November 9, 2025
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Construction

Cost to Install a Utility Sink – CountBricks Experts

James Miller
Head of Sales

Understanding the Real Cost to Install a Utility Sink

The humble utility sink is the workhorse of many Des Moines basements, mudrooms, and garages. Yet most homeowners have no idea what a proper installation should cost—or why prices vary so widely. CountBricks brings clarity by combining real-time material pricing, AI-driven takeoffs, and seasoned trade partners into one streamlined platform. Below you will find a detailed breakdown of the cost to install a utility sink, typical price drivers, and smart ways to keep your residential project on budget.

Average Price Range in Residential Construction

Across central Iowa neighborhoods, CountBricks sees full-scope utility sink installations land in the $850 – $1,850 range. That figure covers labor, fixtures, supply lines, traps, venting adjustments, minor framing, and finish carpentry. Why the wide spread? Factors such as sink quality, distance to existing plumbing, and permitting requirements all play a role. Our AI estimate engine analyzes these variables in seconds and produces a transparent line-item budget you can trust.

Six Key Cost Drivers

• Fixture selection: Acrylic laundry tubs cost less than cast-iron enameled basins.

• Faucet spec: Basic two-handle faucets run under $75; high-arc sprayers with stainless supply lines can exceed $250.

• Plumbing distance: The farther the run to your main stack or hot/cold supply, the more copper or PEX is required.

• Drain and vent upgrades: Adding an AAV (air admittance valve) is cheaper than tying into an existing vent, but local code may dictate the method.

• Finish carpentry: Upgrading to a built-in cabinet base or custom countertop raises material and labor costs.

• Permits & inspections: Municipal fees in Des Moines typically range from $40 to $120, depending on project scope.

Labor vs. Materials: Where the Money Goes

• Labor (45 – 55 %): Licensed plumbers, carpenters, and sometimes electricians if a GFCI outlet must be added.

• Materials (30 – 40 %): Sink, faucet, supply lines, traps, shut-offs, PVC or ABS, fasteners, sealants, and finish trim.

• Overhead & Profit (10 – 15 %): Insurance, logistics, project management, and the contractor’s margin.

How CountBricks Shrinks the Unknowns

Traditional quoting methods leave homeowners guessing. CountBricks replaces educated guesses with hard data:

• Voice-driven site capture: Walk your space with our mobile app and describe what you see; our AI documents measurements in real time.

• Instant blueprint takeoffs: Upload a floor plan and let our engine detect drain lines, water supply, and chase walls in seconds.

• Live materials feed: The platform pings local suppliers for today’s copper, PVC, and fixture pricing—no outdated catalogs.

• One-click quote documents: Generate branded proposals ready for e-signature and instant scheduling.

Step-by-Step CountBricks Process

1. Discovery call: A 15-minute voice chat captures scope, sink style, and location specifics.

2. AI estimate: The system produces a line-item cost to install a utility sink, complete with allowances for unforeseen conditions.

3. Material selection: Browse fixtures directly inside the platform and see price changes reflected instantly.

4. On-site verification: A CountBricks trade partner confirms site conditions and finalizes start date.

5. Installation & inspection: Licensed pros complete the work, then schedule inspection through the app.

6. Final invoice: A punch-list checklist triggers the closing invoice—no surprises, full transparency.

Money-Saving Strategies without Cutting Corners

• Choose PEX over copper where code allows; material cost can drop by 30 % and labor hours decrease.

• Install a single-handle faucet to minimize extra holes and reduce labor by roughly 15 minutes.

• If venting is complex, ask about an AAV to avoid roof-line penetrations (subject to code approval).

• Schedule multiple small plumbing jobs together—CountBricks automatically bundles mobilization costs.

• Use our real-time price alerts to purchase fixtures when local supplier discounts hit.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Asbestos or lead abatement in homes built before 1980.

• Foundation drilling if the sink must tie into a below-slab line.

• Electrical upgrades for pumps or water heaters located nearby.

• Demolition and haul-off if an existing cabinet or wall section must be removed.

Why Des Moines Homeowners Choose CountBricks

• Rapid estimates: Most customers receive a detailed quote within 20 minutes of the first call.

• Local expertise: Our vetted tradespeople know Polk County code inside and out.

• One-stop shop: From permits to final inspection, everything is scheduled and tracked in the CountBricks dashboard.

• Flexible financing: Integrations with leading lenders let you split payments while locking in today’s price.

Case Snapshot: Beaverdale Basement Upgrade

When the Harper family wanted a utility sink beside their new washer-dryer stack, CountBricks produced an $1,120 estimate on a Friday, secured the permit Monday, and had water running by Wednesday afternoon. Live chat updates kept the Harpers in the loop, and the final invoice matched the original quote within $18—proof that data-driven estimating protects homeowner budgets.

Getting Started

Ready to discover your precise cost to install a utility sink? Visit CountBricks.com/services or start a voice call in our app. You’ll have a shareable, contractor-ready estimate before you finish your coffee.

Are you a construction professional? Use AI to build and edit full estimates, quotes and bids.

Digging Deeper: Fixture Choices and Budget Impact

While labor often dominates installation costs, the sink and faucet you pick can swing the total by several hundred dollars. CountBricks categorizes fixtures into three tiers so homeowners instantly see price and performance differences.

Tier 1 – Budget-Friendly Acrylic Basins

• Average fixture cost: $110

• Lightweight and easy to mount on simple wall brackets

• Best for quick basement wash-ups or paint-brush cleaning stations

Tier 2 – Mid-Range Polypropylene Cabinet Sets

• Average fixture cost: $285

• Integrated storage base hides supplies and shut-off valves

• Works well in mudrooms where appearance matters

Tier 3 – Premium Cast-Iron or Stainless Tubs

• Average fixture cost: $600+

• Virtually indestructible surfaces withstand constant chemical exposure

• Ideal for hobbyists, gardeners, or pet-wash stations

Pro Tips from CountBricks Installers

• Always add quarter-turn shut-offs on both hot and cold lines; future maintenance takes seconds instead of hours.

• Use a high-arc faucet with a removable aerator—perfect for filling buckets or rinsing muddy boots.

• If your floor drain is nearby, connect an emergency overflow hose to prevent minor floods from becoming disasters.

Leverage CountBricks Financing

Unexpected costs sometimes pop up, even with the most accurate estimate. Through CountBricks Pay, you can split the final invoice into 6-, 12-, or 18-month installments without delaying the project. The approval process is embedded in the same dashboard you use to track progress, making cash flow planning effortless.

Next Steps

1. Log in to your CountBricks dashboard or create a free account.

2. Select “Plumbing Upgrade” and answer five quick questions about your desired sink location.

3. Receive a tailored estimate for the cost to install a utility sink, including fixture options and schedule availability.

4. Approve with one click and let our vetted pros handle the rest.

CountBricks turns what used to be a guessing game into a data-driven, worry-free upgrade. Join thousands of Midwest homeowners who have already discovered the smarter way to build.