Converting a single sink to a double sink typically costs $600-$2,500, with many standard projects landing near $1,400. The final price depends on whether the existing cabinet and countertop can fit the new basin, how much drain and water-line work is needed, and the sink and faucet selected.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total conversion | $600 | $1,400 | $2,500 | Existing cabinet remains; moderate plumbing work |
| Double sink | $200 | $450 | $900 | Stainless steel or composite; premium materials cost more |
| Plumbing labor | $300 | $650 | $1,200 | About 4-10 hours, depending on drain changes |
| Countertop modification | $0 | $250 | $700 | May be unnecessary with a compatible drop-in sink |
What a standard double-sink conversion costs
A straightforward conversion generally costs $600-$1,200 when the cabinet is wide enough, the countertop can accept the new sink, and drain and supply lines are nearby. A typical midrange project costs $1,200-$1,800. Moving plumbing, modifying stone, or replacing the cabinet can raise the bill to $2,500-$4,000 or more.
Those totals commonly include a new double-basin sink, faucet or compatible faucet setup, drain parts, installation, and basic disposal. Sink and faucet choices matter: a basic stainless-steel sink may cost $200-$450, while a large composite or fireclay model can cost $500-$1,000. For a standard kitchen conversion with no cabinet replacement, budgeting about $1,000-$1,800 is a practical starting point.
Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor rates, standard sink materials, existing cabinet retained, and normal access.
How drain, countertop, and labor charges shape the quote
Quotes vary in what they include, so buyers should check whether the price covers disconnecting the old sink, cutting the counter, new faucet hardware, plumbing connections, and debris removal. The table shows common component ranges; actual totals depend on overlap between tasks and local rates.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sink and drain fittings | $200-$900 | Per sink setup | Material, depth, included strainers |
| Faucet and accessories | $100-$500 | Per faucet | Pull-down design, soap dispenser, finish |
| Plumbing labor | $300-$1,200 | $75-$150 per hour | Drain alignment, valve condition, access |
| Countertop cutting or adjustment | $0-$700 | Per project | Counter material and cutout complexity |
| Removal and disposal | $50-$200 | Per project | Old sink weight and local disposal fees |
Ask for labor hours and each included task separately so a low quote does not conceal extra charges.
Cabinet width and drain location can change the price
A double sink often needs a cabinet at least 33-36 inches wide, though the required size varies by sink model and basin layout. If the cabinet is narrower, replacing it can add roughly $300-$1,000 for a basic unit, plus installation and possible countertop work. Confirm the sink’s minimum cabinet width before ordering.
Drain position is another major cost driver. If the existing drain is centered and the new sink’s outlet lines up, basic reconnection may be sufficient. Shifting a drain more than about 6-12 inches, changing a trap configuration, or opening a wall can add $200-$800 or more. A disposal attached to one basin may also require a specific drain layout. Measure cabinet width and compare sink outlet locations before accepting a fixed installation price.
Will the existing countertop accept two basins?
A new cutout is often the dividing line between a modest plumbing job and a larger remodel. Laminate can sometimes be cut or adjusted on site for about $100-$300, while stone or quartz work commonly costs $250-$700 when a fabricator can modify the counter safely. Some counters cannot be cut in place without risk of cracking or damage.
Replacing a countertop solely to accommodate the second basin can add $1,000-$4,000 or more, depending on material, dimensions, edge details, and removal. An undermount sink may need a finished cutout and professional support, while a drop-in model can be simpler to install. Get the countertop fabricator’s approval for the sink template before purchasing the sink.
Plumber time and extra work behind the cabinet
A plumber may spend 4-8 hours on a typical conversion, including disconnecting the old sink, fitting the new drain assembly, connecting supply lines, and testing for leaks. Complicated access or drain relocation can extend work to 8-12 hours. Plumbers commonly charge $75-$150 per hour, while some set a minimum service charge of $150-$300.
Old shutoff valves that do not close, corroded pipes, water damage, or a disposal that needs rewiring can create additional work. Allow $100-$500 for minor valve or pipe repairs, and request approval before any concealed damage repair begins. Electrical work for a new disposal connection may require a separate electrician and can add $150-$400. Separate the planned conversion from optional repairs in the written estimate.
Three realistic quotes for different kitchen layouts
A compact project with a 33-inch cabinet, compatible drop-in sink, and aligned drain might include a $250 sink, 4 labor hours at $100 per hour, and $150 in fittings and removal, for a total near $800.
A typical 36-inch cabinet conversion with a $450 composite sink, $250 faucet, 6 labor hours at $115 per hour, and a $300 countertop adjustment totals about $1,700. A larger project with a $750 sink, $500 faucet, 10 labor hours at $140 per hour, $600 in stone cutting, and $400 in drain and valve work can reach $3,650. These examples show how countertop and plumbing scope can matter more than the basin price alone.
Regional labor rates and access affect the final estimate
Labor costs are often higher in major coastal metros than in smaller markets. A comparable job may run 10%-25% more in high-cost cities such as New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, while rural markets may be 5%-15% below a national midrange estimate. Travel, parking, and limited contractor availability can narrow that difference.
These percentages are planning ranges, not fixed regional prices. A local quote can exceed them when a stone fabricator, plumber, and electrician must coordinate visits. Compare at least two itemized quotes from contractors who have inspected the cabinet, counter, and plumbing.
Ways to keep the conversion within budget
Keep the existing cabinet, choose a sink that fits its width and current countertop opening, and select a standard stainless-steel model instead of a premium material. Reuse a working faucet only if it is compatible with the new sink and has the right number and spacing of mounting holes. Confirm this before purchase.
Provide clear access under the sink, remove stored items, and schedule the work before ordering materials so compatibility problems are caught early. Avoid paying for a countertop replacement unless a fabricator confirms the existing surface cannot be modified. Keeping the cabinet, drain route, and countertop intact offers the strongest control over the total price.