, body jets, and multiple showerheads will enable the bather to have their showering experience their way. Steam or dry heat permit the bather to sweat the toxins out of their body, while aromatherapy uses the essence of oils for a therapeutic refreshing experience. (Some individuals claim health benefits.) Therapeutic colored lights and surround sound are also amenities that are very important for some individuals. A seat in the shower becomes essential in order to relax and enjoy many of these amenities. As you can imagine, as one adds features to the shower area, this also adds to the total bottom line of the shower cost.
Shower Size
The original architect of the house generally determines the size of most bathroom shower areas. Changes to the original footprint must be thought through very carefully. The desire for the change must be balanced with the overall implications and cost of the changes. (Generally any type of remodeling can be done, e.g. as removal of walls, plumbing, HVAC, etc., but is it worth the expense?) The standard shower sizes are based on the size of the standard shower pans that are sized in width of 32”, 36”, 42”, 48” and 60”. The standard shower pan sizes in depth are 32”, 36”, 42”, 48” and 60”. Generally, any combination of the width and depth are considered standard sizes. Custom showers are any sizes other than the standard sizes, e.g. 54” x 36”. The first number (54”) describes the width of the shower pan and the second number (36”) describes the depth of the shower pan. The size of the shower is usually dependent on the size of the individuals who may utilize the shower as well as the necessity for the shower features (e.g. body sprays, etc.). If the shower area is too small, by width or length, the shower area will prohibit a person from having the necessary room for using the shower with comfort. On the other hand, if the shower is too large, the heat from the shower water will escape through the open top of the shower, subjecting the bather to cold drafts on their legs. (Large shower areas without a shower top will have the “chimney effect,” allowing all the heat to escape. In warmer climates, e.g. Florida and California, the chimney effect is not applicable as the variance in temperature in the shower and surrounding area is usually closer together.) Shower areas that have an enclosed top prevent the heat from escaping during the bathing process. However, with enclosed-top showers, the heat and moisture are also retained long after bathing and thereby encourage mold and mildew to grow. The solution is to provide adequate exhaust vitalization that will draw the heat and moisture to the outside of the house.
Shower Materials
The cost of the material installation (labor and materials), the ease of maintenance and the aesthetics of the finished product usually contribute to the decision-making process for the shower materials.
Prefab fiberglass or acrylic shower units generally are the least expensive materials for a shower area. These units are generally mounted directly to the studded wall and need no cement backer board for installation. Usually one-piece shower units are appropriate only for new building construction, as the units have to be installed prior to the erection of the walls. There are several manufactures that have developed two-, three- or four-section units that snap together for the remodeling installation. These units are usually seamless or are engineered so that the seams required no caulk. These units are easily cleaned with non-abrasive cleaners.
Cultured marble shower units are constructed of a manmade shower material that simulates natural stone products and is the next-most economical shower material. However, with cultured marble, these shower areas require the installation of a shower pan and cement backer boards to glue the cultured marble slabs to the wall. There is a wide selection of colors and styles to choose from in the manufacturing of shower pans and shower wall slabs. When designed and properly installed, cultured marble materials provide excellent results for many years of worry-free showering. The large panels are usually one piece, seamed in the corners with an expandable caulk that will not mildew or leak and can be cleaned easily with non-abrasive cleaners.
Ceramic, porcelain, quartz or natural stone tiles make up the next group of shower materials. The cost of the various tile materials, shower size, complexity of the design and labor time dictate the cost of the shower area. Again as with cultured marble showers, the tile shower areas require the installation of a shower pan as well as the installation of cement backer boards on the walls prior to installation of the tiles. The various tile colors, textures, sizes and shapes enable the shower designer to create exactly what the customer wants, simple or decorative, modern or with an artistic rendering through the medium of tile. With ceramic, porcelain, quartz and natural stone tiles, there are more grout lines, which may require more maintenance than the two previous shower material groups. Recently, grout manufactures have engineered grout with enzymes that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. This has revolutionized the industry, whereby ceramic, porcelain, quartz and natural stone tiles can be used without a high degree of maintenance. (There are some shower cleaners that cannot be used with some grouts, tiles or natural stone products, as they deteriorate the materials. Check with the manufacturer of the cleaning product.) Most of the natural stone products must be sealed once or twice a year, as they are porous stones by nature.
