When building a new home, you need to think about sinks early in the construction process.

As the framing crew nails the last few two-by-fours together and stands the last of your interior framework, the plumbing crew is ready to do the rough-ins.

Rough-in time is when the plumber runs all the plumbing lines and installs basic connections for sinks and wall-mounted taps. These lines run between the two-by-fours and eventually will be covered by the drywall. At this stage the plumber must know the height and location of all sinks and wall taps.

If you want one of the aesthetically pleasing and popular vessel type sinks or a pedestal sink, you must make these decisions before framing commences. This style of sink requires specific placement of supply lines and drainage lines, so they must be selected prior to the completion of your homes framing.

Today's sinks, especially bathroom sinks (referred to in the industry as lavatories) are more than just round bowls that sit on the counter. Sinks are truly works of art that come in an infinite range of colours, patterns, designs, heights and shapes.

Sinks are made from a wide variety of materials including spun glass, lead crystal, hand-painted fine china, earthenware, concrete, stone copper, cast iron, stainless steel and even wood. These plumbing sculptures can be pedestal style, wall hung, under-counter mount, above counter vessels, integrated, self-rimming or freestanding.

Indeed, sinks have become a sign of creativity and self-expression in our homes.

Perhaps the hottest new look in sink ware is the vessel sink — basins that sit above the counter and that have finished inside and outside walls, a favourite, especially in powder rooms and master bathrooms. Vessel- styled lavatories may well look modern but they are actually a style evolved from the traditional pitcher and washbasin, used before the days of modern plumbing.

Vessels sinks, fabricated from a vast variety of materials can be installed to rest above the counter top as their original counterparts were, counter sunk into the counter surface, installed with a wall-mount bracket or molded as one-piece units (think concrete or hand-forged metal) that become both counter and sink.

When selecting a vessel style sink, know that many do not have overflow valves. What does this mean to you? A drip or a faucet accidentally left on could overflow and cause serious water damage to your home.

For vessel sinks, consider instructing the plumber to lock the drain in the open position. While you won't be able to fill the sink with water (who needs to do this in the powder room anyway?), you can be assured the sink will not overflow. It doesn't take much water to cause damage. When employing a vessel style sink in your bathroom, you also need to consider the type or style of faucet you will use. A standard counter top faucet will not work with most vessel sinks. Many designers and homeowners opt for a wall-mounted faucet with this sink style to accommodate the vessel's height.

Your other option is to use a very tall single lever faucet. Some vessel sinks have a built- in faucet. If possible, have both the vessel sink and the faucet on site for your plumber to review mounting and installation requirements with you and your builder prior to initiating the plumbing rough in.

Your cabinetmaker will also need to be in the loop with respect to your sink and faucet selections. A vessel sink will often sit above the counter. If the bathroom cabinet is made to standard height (usually 30 inches) and you then set your vessel sink on top of the cabinet, making the total height 34 to 40 inches, it may be too high to function properly. Most often, cabinets that will be housing vessel styled sinks are made a few inches below standard height to accommodate the bowl height.

A vessel style sink can be a great addition to your new home. Think of them as art for the most private of spaces.

Cheryll Gillespie is a nationally syndicated Design and Décor columnist.