topic Re: Redoing Kitchen in Home

Redoing Kitchen

Equuleus — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 20:41:54 GMT

After 20 years of waiting, it's finally gonna happen. Problem is, I am totally at a loss as where to begin. I go and look at all the products (counter tops, sinks, backsplash, flooring, cabinets) and I am very confused. Where do I start???? Does anyone know of a program to design a kitchen so I can add colors and different flooring and cabinets, etc so I can get an actual picture of what it would look like?

Re: Redoing Kitchen

MJDinVegas — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 20:50:36 GMT

Hi, @Equuleus! How exciting to get your kitchen redone! A friend of mine here in the Vegas area just had hers redone. She used a kitchen designer, who was able to pass along her discounts on the various items on to her. A designer could help with color selection and redesign of the area if you are thinking of moving things around. Another option are firms that specialize in kitchen renovation/showrooms like Ferguson to get ideas. We redid our kitchen years ago when we lived in Huntington Beach and used a company that specialized in kitchen cabinets; what was to be a refacing of cabinets ended up being a full gut job. Hopefully, some of this helps you!

Re: Redoing Kitchen

ccassaday — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 20:53:51 GMT

I would start with looking at photos on pinterest and online at kitchens. See if there are any that you like.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

Beauty Maven — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 20:54:21 GMT

Start with a budget and a good contractor. Your budget will be your guide and will eliminate a lot of "noise" or choices that can be confusing. A good contractor will give you a line-item bid showing exact costs: demo, electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops etc. Make sure contractor is licensed, and hires licensed electrician and plumber who pull necessary permits. This is the only way you'll have leverage and recourse if something goes wrong. Good luck! (Sorry, I don't know of any design websites, but I'm sure they exist -- maybe you can google?)

Re: Redoing Kitchen

faeriemoon — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 20:55:20 GMT

@Equuleus wrote:
After 20 years of waiting, it's finally gonna happen. Problem is, I am totally at a loss as where to begin. I go and look at all the products (counter tops, sinks, backsplash, flooring, cabinets) and I am very confused. Where do I start???? Does anyone know of a program to design a kitchen so I can add colors and different flooring and cabinets, etc so I can get an actual picture of what it would look like?

Start with the item you are most passionate about. The cabinets? The counter top? The floor? Pick one, them base your other choices around it.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

ScrapHappy — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 21:26:35 GMT

@Equuleus wrote:
After 20 years of waiting, it's finally gonna happen. Problem is, I am totally at a loss as where to begin. I go and look at all the products (counter tops, sinks, backsplash, flooring, cabinets) and I am very confused. Where do I start???? Does anyone know of a program to design a kitchen so I can add colors and different flooring and cabinets, etc so I can get an actual picture of what it would look like?

We remodeled 3 bathrooms (including the master) recently. Took it all to the studs. I looked into those "all inclusive" companies that will design and do all the work. However, I found them to be way too expensive and, for the most part, they want you to choose your materials with them (cabinets, tile, faucets, countertops, etc.) The price they work up for you is all materials that are the least expensive and not the most attractive. Of course you'll want to pick out the nicer more expensive stuff. It took us months to find a contractor, like 8 months or more. Maybe it's just my area but so many contractors would come in and first thing they'd say is "well...a master bathroom starts at $30,000 in this area." One all inclusive company wouldn't even consider working with you if it didn't start at $60,000. NO LIE! Crazy, I know. I started looking on line at pinterest and other sites like that to get ideas. Then I'd go to a granite/quartz place to look at slabs of countertops. The counter tops and cabinets are the most important, IMO. Each time I found a slab that I really, really liked and then everything else was picked out to match. I did go to Ferguson to look at faucets, sinks, etc., but they were way overpriced. I ended up going to a local company for sinks, faucets and tubs and they were fabulous! Still expensive, but not things you'd get off the shelves at Home Depot but still less than Ferguson. My biggest tip is, besides finding a contractor, have everything picked out first. Run it by the contractor is you have problems/questions and order it and have it on site BEFORE work starts. Buy extra tile, always need more and always good to have extra. Remember that you'll need your sinks and faucets picked out so the fabricator for the countertops know what to cut. I did not think I could go to these places and know what I'm doing and pick out what I wanted and make it all work but at the same time I felt I know what I like more than a designer would. Going to a designer or an all inclusive company probably would be easier, but you're going to pay for them to do all that. Another tip if you go the route of finding materials on your own, have it delivered or pick it up yourself. Most contractors will charge you for their time to do that. Good luck. Try not to stress about it. It can be a lot of fun.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

