Choosing a new bathroom sink can be one of the most exciting parts of your bathroom remodeling project. But before you fall in love with that perfect sink at the home improvement store, take stock of what you really need and what your budget can handle.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Bathroom Sink

Go through this checklist of tips before you place the order for that new bathroom sink.

• Consider the plumbing. If you are going to move the plumbing in your bathroom, your options for a new bathroom sink just got much broader. But moving plumbing can add a hefty amount to your bathroom remodeling budget. If you're not ready to go that far, work with the space you have for the vanity.
• The size of the bathroom sink should be balanced well with the rest of the room. For example, a room that is 5x7 feet should have a bathroom sink that is no more than 24 inches wide. The center of the sink should be no more than 12 inches from the nearest wall.
• Though the typical height of a sink is 34 inches, don't hold yourself to that standard. For instance, if you are very tall and most sinks don't seem to suit your height, look for the one that puts your comfort first. If you have small children in the house or family members who need a handicap-accessible sink, there are numerous options for them as well.
• There are numerous options when you choose faucets as well. Here's what you need to know about the sink in relation to the faucets you choose: sinks have either one hole, three holes, or none. A one-hold sink is intended for a single-handle, lever-style faucet. Three-hole sinks are designed for the traditional style of two water knobs, one for hot and one for cold, with a faucet in between. No holes in your sink means the faucet will need to be installed on the wall or a counter base.

Most homeowners choose a basic bowl style for their bathroom sink and then spend extra money on the faucet. However, the emergence of new materials for the sinks themselves can add both pizazz to your bath and a big expense to your bottom line.

Ceramic and glass are always popular, but metal sinks are also finding a following over time. Most unusual bathroom remodeling options, such as metal, stone, and even custom-made wood sinks, can drive up your cost of remodeling by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.