Solid surface, quartz and natural stone slab make up the last group of shower materials and generally are the most expensive. This type of shower material, as stated above, requires the installation of a shower pan and cement backer boards for the slabs to be glues to the walls. The advantage of slab materials is the same as with cultured marble in that the large panels are generally one-piece construction, seamed in the corners with an expandable caulk that will not mildew or leak. With solid surface and the quartz materials, these products can be cleaned easily with non-abrasive cleaners. Natural stone slabs have the same characteristics as stone tiles in that they are porous materials and certain shower cleaners cannot be used. Natural stone products should be sealed once or twice a year with specific stone sealers. There is a wide selection of colors and styles to choose from in the manufactured products (e.g. solid surface and quartz slabs) whereas natural stone is chosen for its unique veining and beauty.
Summary
What gives value, beauty and ease of maintenance are in the mind of each person when remodeling a bathroom or shower area. In the selection of the shower materials, features and shower design all may be perceived quite differently from one person to another. What is expensive, beautiful and easily maintained may have different meanings for each person. However, there are certain overall guidelines to consider when remodeling your home, e.g. the cost of the home and the neighborhoods home prices. Certain home prices dictate the quality of materials that would be appropriate. The homeowner does not want to cheapen the home’s value or conversely overspend for the neighborhood. However, if the client intends to live in the home indefinitely, they may spend beyond the home's value, because resale is not a consideration.
Countertop Materials
The advantages & disadvantages of the various materials
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Custom fabricated laminate counter tops - Laminates are the least expensive of all the counter top materials. Wilson Art, Formica and Nevamar offer about 300 samples from which to choose. The costs are generally the same for all laminate counters, regardless of the manufacturer or color. However, laminates with high gloss are slightly more expensive. Most of the laminate counter tops are custom fabricated for ease of installation and color selection. Wood and solid surface are sometimes used as edge materials to dress up the edge of the counter that may match or contrast the laminate materials. Cons: Stains on laminate counter surfaces may be scrubbed out although scratches and burns are there to stay.
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Post form laminate counter tops - Post form laminate counter tops are less expensive than the custom-made laminate countertops. They are manufactured in a factory and can be purchased in most lumberyards and home centers. Cons: They are limited in color selection, are sold in predetermined lengths, and must be cut to fit. (Getting a perfect cut is sometimes difficult if it is an exposed end of the counter.) When forming a 90-degree angle, the countertop is joined or seamed on the diagonal into the corner. However, it usually has more observable seams and because most walls are not straight, there are gaps behind the counter top that must be filled with caulk.
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Solid surface counter tops – There are many manufacturers of solid surface materials. Dupont Corian was the first manufacturer of solid surface; however, many other manufacturers have developed excellent solid surfaces materials: Avonite, Hi-MACS, Formica’s Surell and Fountainhead, Wilsonart’s Gibraltar, Centura, Craftstone, as well as several other manufacturers. Most manufacturers have similar materials that may look like granites, marbles, and jewel stones, as well as various solid colors. Avonite has produced some translucent color materials that are quite unique. Solid surface materials have no fissures on the surface of the material, and therefore no place for bacteria or germs to grow. When cleaned with a disinfectant, the surface is hygienically clean and free of germs. Many hospitals, health centers and clinics have solid surface materials on their counters because of the germ-free capacity of a solid surface material. Also, many restaurants prepare and serve their food on solid surface counters as well as have solid surface counters in their bathrooms. Again, since the solid surface counter is a non-porous material, stains or scratches on the surface can be easily wiped off with a Scotch Brite. Cons: If you place a very hot pot or pan on the surface, it will burn into the solid surface; however, the repair is fairly easy. Your solid surface installer can cut out the damaged counter, put in a new section with the same solid surface resins and then sand it to look like new. The repair cost is minimal.