riley1 — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 21:45:00 GMT

@Equuleus - Definitely have a budget and time frame in mind. Keep in mind, it will probably cost more and take longer than you expect.

When I redid my kitchen, I went to several kitchen designers and picked one from that line-up. He did the drawings from which we made some changes.

Once we were ready to shop he took me to all the stores and did the ordering. Easy Peasy. Saved a lot of stress & headaches.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

depglass — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 21:45:02 GMT

I like fairiemoon's idea. There must be one item you are passionate about, a granite counter, stainless appliances, perhaps scraped oak hardwood floors. Make sure you get that one item and move on from there. 11 years later I am still sorry I settled for Formica counters instead of granite.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

Equuleus — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 21:51:32 GMT

@faeriemoon and @depglass I have read that also. Start with the countertop or cabinets, whichever is your main focus. I do think it's the countertop because that was the one thing I disliked the most - lack of countertop (and what is there now is hideous). I already know what cabinets I want. I'm trying to think of it all at once. I have to take it one step at a time. I'm just so excited.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

VaBelle35 — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 21:58:47 GMT

@ScrapHappy wrote:
@Equuleus wrote:
After 20 years of waiting, it's finally gonna happen. Problem is, I am totally at a loss as where to begin. I go and look at all the products (counter tops, sinks, backsplash, flooring, cabinets) and I am very confused. Where do I start???? Does anyone know of a program to design a kitchen so I can add colors and different flooring and cabinets, etc so I can get an actual picture of what it would look like?
We remodeled 3 bathrooms (including the master) recently. Took it all to the studs. I looked into those "all inclusive" companies that will design and do all the work. However, I found them to be way too expensive and, for the most part, they want you to choose your materials with them (cabinets, tile, faucets, countertops, etc.) The price they work up for you is all materials that are the least expensive and not the most attractive. Of course you'll want to pick out the nicer more expensive stuff. It took us months to find a contractor, like 8 months or more. Maybe it's just my area but so many contractors would come in and first thing they'd say is "well...a master bathroom starts at $30,000 in this area." One all inclusive company wouldn't even consider working with you if it didn't start at $60,000. NO LIE! Crazy, I know. I started looking on line at pinterest and other sites like that to get ideas. Then I'd go to a granite/quartz place to look at slabs of countertops. The counter tops and cabinets are the most important, IMO. Each time I found a slab that I really, really liked and then everything else was picked out to match. I did go to Ferguson to look at faucets, sinks, etc., but they were way overpriced. I ended up going to a local company for sinks, faucets and tubs and they were fabulous! Still expensive, but not things you'd get off the shelves at Home Depot but still less than Ferguson. My biggest tip is, besides finding a contractor, have everything picked out first. Run it by the contractor is you have problems/questions and order it and have it on site BEFORE work starts. Buy extra tile, always need more and always good to have extra. Remember that you'll need your sinks and faucets picked out so the fabricator for the countertops know what to cut. I did not think I could go to these places and know what I'm doing and pick out what I wanted and make it all work but at the same time I felt I know what I like more than a designer would. Going to a designer or an all inclusive company probably would be easier, but you're going to pay for them to do all that. Another tip if you go the route of finding materials on your own, have it delivered or pick it up yourself. Most contractors will charge you for their time to do that. Good luck. Try not to stress about it. It can be a lot of fun.

