Always measure a new sink before making a purchase, homeowners are being advised.Daily Herald reporter Debra Smith says the kitchen sink doesnt get the credit it deserves for its many uses and deserves some attention when it comes to choosing a new one.Talking to the newspaper, designer Chandra Sadro says when deciding on a new sink, consumers should consider the type of counter top they have chosen.Under-mount sinks only work with hard surfaces such as granite, she says, while some sinks will require custom-made cabinets.There are a range of designs available, from unconventional shapes and multiple basins to minimalist steel styles and apron-fronted vintage reproductions, Ms Sadro says.Whatever the sink, always measure it, she advises. This can be done by checking the manufacturers specifications online or in the brochure or by taking a tape measure into the store.Thats what designers do, she says.They dont just pick things, they make sure the maths works and it functions well. People can do this on their own if they stop and do a little research.Research carried out by Zurich found that almost half (47 per cent) of homeowners do not inform their insurance provider of major DIY work and nearly three quarters (73 per cent) do not know whether their policy would cover any mistakes.