topic Re: Kitchen Updates in Home

Kitchen Updates

KateE — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 04:31:15 GMT

I am in the process of updating my kitchen and I'm finding it will be quite expensive. My kitchen is 20 years old, my appliances are white, my cabinets work fine, the color of honey oak is not appealing anymore, the floor is white vinyl sheet and the counter has a few marks. All in all my kitchen is not bad just boring, I looked into refacing, refinishing and painting and the cost is the same as buying new cabinets. I am quite handy in the area of painting, however, I would like it done professionally if I chose not to put in new cabinets.

My question is what do people think about their kitchens?

The good, bad and ugly of updating.

Re: Kitchen Updates

KaySD — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 04:50:20 GMT

Well, what I think is that these projects are like opening Pandora's box--they have a way of growing--a new counter top or some paint doesn't sound like a big deal, but pretty soon you are demolishing things, moving the plumbing around and tearing out walls or something because, hey, why not fix all those things you have been living with all these years? ;-) Eek!

Maybe it would help to take a closer look at what's just underneath your general sense of dissatisfaction. Are those marks on the countertop really bothering you? Just replace the countertops--it's a big project but not that big. Or is it that you just need to see something new? Paint a wall or something. Just sick of cooking? Subscribe to a meal service and forget about remodeling! Or go on a vacation! What I"m saying is, check out YOUR priorities and focus on the gold--even if you have to let other things be. No rules!

About the cabinets, btw, there are a ton or articles on Pinterest about painting kitchen cabinets. They make me want to run right out and buy some Annie Sloan paint, and my cabinets don't even need painting!

Don't forget to have fun with whatever you decide!

Re: Kitchen Updates

Sooner — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 04:51:52 GMT

We put in a wood floor in our kitchen and LOVE it! I am so happy we made that choice.

We recently upgraded the lighting and added more and it was a wonderful thing!

A good quality stainless steel sink has been a great investment. Sinks and garbage disposals really take a beating. To me that is not a place to cut back.

The trash can is in a slide out with a door, and the toaster and food processor have a slide out drawer of their own. There are slide out drawers for the pots and pans as well in the center island and they are wonderful

Our counter tops are granite--black and brown--and we've had them about 23 years and have sealed them maybe every year or two and have NO PROBLEMS at all with them. They have certainly not been difficult in the upkeep, and the undermount double sink is very handy!

Re: Kitchen Updates

ptagirl — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 08:04:28 GMT

We moved a year ago into a cute 3 bedroom home with open concept kitchen/dining/living room.. The kitchen is in pretty good shape, but... it has a corner sink and window in the corner, which I can not reach to open or clean. Next spring I am having my whole kitchen rearranged to be more functional.

I will be painting my cabinets an ivory and going with darker laminate countertops and a granite composite sink. I've been trying to cook in here, but the layout just isn't working for me.

My sink and window will be moved, adding two more base cabinets and one more upper. Refrigerator will be moved to the other wall and I will have a small rolling island, so I can move it out of the way when not needed..Also taking out ceramic tile floor and going with vinyl planking throughout.. Can't wait for it all to be done and Functional!

Re: Kitchen Updates

Ms X — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 09:25:05 GMT

Let your budget be your guide. I would not spend money on a kitchen renovation if it would cause me stress.

Re: Kitchen Updates

AuntG — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:50:24 GMT

The OP could be me. Our house was built in 2000 and has honey oak cabinets with shiny brass hardware. We don't even have a backsplash, just durable paint behind the counters. However I'm afraid one thing will lead to another, and since everything works and isn't roughed up and dirty, does it make sense to change things?

Re: Kitchen Updates

millieshops — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:00:28 GMT

@AuntGAs you say, I do believe one thing leads to another - I had to replace a sofa and chair this summer and now the tables and the lamps are calling to me. This is just a tiny apartment I use in the summer, so it's hard to say it's worth the expense.

Same with really major work. One thing does lead to another. Is it worth it? I'm working on that decision right now. I'd like to start on my great room in the condo I own which definitely needs paint and flooring, but I'd also like new countertops, a backsplash and maybe even some work on my cabinets.

I would recoup some of my money if I sold within a few years, but I doubt that's going to happen. So the money would be gone and I'd have an updated room. Now, it's not a financial decision nearly as much as it is an emotional one.