@ScrapHappy This is interesting because I just had a call back today from an inclusive company and he told me that my home has to be brought up to code and a 12 x 6 bathroom starts at $40k. My house was built in 1993 and he said the building codes changed in 1994. I've had several other quotes from non-inclusive and they ranged from $2500 for a refresh to $10k for a remodel.

I need to ask my neighbors if they had to bring their homes up to code in order to remodel.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

SandPiper — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 22:19:45 GMT

We remodeled our kitchen 11 years ago. Gutted the whole room. I say get a kitchen designer to make suggestions and draw up blueprints. This way you have a picture of what it will look like. Then the fun part starts. Deciding on type and color of cabinets, floors, backsplash, etc.

We were out of touch with anything kitchen because we hadn’t changed it for 15 years prior. It was enlightening and confusing at the same time. I logged countless hours online looking up everything kitchen. DH and I went to many, many kitchen showrooms and tile and granite stores and home trade shows to get ideas and see what was new. Some showrooms we went to numerous times. I remember being in a tile store for 5 hours and left without making a decision. Thank goodness DH has patience.

However you decide to start, just have fun. Oh and it’s a good idea to keep a notebook through the process. It helps a lot.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

Mom2Dogs — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 22:28:17 GMT

A good contractor and photos of what you like and you are on your way....lucky you!!

Re: Redoing Kitchen

151949 — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 22:52:36 GMT

@MJDinVegas wrote:
Hi, @Equuleus! How exciting to get your kitchen redone! A friend of mine here in the Vegas area just had hers redone. She used a kitchen designer, who was able to pass along her discounts on the various items on to her. A designer could help with color selection and redesign of the area if you are thinking of moving things around. Another option are firms that specialize in kitchen renovation/showrooms like Ferguson to get ideas. We redid our kitchen years ago when we lived in Huntington Beach and used a company that specialized in kitchen cabinets; what was to be a refacing of cabinets ended up being a full gut job. Hopefully, some of this helps you!

We used a professional kitchen designer when we remodeled our kitchen in Pa. Best money we ever spent. He did not waste an inch and gave us everything we asked for.I was sad to leave that kitchen.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

Mominohio — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 23:27:14 GMT

@faeriemoon wrote:
@Equuleus wrote:
After 20 years of waiting, it's finally gonna happen. Problem is, I am totally at a loss as where to begin. I go and look at all the products (counter tops, sinks, backsplash, flooring, cabinets) and I am very confused. Where do I start???? Does anyone know of a program to design a kitchen so I can add colors and different flooring and cabinets, etc so I can get an actual picture of what it would look like?

Start with the item you are most passionate about. The cabinets? The counter top? The floor? Pick one, them base your other choices around it.

This would be my approach as well @faeriemoon

So much will depend on the size of the room, the budget available, and the tolerance for being torn up.

I have limited space, none to pull from another room and not going to add on if/when I can do this. The cabinets and the floors are the biggest and most seen things, so those would be where I would start, choosing the cabinets and the floors, with the counters next.

And I would consider that at this stage of life, this would be the only time I was going to do this, and I want to be sure it is something I won't tire of, can live with, and won't look horribly dated in the span of time I expect to live there.

For me personally, I know I won't knock out walls, or do other major changes, and knowing that (or knowing you will) going in, will let you be able to communicate with contractors seriously. Don't let them drag you down some fantasy kitchen road if you know you won't do it, can't afford it, or won't tolerate being torn up for the many weeks they can take to get it done.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

