Hi all,

I have just got keys to my first property and it comes with a built in kitchen. I don’t mind it but the sink is terribly small and not sufficient for my usage.

The contractor I’ve spoken to have said that it’s risky to cut and have suggested me to remodel the entire kitchen.

Does anyone have any experience with this or contractor contacts that could help to switch to a larger and deeper sink?

Seems very expensive and wasteful to me if I am required to throw the entire kitchen countertop and storage just to fit my sink.



This post has been edited by p0pc0rn: Nov 29 2024, 09:33 PM

Lol, change sink need to remodel kitchen

Avoid this contractor at all cost

Can be done, medium difficulty. The problem is the sink is undermount so the counter top may break or get damaged if lifted. This depends on how it is attached in the first place.

If you change to a top mounted sink then the process may be easier as only the cutout for the sink needs to be enlarged.

At worst case, should the counter top be damaged, you could get a new one as counter tops are independent from the cabinet carcass.

They mentioned that if changing countertop, will need to redo all the glass backsplash, and to replace would cost around RM2k+. Is that normal?

Hence that’s why they recommended for rebuilding bottom cabinets plus backsplash

Already mentioned that the countertop is independent from the cabinet. Even Ikea sells countertop only.

But if you want to listen to the contractor then go ahead.

If it's glass backsplash you need to get countertop similar thickness. But unless completely fuxx up the cutting of the sink hole usually don't need countertop.

For your case, most cost effective is use a topmount sink that's similar width (no bigger than 40cm) because it might hit carcass, but can be longer up to 60-70cm. Need to check if the carcass below allow that long of a sink. Have to check if your piping can accommodate as well.

Just need a contractor to cut hole and install on top + plumbing.

If the cabinets require rework due to being too small, would the contractors be able rework only on 1-2 cabinets instead of the entire cabinet itself?

Short answer: Complicated, depends on the shape of carcass. Usually not recommended because of aesthetics and potential faults later

Long answer: if the carcasses are joined at angles and the surface is seamless kind (L-shaped design especially), it's nearly impossible to just only change 1-2 cabinets because can't just cut and remove so easily

Changing piecemeal means extra labor to cut and carefully remove the affected countertop+cabinet, and then summore the new cabinets+counter must fit EXACTLY the empty space left behind and able to join the seams without leaving gaps, which is easier said than done (if different countertop material or certain natural stone based material, nearly impossible). Too easy to damage other cabinet and/or got gaps that make kitchen uneven/ugly.

Sibeh mafan and it's easier to give a more professionally done finish if remove the whole thing and do brand new cabinet.