« previous next »
Pages: 1 [2] 3

Author Topic: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen  (Read 11287 times)

Offline Minimal4me

  • Council Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 342
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #15 on: March 18, 2015, 05:48:44 PM »
QueensGal, I wrote a step by step here:

http://renov8or.blogspot.com/2014/02/painting-kitchen-cabinets.html

Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to share my experience.

Krista, if your countertop was glued in with a lot of liquid nails or something like that, getting it out could damage the wall or backsplash. Maybe that's what they mean. In general the backsplash wall will need at least some patch repair when you pull off the counter.

But it's so worth it. When you are on a budget, and looking at replacing a really hideous Formica, I really love wood. It's inexpensive and great looking. You just need to treat it with a wood oil. And if it's going over a dishwasher, apply foil backing to that spot.

It's not a "forever" change. But one that will serve you a good long time and will look great.
Logged

Offline Superclam

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 610
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #16 on: March 19, 2015, 07:24:16 AM »
Great blog, Minimal4me! I'm thinking about some cosmetic changes and I'll definitely steal a few of your ideas!
Logged

Offline Lilybell

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 1253
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #17 on: March 19, 2015, 11:01:21 AM »
Quote
Is it possible to view work he has done to another unit?

minimal, the reason I'm worried is because while we have a great super, his handyman (who does most of the work) is not detail-oriented and cuts corners. I recently had my bathroom and kitchen taken apart for a pipe replacement (counters off, appliances taken out, giant holes in the tiled walls to get to the pipes) and they did a crappy job putting everything back together. So I'm reluctant to trust them with a cosmetic job. But if I can somehow arrange for the super to do the work himself, then I'll use him. 
Logged

Offline kristag

  • Tourist
  • **
  • Posts: 14
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #18 on: March 19, 2015, 11:22:50 AM »
Quote from: Minimal4me on March 18, 2015, 05:48:44 PM

Krista, if your countertop was glued in with a lot of liquid nails or something like that, getting it out could damage the wall or backsplash. Maybe that's what they mean. In general the backsplash wall will need at least some patch repair when you pull off the counter.

But it's so worth it. When you are on a budget, and looking at replacing a really hideous Formica, I really love wood. It's inexpensive and great looking. You just need to treat it with a wood oil. And if it's going over a dishwasher, apply foil backing to that spot.


Some of the cabinets are installed around the Formica so they would have to be removed and put back, assuming they don't get damaged in the process. The amount of Formica in my kitchen is sort of astounding, so replacing it will change the whole feel.

The strange thing about butcher block counters is that they seem very popular on design blogs and I know they are sold inexpensively at Ikea, but the two contractors I've met with seem to think wood is a specialty item and didn't seem crazy about working with it. I really dislike granite and quartz is pricier than what I'm looking for right now. If I were doing stone at all, I would choose marble (which I've been warned against).
Logged

Offline Ed

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 656
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #19 on: March 19, 2015, 12:56:36 PM »
Logged

Offline Superclam

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 610
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #20 on: March 19, 2015, 01:49:46 PM »
I love those poured concrete countertops. I wonder how hard it is to create?
Logged

Offline Minimal4me

  • Council Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 342
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #21 on: March 20, 2015, 06:56:06 PM »
Quote from: Lilybell on March 19, 2015, 11:01:21 AM
Quote
Is it possible to view work he has done to another unit?
while we have a great super, his handyman (who does most of the work) is not detail-oriented and cuts corners. I recently had my bathroom and kitchen taken apart for a pipe replacement (counters off, appliances taken out, giant holes in the tiled walls to get to the pipes) and they did a crappy job putting everything back together. So I'm reluctant to trust them with a cosmetic job. But if I can somehow arrange for the super to do the work himself, then I'll use him.

That sounds like a valid red flag. I hope you can get the super to commit to doing the work himself. That would be a real advantage.
Logged

Offline Minimal4me

  • Council Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 342
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #22 on: March 20, 2015, 07:31:46 PM »
Quote from: kristag on March 19, 2015, 11:22:50 AM

The strange thing about butcher block counters is that they seem very popular on design blogs and I know they are sold inexpensively at Ikea, but the two contractors I've met with seem to think wood is a specialty item and didn't seem crazy about working with it.

Not so strange. They'd prefer you to outsource to a fabricator of granite or marble or whatever. Less work that they personally are responsible for.

But a good contractor can easily make cuts to wood countertop for your stove or sink. Or they will certainly have a carpenter who can.

I replaced the Formica counters in our last home - a rental in Sunnyside - with a stretch of Numarar butcherblock from Ikea that I got for $80 for an 8-foot piece, from their as is dept - where they sell their old display units.