ScrapHappy — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 00:19:12 GMT

@VaBelle35 wrote:
@ScrapHappy wrote:
@Equuleus wrote:
After 20 years of waiting, it's finally gonna happen. Problem is, I am totally at a loss as where to begin. I go and look at all the products (counter tops, sinks, backsplash, flooring, cabinets) and I am very confused. Where do I start???? Does anyone know of a program to design a kitchen so I can add colors and different flooring and cabinets, etc so I can get an actual picture of what it would look like?
We remodeled 3 bathrooms (including the master) recently. Took it all to the studs. I looked into those "all inclusive" companies that will design and do all the work. However, I found them to be way too expensive and, for the most part, they want you to choose your materials with them (cabinets, tile, faucets, countertops, etc.) The price they work up for you is all materials that are the least expensive and not the most attractive. Of course you'll want to pick out the nicer more expensive stuff. It took us months to find a contractor, like 8 months or more. Maybe it's just my area but so many contractors would come in and first thing they'd say is "well...a master bathroom starts at $30,000 in this area." One all inclusive company wouldn't even consider working with you if it didn't start at $60,000. NO LIE! Crazy, I know. I started looking on line at pinterest and other sites like that to get ideas. Then I'd go to a granite/quartz place to look at slabs of countertops. The counter tops and cabinets are the most important, IMO. Each time I found a slab that I really, really liked and then everything else was picked out to match. I did go to Ferguson to look at faucets, sinks, etc., but they were way overpriced. I ended up going to a local company for sinks, faucets and tubs and they were fabulous! Still expensive, but not things you'd get off the shelves at Home Depot but still less than Ferguson. My biggest tip is, besides finding a contractor, have everything picked out first. Run it by the contractor is you have problems/questions and order it and have it on site BEFORE work starts. Buy extra tile, always need more and always good to have extra. Remember that you'll need your sinks and faucets picked out so the fabricator for the countertops know what to cut. I did not think I could go to these places and know what I'm doing and pick out what I wanted and make it all work but at the same time I felt I know what I like more than a designer would. Going to a designer or an all inclusive company probably would be easier, but you're going to pay for them to do all that. Another tip if you go the route of finding materials on your own, have it delivered or pick it up yourself. Most contractors will charge you for their time to do that. Good luck. Try not to stress about it. It can be a lot of fun.

@ScrapHappy This is interesting because I just had a call back today from an inclusive company and he told me that my home has to be brought up to code and a 12 x 6 bathroom starts at $40k. My house was built in 1993 and he said the building codes changed in 1994. I've had several other quotes from non-inclusive and they ranged from $2500 for a refresh to $10k for a remodel.

I need to ask my neighbors if they had to bring their homes up to code in order to remodel.

Hmmmmm...did he say how/why your bathroom is not up to code? I would ask for specifics. Definitely get more quotes. As I said, it took me many months to find someone. Neighbors and word of mouth are the best referrals. The $10k from the contractor is probably just for labor and some materials. Sometimes contractors put in an allowance for a countertop of sink or something like that. I'm glad I went out and purchased all materials on my own. It saved a lot of money and much nicer than any all inclusive companies were offering. Our master bathroom is very large, it has two countertops on each side with a sink. One counter is 9 feet long and the other is 7 1/2. Our contractor charged us $14k for labor and some materials. Other contractors quoted us from $30k to as high as $52 and that was just labor. The all inclusive I went to gave me a price of $25k but the choices of material like tile, cabinet was not to my liking. When I upgraded that and just about everything else (because everything was the baseline stuff), it went up to $48k. We spent about $20K on materials that I picked out and had delivered (tile, grout, paint, shower and sink fixtures, 2 marble countertops, toilet, 2 sinks, cabinets, mirrors, lighting (x2) and chandelier, free standing soaking tub, etc. We did not change the footprint of our bathroom, kept things where they were.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

jannabelle1 — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 01:00:12 GMT

@Equuleus, good for you!! After 20 years this will be exciting for you! DH and I replaced our small town house kitchen 8 years ago. The worst thing we did was to assume that we wouldn't live here forever, so we went with medium grade cabinets, counter tops, everything. Also, we chose a contractor that pretty much just pointed us to retailers (not big box) to choose what we needed. So here we are 8 years later and no plans to leave. My advice: look for a kitchen design company that also sells products, or will point you in the right direction. They will usually have contractors who will do the installation for flooring, cabinets, etc. I thought we were fine choosing medium grade cabinets and laminate counter tops. I've regretted it since. We chose a beautiful ceramic tile floor and it worked out great, but what I see every day are the cabinets and countertops. If you can, spend the extra money to get better cabinets and counter tops. Don't just choose a contractor and get a bid. Look for a kitchen/bath company that specializes in renovations and designs. Look at the companies on the internet or get references and contact people who have done work with them. Choose the right company to work with you to get the look and the right products that you want and that work with your budget. I really regret not doing that.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