Re: Kitchen Updates

queendiva — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:11:16 GMT

Cabinets are the biggest expense in a kitchen renovation. If your oak cabinets are good and sturdy, paint or refinish them! Much less $ than replacing with a possibly inferior product. Floor, countertop, and lighting will make a big difference and can be done for not too much money and effort. Replacing appliances is easy, but more money. Maybe that can be Phase II. Take your time, shop around, get what you like without going too trendy and enjoy! Did a complete gut of my nightmare kitchen shortly after buying the house nine years ago. Still love it and get many compliments. The only time I have been happy having a small-ish kitchen. Kept costs down.

Re: Kitchen Updates

RespectLife — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:00:53 GMT

@KateE

I'm shocked that you said that refacing is almost the same as new cabinets.

We remodeled in 2011.

We had 2 estimates for totally new cabinets (rip out existing and install new wood cabinets), exact same layout, installed. Lowest was $45,000 that is for cabinets and installation only.

I refaced my Honey Oak cabinets with fantastic real wood, not MDF or laminate (meaning they gave me all new wood doors and refaced the existing cabinet frame to match) added 6 recessed lights, and had them change two sets of open door cabinets to drawers all for under $12,000

It took 2 days to complete everything including the lighting, and they came back only once to complete some finishing details I wanted done.

We used the same layout...just changed some cabinets to drawers but that required them reframing with additional labor costs. I wanted to change to layout and get an island but the kitchen size couldn't support it.

We purchased our own new handles but they installed them for us at N/C.

I already had replaced laminate counters to granite, didn't need a new backsplash or floor. I had already installed a new granite double sink when we replaced the laminate counters with granite prior. We also replaced two old oak lighting fixtures ourselves. The costs of these are not included in the above cost since they were done prior.

IMHO....don't use laminate counters if possible. It can diminish the value of your kitchen. Solid surfaces and granite are what all buyers will want. Even if you don't plan on moving...someday this home will be for sale. It is a fabulous investment and worth every penny.

BEFORE:

AFTER

You would never know these were refaced!! In this pic you can see the flouresent light is gone and the new recessed lighting that was added.

If you look to the left of the stove you can see where we turned the cabinet into drawers. **They look more modern BUT IMHO those drawers don't hold near the amount of pots and pans as the cabinets did! I had to ditch a lot. Probably a good thing.

Re: Kitchen Updates

qvcfreak — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:18:22 GMT

I downsized homes but I designed my kitchen since I knew it would be small, I wanted it open, I chose no dishwasher or garbage disposal as I preferred to have the cabinet space

Re: Kitchen Updates

Mominohio — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:34:38 GMT

I have the kitchen from he((!

The house was built in 1973, and everything in the kitchen (except the floor which is wood) is original. And not only original but the people who lived here before us were not kind to it.

The cabinets are a darker wood, and the bottom cabinets are very marked up, worn and abused (by the previous owners). The upper cabinets are in better shape, and I'd be happy if the bottom looked as good as the top.

All the drawers are plastic, the whole thing, including the fronts. Many of the guides have broken and some are wired up with coat hangers inside, or simply balanced on a nail instead of the inserts along the sides. They are one hot mess. because of those plastic drawers, painting has never been an option for the cabinets, as I know it would scratch off those drawer fronts in no time.

The counter tops are old white with gold swirl formica (I guess), with big seams in the corners. And the lighting is so dated and ugly as well.

Since we moved in, we did paper the kitchen (which is now dated after 21 years), put in a new window over the sink, and new faucets and new white appliances.

The whole thing needs gutted including the floor. It isn't something that I want to finance (at least not all of it, maybe I'd feel ok financing half) and I have no money put back to commit to it.

I could just get physically ill when I watch these HGTV shows and see them destroying kitchens that are a million times more up to date an prettier than mine.

Re: Kitchen Updates

Mominohio — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:45:22 GMT

@RespectLife wrote:
@KateE

I'm shocked that you said that refacing is almost the same as new cabinets.

We remodeled in 2011.

We had 2 estimates for totally new cabinets (rip out existing and install new wood cabinets), exact same layout, installed. Lowest was $45,000 that is for cabinets and installation only.

I refaced my Honey Oak cabinets with fantastic real wood, not MDF or laminate (meaning they gave me all new wood doors and refaced the existing cabinet frame to match) added 6 recessed lights, and had them change two sets of open door cabinets to drawers all for under $12,000

It took 2 days to complete everything including the lighting, and they came back only once to complete some finishing details I wanted done.