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Quartz material counter tops – Currently there are three manufacturers that make quartz materials: Silestone, Caesarstone and Zodiaq. In all three products, the materials are very similar – being made of 93% ground-up quartz and 7% of a similar resin material that is used in solid surface products. Although these products resemble natural stone granite (which is a porous material), they have a solid surface material added that provides a non-porous counter top that cannot stain, burn, or scratch and has no place for bacteria to grow. Cons: The quartz, as a natural stone material, has only one minor issue: on large countertops you may have some seams where the slabs are joined together, and sinks and range tops must be cut out and the edges polished. (Solid surfaces can be made seamless around the sinks where quartz cannot.) However, a skilled craftsman will butt the two slab counters together to leave only a hairline crack that will be fills with caulk to match the quartz material.
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Natural stones – Granites, Marbles, Lime and Soap Stones, etc. – Natural stones have beauty that cannot be matched with any other materials. The rock veining is particularly interesting in some slabs of granite or marble. Most customers who choose stone counter tops want to see the various strata in the stones. It is best for all concerned, that the customer chooses and confirms the entire rock slab before it is cut to make the counter top.
Natural stones are mined in many countries throughout the world. The supply and demand of certain stones as well as the expense in shipping the stones determine the costs of the materials. In the past, the cost was significantly higher than the other counter top materials; however, with emerging competition of other materials, the cost has been reduced significantly.
Cons: Because stone has many cracks and fissures, even though it is a polished and sealed surface, it is a porous material and must be sealed several times a year to prevent stains. If stains are absorbed into the stone, mild detergent may slowly remove them.
Other materials used for counter tops:
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Natural wood butcher-block counters
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Stainless steel counter tops
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Concrete counter tops
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Lava stone counter tops
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In making all the selections for your new kitchen, one of the last decisions is to select the kitchen sink. Choosing a kitchen sink should not be complicated, should it? Let’s consider some of the variables in choosing a new kitchen sink, e.g. sink configuration, types of sinks and the sink materials.
You want your kitchen sink to look beautiful, be functional with low maintenance, and be made of durable and high-quality materials. These characteristics can be found in many types and brand names of sinks.
Sink Configuration: You want the size, shape and depth of the sink bowls to be adequate for your kitchen clean-up purposes.
Types of sinks: Sinks are manufactured for various installation applications: top mount, under-mount, self-rimmed or integrated in the counter tops (e.g. solid surface sinks).
Sink materials: You will also want to consider the various types of sink materials that are available: Natural Stone, Quartz or Granite Composite, Solid Surface, Plastic, Stainless Steel and Cast Iron or Steel-covered with Baked Porcelain. All these decisions have cost implications.
There are advantages and disadvantages for each decision. Let’s examine each of the variables separately in order to make your decision for your purposes.
Sink Configuration
Generally, kitchen sinks are one, two or three bowls. Some double sinks have the large bowl on the right while other sink manufactures have the large bowl on the left. The size and depth of the sink bowls vary greatly, and some sink drains are installed in the back of the bowl while others are more centrally located. Usually, in a three-bowl sink, the third bowl is usually allocated to the garbage disposal exclusively.
Types of Sinks
Top mounted, under-mounted, self-rimmed or integrated sinks are used throughout the kitchen and bath industry. The type of sink is generally manufactured for the various counter top materials. Top mounted and self-rimmed sinks are primarily used with laminate counter tops. Top mount is the least desirable type of sink, as the lip around the top edge protrudes above the counter top material, requiring constant caulking and cleaning, and the lip inhibits the water on the counter top from easily being pushed back into the sink bowl. Solid surface sink are usually integrated in the solid surface counter top materials. There are no seams where bacteria and germs can grow, and if the sink bowls or counter top materials are ever damaged, a trained service technician can repair the problem easily. Under-mount sinks are generally made of the following materials: stainless steel, natural stone and quartz composite. The inside edge of the counter tops around the sinks is polished and the sink is mounted under the countertop with glue, bolts or sometimes both. Sometimes the sink is much too heavy to be hung, so a substantial frame has to be constructed to hold the sink in place.