VaBelle35 — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 01:13:01 GMT

@ScrapHappy wrote:
@VaBelle35 wrote:
@ScrapHappy wrote:
@Equuleus wrote:
After 20 years of waiting, it's finally gonna happen. Problem is, I am totally at a loss as where to begin. I go and look at all the products (counter tops, sinks, backsplash, flooring, cabinets) and I am very confused. Where do I start???? Does anyone know of a program to design a kitchen so I can add colors and different flooring and cabinets, etc so I can get an actual picture of what it would look like?
We remodeled 3 bathrooms (including the master) recently. Took it all to the studs. I looked into those "all inclusive" companies that will design and do all the work. However, I found them to be way too expensive and, for the most part, they want you to choose your materials with them (cabinets, tile, faucets, countertops, etc.) The price they work up for you is all materials that are the least expensive and not the most attractive. Of course you'll want to pick out the nicer more expensive stuff. It took us months to find a contractor, like 8 months or more. Maybe it's just my area but so many contractors would come in and first thing they'd say is "well...a master bathroom starts at $30,000 in this area." One all inclusive company wouldn't even consider working with you if it didn't start at $60,000. NO LIE! Crazy, I know. I started looking on line at pinterest and other sites like that to get ideas. Then I'd go to a granite/quartz place to look at slabs of countertops. The counter tops and cabinets are the most important, IMO. Each time I found a slab that I really, really liked and then everything else was picked out to match. I did go to Ferguson to look at faucets, sinks, etc., but they were way overpriced. I ended up going to a local company for sinks, faucets and tubs and they were fabulous! Still expensive, but not things you'd get off the shelves at Home Depot but still less than Ferguson. My biggest tip is, besides finding a contractor, have everything picked out first. Run it by the contractor is you have problems/questions and order it and have it on site BEFORE work starts. Buy extra tile, always need more and always good to have extra. Remember that you'll need your sinks and faucets picked out so the fabricator for the countertops know what to cut. I did not think I could go to these places and know what I'm doing and pick out what I wanted and make it all work but at the same time I felt I know what I like more than a designer would. Going to a designer or an all inclusive company probably would be easier, but you're going to pay for them to do all that. Another tip if you go the route of finding materials on your own, have it delivered or pick it up yourself. Most contractors will charge you for their time to do that. Good luck. Try not to stress about it. It can be a lot of fun.

@ScrapHappy This is interesting because I just had a call back today from an inclusive company and he told me that my home has to be brought up to code and a 12 x 6 bathroom starts at $40k. My house was built in 1993 and he said the building codes changed in 1994. I've had several other quotes from non-inclusive and they ranged from $2500 for a refresh to $10k for a remodel.

I need to ask my neighbors if they had to bring their homes up to code in order to remodel.
Hmmmmm...did he say how/why your bathroom is not up to code? I would ask for specifics. Definitely get more quotes. As I said, it took me many months to find someone. Neighbors and word of mouth are the best referrals. The $10k from the contractor is probably just for labor and some materials. Sometimes contractors put in an allowance for a countertop of sink or something like that. I'm glad I went out and purchased all materials on my own. It saved a lot of money and much nicer than any all inclusive companies were offering. Our master bathroom is very large, it has two countertops on each side with a sink. One counter is 9 feet long and the other is 7 1/2. Our contractor charged us $14k for labor and some materials. Other contractors quoted us from $30k to as high as $52 and that was just labor. The all inclusive I went to gave me a price of $25k but the choices of material like tile, cabinet was not to my liking. When I upgraded that and just about everything else (because everything was the baseline stuff), it went up to $48k. We spent about $20K on materials that I picked out and had delivered (tile, grout, paint, shower and sink fixtures, 2 marble countertops, toilet, 2 sinks, cabinets, mirrors, lighting (x2) and chandelier, free standing soaking tub, etc. We did not change the footprint of our bathroom, kept things where they were.

