A Comprehensive Guide to Double Sink Vanities: Buyers’ Most Coveted Bathroom Feature

In HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights Report for Q4 2020, agents ranked a double sink vanity as the number one bathroom upgrade for 2021, with 64% of agents saying this upgrade appeals to buyers. So if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your bathroom’s functionality and bump your home’s value in one go, add a double sink vanity. 

We’ll walk you through the cost and scope of adding a double sink vanity to the bathroom. For added insight, we consulted top-selling agent Cheryl Coleman, who sells 81% more single-family homes than the average agent in Huntington Beach, CA. Coleman weighs in on the value double sink vanities bring at resale, as well as important considerations homeowners should weigh before taking on this trending bathroom upgrade.

Double sink vanities add glamor and efficiency

When remodeling your home, there are endless upgrades to choose from. Since bathrooms are one of your home’s key selling points, it’s wise to give these spaces some TLC. Adding a double sink vanity is a relatively easy project to take your primary bathroom to the next level.

• You can improve your daily routine: Coleman notes that when you have two people getting ready at the same time, a double sink vanity can mean the difference between getting out the door on time or explaining why you’re late — again. With individual grooming stations, you and your partner will have more personal space and plenty of room to be as messy (or neat) as you want to be.
• You might gain additional storage: If you’re extending your entire vanity to accommodate the second sink, you may add more bathroom storage in the process. Extra storage is especially beneficial in older homes that do not include large closets or built-in cabinetry.
• Buyers value double sink vanities: Prior to the 1980s, primary bathrooms were not “a thing.” Bathrooms were purely utilitarian, and that was that. Since then, bathrooms have grown more and more luxurious. While double sink vanities weren’t a selling point just a few decades ago, they certainly are today. In 2019, 71% of home buyers indicated that a double sink vanity was an “essential/must have or desirable” item.”

Double vanities cost $750 to $3,200 on average

HomeAdvisor estimates that adding a double sink vanity can cost anywhere from $750 to $3,200. There are many factors that figure into your final cost. Here’s a breakdown:

• Remove the existing vanity: $100-$400
• Replace old plumbing and pipes: $350-$1,800 (plumbers charge between $45/hour and $200/hour, on average)
• Purchase a prefab double sink vanity: $600-$1,000
• Add Fixtures: $158-$342

This price estimation is on the conservative side. If you choose high-end materials and finishes, your final project cost will be higher. Not to mention, the project cost may increase if you run into any remodeling issues.

If you DIY, opt for a prefab double vanity

Big box home stores make it easy enough for folks to complete DIY projects in their homes. For example, most people can easily paint the room themselves. However, Coleman advises homeowners to hire a pro if the project involves “plumbing, electrical work, and trying to cut granite or quartz.” Delusions of grandeur can lead to poor workmanship and inflated reno bills.

Prefab vanities with built-in sinks are a good bet for homeowners looking to revamp their bathroom DIY-style. Once you remove your existing unit, all you need to do is connect the prefab vanity to your existing plumbing.

A double sink vanity boosts your home’s marketability

According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, you won’t recover your total spend for a primary bathroom remodel; homeowners can expect to recoup around 57% of project costs.

While a bathroom might not add as much value as you’d expect, it can significantly increase your home’s marketability. Bathrooms and kitchens tend to be the “make or break” factors in home sales. If these two areas of the home look good, you’re likely to receive more offers on your home. On the other hand, if these spaces look outdated, you can lose prospective buyers interested in move-in ready homes.

“There are two ways to sell a home: either a fixer at a low price or a home that’s upgraded, move-in ready, and it’s gorgeous. There’s nothing in between right now,” shares Coleman.

If your home is a fixer-upper, upgrading the vanity won’t significantly impact your home’s ability to sell. On the other hand, if you’re selling a well-maintained home in a competitive market, a double sink vanity may influence buyers to choose your home over the neighbors’.

Project considerations

If you decide to add a double vanity sink to your bathroom, there are a few things you’ll want to think about before diving in.

Room size

Before you begin your bathroom remodel, assess the size of your bathroom. You also must ensure that the vanity is to scale with the other bathroom features. If the vanity takes up more than a third of the space, it can make the room appear cramped.

While Coleman acknowledges that adding a double sink vanity is a relatively easy bathroom upgrade, she advises homeowners to skip it if there’s no room. “Sometimes the bathroom is just not big enough to do that, and so you’re not going to get your money back,” she comments.

Counter width

Single vanity counters tend to range anywhere from 24 to 48 inches long. Meanwhile, a standard double sink can run anywhere from 60 to 72 inches; you need five to six feet of wall space to accommodate the vanity.

It’s also worth noting that while there are smaller double sink vanities (48 inches) on the market, they don’t add the same level of efficiency and style as the standard design.

Cost efficiency

As with any remodeling project, it’s wise to consider the project’s overall cost-efficiency before breaking out the sledgehammer.  If you have enough space and it’s just a matter of a swap out, adding a double sink vanity is an ideal way to upgrade the bathroom. However, if you have to create space (i.e., knock out walls) to accommodate a double vanity sink, you might be better off channeling your reno funds into a project with a higher ROI.

Consult your agent before you add a double sink vanity

If you’re still wondering if upgrading to a double sink vanity is worth it, reach out to a local real estate agent. They’ll advise you on whether or not local buyers expect this

feature in homes at your price point. If you’re lucky, they may even refer you to vetted contractors who have strong portfolios of beautiful bathrooms under their belts.

Header Image Source: (Taylor Beach / Unsplash)