Could Choosing the Right Sink Speed Up Workflow in Construction Projects?

 

Every sink and faucet you choose for a multifamily build will need to be installed dozens or even hundreds of times.

So every extra bolt or finicky fitting can add thousands of dollars in excess labor costs and delays that can put your entire project behind.

In addition, bulky or hard-to-move product fixtures can also make storage and transportation across the job site difficult.

On the other hand, selecting fixtures that are easy to install can help your team meet deadlines more efficiently. This accelerates project completion, allowing the company to get paid sooner and move on to the next contract.

How do you know which is which if you’ve never installed them yourself?

The best sinks and faucets for improved workflow are

• Lightweight and easy to move
• Packaged so they’re easier to stack and carry
• Easy to install,
• Versatile, and suited for use in different builds and design styles
• Guaranteed to arrive on time.

Pick the right models and you might even be able to use the same sinks and faucets for several projects. Which can save you hours of searching through wholesale catalogs.

Here’s what to look for in kitchen sinks that will speed up your workflow.

Why Is a 30 Inch Kitchen Sink the Best Size for Most Builds?

30” kitchen sinks are the ideal size for most kitchen designs because:

• It’s big enough to comfortably fit a full load of dishes.
• It’s wide enough to wash your hands or rinse produce without splashing.
• It’s small enough to fit in the vast majority of kitchens without taking up too much counter space.
• It’s the most common sink size, so it’s easy to source and there are plenty of design options to choose from.

In short, it’s ideal if you want to buy the same model for almost any floor plan.

 

There are exceptions, of course. Kitchenettes with very limited counter space will be better off with a smaller basin. And very large kitchens may look more balanced with an oversized sink.

In general, most people don’t want anything smaller than about a 23 or 24 inch kitchen sink if possible. But very few homeowners would ever complain their kitchen sink is too big.

So we know a 30 inch kitchen sink should serve most floor plans pretty well.

Now, what do you look for in 30 inch sinks if you want to maximize workflow?

What to Look for In Kitchen Sinks for Multifamily Builds

Whether you go with a 30 inch kitchen sink or opt for something smaller, there are a few features that will help your install run smoothly.

1. Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Stainless is the ideal sink material for multifamily builds.

• Lightweight. Stainless is much lighter than other options like ceramic. Which makes it easier and faster to move around your job site.
  Because they’re not heavy, stainless steel kitchen sinks are also much easier to install.
  Heavy basins may take two or even three people to install safely. With stainless steel, it’s a simple job that a single person can usually do in an hour or two.
• Easier and cheaper to ship. Another advantage of lightweight stainless is how easy and affordable it is to ship.
  Shipping delays can hold up your entire project. Stainless can be packed in a nested style, which makes them easier to ship to your job site, and they’re less likely to get held up in transit.
  Plus, those shipping costs for heavier basins can add up. Especially if you’re dealing with hundreds of units.
• Versatile looks. If you have the budget, you can add colors and finishes without affecting your operations at all.
  Stainless comes in a wide range of colors like gold and gunmetal, as well as endless designs.
  So it’s an ideal material whether you’re looking for something modern and minimalist or traditional and timeless.

• Durable. Most importantly, stainless steel is durable.
  The last thing you need is fixtures that can get damaged during shipping or installation. If someone on your team drops a ceramic or granite composite sink, it can chip, crack, or shatter. Which will leave you scrambling for a replacement.
  As we already saw, stainless sinks are easy to carry and install, making accidents less likely. But even if a stainless steel sink does get damaged, many dents can easily be corrected and scratches can be buffed out, so you can keep moving forward.

2. Single or Double Bowl?

There are lots of pros and cons to going with a single vs double kitchen sink. But if you’re looking to expedite your project, a single basin is the way to go.

Single kitchen sinks are easier to install because there is only one drain to hook up. With a double basin, you’ll need a separate drain line for each bowl, adding complications to your install.

It doesn’t take a lot of extra time to install one extra drain, but  if your project has a few hundred units the extra drains will add hours in additional labor.

Most residents prefer a single bowl kitchen sink anyway, so it’s the safe way to go if you want to appeal to as many prospective renters or buyers as possible.

3. Top mount vs. undermount kitchen sinks

At the end of the day, a top mount kitchen sink is faster and easier to install. But this is one area where a few extra minutes of labor will pay off.

We almost always recommend undermount kitchen sinks.

Homeowners and residents prefer them for many reasons. They’re easier to keep clean, don’t take up any excess counter space, and they look high end.

 

Once your team has installed a few undermount kitchen sinks, it’s not much more complicated than installing a drop-in. Plus, if you go with stainless steel, it’s that much easier.

If you’re really under a time crunch, go with a top mount. A low-profile drop-in stainless steel basin will still look sleek and modern. But there’s no competing with the added touch of luxury you’ll get with an undermount.

Dual mount sinks give you the best of both worlds. Your team can easily install a dual mount sink as either a drop-in or an undermount.

If you’re not sure what will work better, or you need something versatile to use for many projects, dual mount is the way to go.

Of course, no sink area is complete without a faucet - which can also be easy or complicated to install.

Here’s how to choose faucets that will be easy to ship and install.

What’s the Best Faucet for Multifamily Kitchen Designs?

Now that you know what to look for in a kitchen sink that will streamline your workflow, you’ll need a faucet to go with it.

Single hole kitchen faucets are faster and easier to install than designs that take multiple holes.

They’re also a great way to preserve as much usable counter space as possible, which residents love.

Single hole kitchen faucets usually come with a single, lever-style handle, which is the best choice for multifamily builds.

They’re accessible and easy to use for everyone in a household, including elderly and disabled residents. So they’re the best choice for any build that needs to include ADA kitchens.

If you have room in your budget, consider going with a sprayer faucet.

Faucets with an integrated pull out or pull down sprayer are nearly as easy to install as a standard single hole faucet. So they won’t affect operations.

But they add a lot of appeal for prospective residents, who will love the added functionality.

If you went with a top mount kitchen sink, you’ll need to choose a faucet that’s compatible with the deck.

Single hole kitchen faucets (with or without a sprayer) work with any sink. But if you have extra holes, you’ll need to cover them with sink hole covers, which doesn’t always look nice. Plus it’s one extra step to worry about.

So the best option is to choose a sink with a single hole and eliminate the extra step. Or go with undermount so you can customize your countertop as needed.

 

Once you’ve picked out the best sink and faucet designs, there’s one last step to optimizing your workflow: getting what you need on time, every time.

The Best Way to Keep Your Project Running Smoothly? Partner with the Right Kitchen Sink Wholesaler.

Even if you choose the perfect 30 inch kitchen sink and faucet for your build, it won’t do you much good if the manufacturer can’t deliver them on time.

As you consider your options, look for a wholesaler with a guaranteed stock. That way, you won’t have to worry about supply chain issues disrupting your order.

Expedited shipping will ensure you get everything you need as fast as possible.

Professional support can help you avoid disruptions during your install.

A streamlined ordering process cuts unnecessary time looking for the right fit. A great wholesaler can help you find sinks that fit your specs, fast.

Great fixtures from a quality manufacturer will cut out the guesswork and help you avoid delays. Which is a great way to guarantee a seamless workflow on every job and deliver gorgeous results on deadline, every time.