@ScrapHappy He said that the building codes changed in 1994 and my house was built in 1993.

What I'm reading on Home Advisor and Angie's List and other remodeling blogs is basically nobody from the city is going to look at your house when you sell it and there are no laws that require your home be up to code when you sell. It's more of a safety issue. So I have to see what he says when he comes out here what exactly is not up to code. Electric wiring? Pipes? Insulation? We'll see.

Re: Redoing Kitchen

ptagirl — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 01:42:21 GMT

@Equuleus, so exciting to have your kitchen redone.

I had mine done about a year and half ago.

Before I even started ... I looked at a lot of kitchens online.. looked at what color cabinets, floors, fixtures..etc. I wanted....and layout...

Then I looked at function...how will this makeover benefit me?... The kitchen I had was cute, but seemed backwards to me.... So I really looked more at function than anything else.

I ended up having my corner sink and window removed ( and moved over to the next wall) , all electrical outlets moved and more added , plumbing moved, gas line installed, all my cabinets reconfigured to different areas,( bought 3 new, more functional easy- access cabinets), new appliances....

I tried to reuse as much as possible to save money (existing cupboards, crown molding, etc) ... I painted my existing cabinets a different color(cream)... went with formica countertops (mainly because of cost, but I truly like them)...but went with a more expensive sink and faucet...changed out all the cabinet hardware, and light fixtures...

I went with a local kitchen designer (has been here for 50 years and had good reviews)...He came to the house, I told him how I wanted the arrangement....he came up with a computer layout....we had a couple more meetings to reconfigure things.... he gave me an estimate (not too expensive, I didn't think) and gave me a timeline and we got started...

He ordered the new window, cabinets (which took several weeks to come in), sink...and I, myself bought the fixtures, hardware, appliances... flooring (removed ceramic tile ourselves, and had vinyl planks installed by another company)...and did the tile backsplash myself...saved me lots of money..

It cost a little more than expected, as they ran into some electrical , plumbing and some drywall issues... but I love my new kitchen and it is so much more functional than the old one....(once they started, it took them two weeks to finish)

My advise.... Take time to look around and know what you want first, then have a second plan if the first one's too expensive (and know your budget and timeline)...

Go with an established company that knows what they're doing and has good reviews... Do some research...Look at their credentials and make sure they know their codes and have their permits.... once that's done, it's kind of fun looking at all the different materials out there...

I, myself, went with a cottage-style kitchen... and I love it and it goes with the rest of my home...And...Don't be afraid to ask questions!...

Have fun planning your new kitchen...it's a mess, but well worth it in the end... Good Luck!

Re: Redoing Kitchen

Evie2004 — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 02:13:43 GMT

@faeriemoon, great advice, I am in the same spot right now..we plan to keep our 15 year old white (love them) cabinets, do have to change out 27 knobs..

our laminate counters have seen better days & have decided on getting quartz, that & new appliances are going to be big decisions..laminate flooring stays.

we have had great experiences with Lowe’s for 2 projects, so plan to go there & hopefully meet a designer that can help us with choices..& maybe have a new kitchen before the holidays!

Re: Redoing Kitchen

faeriemoon — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 02:22:32 GMT

@Evie2004 wrote:
@faeriemoon, great advice, I am in the same spot right now..we plan to keep our 15 year old white (love them) cabinets, do have to change out 27 knobs..
our laminate counters have seen better days & have decided on getting quartz, that & new appliances are going to be big decisions..laminate flooring stays.
we have had great experiences with Lowe’s for 2 projects, so plan to go there & hopefully meet a designer that can help us with choices..& maybe have a new kitchen before the holidays!

@Evie2004 Good luck and have fun!!