For about the same cost I paid a carpenter to make my cuts. It turned out beautifully:

https://plus.google.com/photos/101852968015414760950/albums/5669361051308662065

It doesn't HAVE to cost a lot to make things look just a little better.
Logged

Offline Minimal4me

  • Council Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 342
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #23 on: March 20, 2015, 08:42:21 PM »
Superclam, thanks so much. Let me know if you have any questions about the blog.

I have not done concrete countertops yet - but I do love the look of them!

My brothers in Houston have a business doing polished concrete floors. I keep trying to lure them to NYC to try their hand at countertops - my kitchen as experimental lab - but no luck so far.
Logged

Offline Superclam

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 610
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #24 on: March 20, 2015, 09:24:05 PM »
I think we might start with the cabinet doors. The cabinets are old & are made of solid wood which is in very good shape. However, the hinges are enormous and have what I call a "Medieval Times" look. I guess they were popular in the 70's.
I'm worried about starting small and having the job blow up into a full kitchen replacement. Not that I'm against that, but I don't have that kind of $$.
Logged

Offline CaptainFlannel

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 1123
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #25 on: April 18, 2015, 06:48:05 PM »
Another option to consider is cabinet refacing. We had a consult with Home Depot. They'll install new doors with modern hinges (on the inside), sand down years of paint to add a laminate overlay to match the doors, add cabinetry if you want, replace a counter top, and it includes all hardware and a new faucet. The end result is a modern looking kitchen, in about three days. We're still trying to figure out if this is the route we want to go. It's not inexpensive, but I like the idea of sticking with our actual wooden cabinets, versus ripping out and replacing them with something of lesser quality. 

A word of advice though, if you want to go this route, wait until you've done your research and have a good chunk of money saved. When the Home Depot designer does the consult, at that time he/she can offer you a lot - 10% discount, 24 month financing interest free. If you sign on the dotted line then and there, you can get those deals. (In NY state, you have 72 hours to change your mind).
Logged

Offline pixgirl

  • Tourist
  • **
  • Posts: 10
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #26 on: April 18, 2015, 06:55:12 PM »
Quote from: CaptainFlannel on April 18, 2015, 06:48:05 PM
Another option to consider is cabinet refacing. We had a consult with Home Depot. They'll install new doors with modern hinges (on the inside), sand down years of paint to add a laminate overlay to match the doors, add cabinetry if you want, replace a counter top, and it includes all hardware and a new faucet. The end result is a modern looking kitchen, in about three days. We're still trying to figure out if this is the route we want to go. It's not inexpensive, but I like the idea of sticking with our actual wooden cabinets, versus ripping out and replacing them with something of lesser quality. 

A word of advice though, if you want to go this route, wait until you've done your research and have a good chunk of money saved. When the Home Depot designer does the consult, at that time he/she can offer you a lot - 10% discount, 24 month financing interest free. If you sign on the dotted line then and there, you can get those deals. (In NY state, you have 72 hours to change your mind).

We went this route but used Sears. For the love of God, do not use Sears. The experience was horrendous and the project coordinator they assign to Jackson Heights is such a jerk. I would hope that Home Depot is better.

Good luck!
Logged

Offline Handyman

  • Citizen
  • ****
  • Posts: 73
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #27 on: April 21, 2015, 10:46:02 AM »
Best thing to do is reface the cabinets with new decorative doors of your choice. They can easily be made to match existing color and stain. If you want totally new, Ikea looks great but we all know about Ikea. If you need help I am available to re due/assemble and install your cabinets in any manner you like.

James
347-804-8427
Logged

Offline katch

  • Tourist
  • **
  • Posts: 11
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #28 on: May 06, 2015, 01:39:43 PM »
Hi,

I'm new to JHL, thought I'd chip in on the conversation.  My husband and I recently bought and fixed up our coop JR-4.  The process was fairly long from closing, to choosing a contractor to actually finishing - be prepared!

Our contractor did a pretty good job.  The cost for labor was around $5000 but it was bundled with the rest of the work so I assume it was somewhat discounted since we redid kitchen, bathroom, skimcoat, floors and a whole bunch of other things.  We bought Ikea cabinets and they are holding up well, it cost about $3800 for those.  Our countertops are caesarstone from a company in Woodside, cost about $1300.  Total with higher end appliances was about $14000 but I think you can do less given your kitchen.  The materials you choose could go lower too.

I attached a photo of our kitchen to get an idea on size.  Hope this helps. 

Best,

Logged

Offline Shelby2

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 4955
    • View Profile
Re: Estimated cost of rennovating kitchen
« Reply #29 on: May 06, 2015, 07:39:42 PM »
Quote from: katch on May 06, 2015, 01:39:43 PM
I attached a photo of our kitchen to get an idea on size.  Hope this helps. 


Welcome to JHL and thanks for the info and the pic.  You must be very happy to be done with the renovation!
Logged
Pages: 1 [2] 3
« previous next »