How much does basin installation cost? [2024]

If you're adding a basin or renovating your bathroom or kitchen, you need an idea of how much it costs. Basin installation cost depends on the type of basin and tapware you select as well as the labour cost.

Read this price guide to find out more about:

• Basin installation costs at a glance
• How much do basins cost?
• How much does tapware cost?
• How much does basin installation cost?
• Choosing the right plumber for basin installation
• Getting quotes for basin installation

Basin installation costs at a glance

Basin installation cost is based on 3 main factors – the cost of the basin, the cost of tapware and how much a licensed plumber or renovator charges to install it for you. These prices can range from:

• $150–$1600 for a basin, depending on type, quality and material
• $100–$1500 for tapware, depending on style, quality and function
• $100–$150 per hour for a plumber plus a $60–$100 call-out fee. The call-out fee may be waived for larger jobs.

Read more: How much does an average bathroom renovation cost?

How much do basins cost?

Whether you prefer a round or rectangular sink, the look and function of basins are important considerations for your bathroom or kitchen design. However, the cost of a basin can be a serious consideration if you're on a budget. Costs range from:

• $150 for a basic sink
• $170 for a vessel sink
• $400 or more for an above counter basin
• $950 or less for an undermount sink

Premium materials and finishes can cost significantly more. Expect to pay around:

• $500 or less for a stainless steel sink
• $700 or more for a designer basin
• $1400 or less for a granite sink
• $1600 or less for a matte or gloss black basin

The basin or basins you choose will have an effect on the cost of installing them. If the basin is installed in the same place as the previous basin, the installation cost will be much lower than creating a new plumbing connection. A double sink will also require more pipes and labour than a single sink, so the costs will be higher.

How much does tapware cost?

The prices for tapware can also vary considerably, ranging from:

• $100 or less for basic bathroom tapware
• $150–$200 for basic kitchen tapware
• $1000 or more for designer tapware
• $1500 or less for more expensive tapware such as a designer dual function pull-out tapware set

There are many prices between these two extremes, and you might find the perfect tapware for your kitchen or bathroom for around $500 or less. After you have chosen a basin or basins and tapware, you can start getting quotes for their installation.

How much does basin installation cost?

Choosing the right plumber for the job is another important decision. Plumbers charge varying rates and most plumbers charge call-out rates for smaller jobs. In general, plumbers charge around:

• $100–$150 per hour (depending on your location)
• $60–$100 call-out fee

The average job may only cost $160 to $250, but this will also depend on the time it takes the plumber to do the job and the pipes and fittings they use to complete the job. This depends on how complex your basin installation is.

If you're replacing a basin in the same place as the old basin, the cost of a plumber might only be the median price of $190. However, if you're installing a basin in a new location, the plumber's work will be more extensive, as they will have to install new pipes.

For example, you may want to install a basin on a kitchen island. If the plumber can get under the house, they will connect the pipes there and drill a hole through the floor to connect pipes to the new basin and taps. It might take them 4 to 8 hours to make all the connections, charged at their hourly rate.

Plumbers may not charge a call-out rate for a longer job, but they will charge their hourly rate plus the cost of pipes and fittings instead. So, for a 4 hour job this cost could be $400–$600 (plus other costs) if the plumber charges $100 per hour or $600–$900 if they charge $150 per hour. If the job takes all day, the charges will be double the 4-hour rate.

Read more: Bathroom and water renovation regulations by state

Choosing the right plumber for basin installation

Choosing the cheapest plumber isn't always the best approach. It may be a good idea if the plumber is experienced and has worked in your area for a long time. However, some plumbers charge cheaper rates in order to attract customers and they may not have the level of experience a more established plumber can have. This can work against you in two ways:

• They may make a mistake when they do the work
• They may take longer to do the work

You don't want a plumber to make a mistake when they install a basin or basins, and if they take longer to do the work, a plumber who charges a lower rate may end up costing more than a plumber who has installed hundreds of basins and taps and can finish the job quickly and efficiently.

The cost of a plumber is only one consideration. Plumbers must be licensed in every state and territory of Australia, so you should make sure they hold a current licence and are insured. Their insurance is important, because you could end up paying for their mistakes if they aren't insured.

Getting quotes for basin installation

The best way to find an affordable and reliable plumber is to get 3 quotes from plumbers in your area. When you get quotes from plumbers, ask about their call-out rates and hourly rates. These will give you an indication of how much your basin installation may cost.

Explain the job in as much detail as possible, including:

• The type of basin you want
• The tapware you want
• If the basin and tapware are replacements going in the same location
• Whether the taps are wall-installed or on the benchtop
• The distance from existing pipes
• If you want a basin installed somewhere there are no existing pipes

All of this information can help plumbers with their initial online quotes. If the taps are wall-installed, the plumber may have to do extra work if your new tapware is a different size from your existing tapware. The quotes may change after they have inspected the job, but the more information you can give them online, the closer the initial quote will be to the final quote.

Ask plumbers how long they have been working in your area and make your decision based on their years of experience and their rates. Then you can get the best job for the lowest possible price.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.