Sink Materials
Natural Stone Sinks are made of granite, marble, limestone, soapstone, etc. that are cut out from the earth, polished and can truly be works of art. Natural stone sinks have been used since ancient times and remain the material of choice for many cultures. There are various qualities of stone products in the marketplace today. It is wise to have an expert assist you with your stone sink selection, as there are some stone formations that are better suited for sinks than others. Advantages: The material is beautiful and also very durable, if it is maintained. Disadvantages: It can be expensive, heavy, easily broken in shipping and installation and more easily stained because of the fissures and pores in the rock. Natural stone usually needs a moderate amount of maintenance and could break if exposed to extreme temperature changes, e.g. pouring boiling water in the sink. It is also an extremely hard material that could break glasses and dishes more easily than other types of sink materials.
Granite & Quartz Composite Sinks are manufactured with 93% natural stone that is ground up and mixed with 7% acrylic compound. The mixture is then poured into sink molds for a variety of sink applications. This is the newest type of sink material, first introduced at the 2003 National Kitchen and Bath Show (NKBA). Advantages: Moderately priced, warranted for ten years, functional, easy to maintain as it has no fissures or pores for bacteria and germs or stains to develop, will last forever and remain beautiful, and durable as it is basically a stone material that can take temperatures up to 400 degrees without any problems. Each sink model can be installed as a top mount or under-mount installation. The quartz sinks come in three colors for decorating purpose. Disadvantages: Hard stone material that may require more care in washing glasses and dishes.
Solid Surface Composite Sinks are manufactured materials that are made from either acrylic or polyester compounds. These sinks are manufactured under such names as Dupont Corian, Hi Macs, Avonite, Surell, Fountainhead, Gibraltar, etc. and can be integrated or fused into the counter tops of the same material without seams between the sink and the counter material. Some solid surface manufactures produce top mount, under-mount and integrated sinks in several colors that match or contrast the counter tops. Advantages: Moderate in cost, more functional with a softer material than the stone products mentioned above, easier to maintain as the material has no fissures or pores where bacteria and germs to grow, and if stains develop, they can be easily removed with a Scotch bright pad. Most manufactures warrant their materials for ten years; however, the sinks will never wear out and always remain beautiful as the day they were installed. Disadvantages: Can be harmed if exposed to hot temperatures (e.g. hot grease or extremely hot pots and pans may burn the surface); however, they can be repaired on site with professional assistance at a moderate cost.
Stainless Steel Sinks are manufactured by several U.S. plumbing manufactures, and many are imported into the U.S. marketplace. The thicker gauge sink materials (usually at least 18 gauge), the polish of the stainless steel, and the depth of the sink bowls usually influence the price. Many manufactures coat the bottom of the sink bowls to deaden the sound for a better sound presentation. Advantages: Can be priced as low, moderated or high and is generally dependant on the thickness of the material. It can be cleaned more easily than other types of sink materials depending on the quality of the stainless steel. It is made of a lighter weight for ease of installation, and it is attractive in that it can match other stainless steel appliances and is also not affected by hot liquids, objects or hot grease. Disadvantages: Can be dented or scratched, requires constant cleaning as water spots show up unless cleaned and polished, and the scratches create fissures and pores that can hold bacteria and germs. Some stainless steel sinks are manufactured so thin that it is difficult to attach a garbage disposal or install the sink baskets.
Cast Iron Sinks have been manufactured here in the U.S. for the past 150 years and have served us well. They are molded out of cast iron and covered with a baked-on porcelain material. These sinks are made for top mount, self-rimmed and under-mount installation. Advantages: Moderate cost, attractive when newly installed, great longevity if maintained, holds the heat when washing dishes and not affected by hot objects or grease. Disadvantages: Heavy to install, porcelain can be chipped if hit with a hard object, the porcelain surface may wear away over time or stain, may requires constant maintenance, and the scratches may hold bacteria and germs.
Steel Sinks are generally considered one of the least expensive sink products and have been with us for the past seventy-five years. They are pressed out of steel and coated with a baked-on porcelain material. They are usually top mounted or self-rimmed installed. Advantages: Low in cost, light in weight, relatively easy to install and not affected by hot objects or grease. Disadvantages: Easily chipped if hit with a hard object, porcelain surface may wear away over time and cause it to rust, stains easily, loses heat of the water when washing dishes, and scratches may hold bacteria and germs.
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of the sink configuration, the types of sinks and the sink materials that are in the marketplace, it should be easier for you to make a good, educated decision.