We used the same layout...just changed some cabinets to drawers but that required them reframing with additional labor costs. I wanted to change to layout and get an island but the kitchen size couldn't support it.

We purchased our own new handles but they installed them for us at N/C.

I already had replaced laminate counters to granite, didn't need a new backsplash or floor. I had already installed a new granite double sink when we replaced the laminate counters with granite prior. We also replaced two old oak lighting fixtures ourselves. The costs of these are not included in the above cost since they were done prior.

IMHO....don't use laminate counters if possible. It can diminish the value of your kitchen. Solid surfaces and granite are what all buyers will want. Even if you don't plan on moving...someday this home will be for sale. It is a fabulous investment and worth every penny.

BEFORE:

AFTER

You would never know these were refaced!! In this pic you can see the flouresent light is gone and the new recessed lighting that was added.

If you look to the left of the stove you can see where we turned the cabinet into drawers. **They look more modern BUT IMHO those drawers don't hold near the amount of pots and pans as the cabinets did! I had to ditch a lot. Probably a good thing.

@RespectLife

Your kitchen is laid out almost exactly as mine is right down to window, appliance and dining area placement.

While I know your oak was dated, both of your pictures are just beautiful. I think I'd break down and cry if I could wake up some morning to a kitchen like either one of your pictures.

When we first moved here 21 years ago, I looked into having the cabinets resurfaced in oak similar to your first picture, and the cost was maybe $6000. We just had too much to do with buying the house so we waited maybe 5 years, and called them again. The price had doubled, so we just dropped it and moved on to a new septic, new roof, new exterior doors, new windows......etc. as they seemed more pressing and we could do things a little at a time every year.

Seeing your transformation and hearing the cost, I may look into resurfacing again. I just don't know what they can do with these plastic drawers and all the plastic that holds them up.

Re: Kitchen Updates

violann — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 16:00:33 GMT

My VERY current WDILs say that my honey oak cabinets, which are in "as new" shape, will pop if I replace the polished brass hardware with brushed aluminum.

I plan to buy a practice set to see how it looks, but the current hardware sure doesn't fit MY style right now.

So happy to read what the rest of you are thinking!

Re: Kitchen Updates

RespectLife — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:39:04 GMT

@Mominohio

Thank you! We are really happy with the way it came out and even happier to have saved an incredible amount compared to tearing it all out and putting in new.

I can imagine how the prices have changed just since we remodeled in 2011.

We were lucky enough to have a contractor who could do the extra work (reframing for pot drawers instead of the cabinets). They also stained the microwave ledge and kitchen window moldings to match the new color of the cabinets.

They could do it all including replacing the drawer frames and slides if we needed it.

Hopefully, you can find a good contractor that can do all you need.

We previously had gotten prices from 3 electricians to put in the ceiling lights. This company was 1/2 on the lighting costs too.

If by any chance you live in western New York, I could highly recommend them!

By the way...we are moving! LOL Downsizing to a ranch. We will be building new starting this Fall. I will be getting that giant island of my dreams, double wall ovens etc.

We are hoping the kitchen transformation on this house will return a good dollar on the sale!

My sis was a realtor and always said an updated kitchen will be well worth it.

Re: Kitchen Updates

homedecor1 — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 20:03:00 GMT

Here in FL the estimates were wide range of prices -- in fact, some of them were ridiculous and finding a licensed/bonded trustworthy contractor was a real challenge. I purchased this home 4 years ago.

I think it has never been updated and its track housing at its worse! In fact, just had all my windows replaced -- they had to break the glass just to get to the frames to get them out, installed so poorly! Anyway,

I had decided the original cabinets were "cheap particle board faced with laminate" track housing junk. My thought was this new kitchen needed to be my final one! I decided to purchase full wood, self closing, dove tail constructed cabinets by Kraft Maid.

I chose the thicker level granite with a beveled edge. I also chose to upgrade all the plumbing and electrical in the kitchen area.

I opted to forego updating appliances(I got them new 3 yrs ago) and updated flooring & lighting at that time. We are currently shopping for estimates as I want the hardwood looking porcelain tile and recessed lighting.

I was pretty shocked the price of our kitchen for the size, then again, I got what I wanted and am pleased. Now excited to do the finishing touches - new table next!!!

Before and

after

Re: Kitchen Updates

vermint — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 20:28:52 GMT

We re-did our kitchen in 2013...we got estimates for refacing, but new cabinets weren't all that much more expensive, so we went for it. I ended with way better cabinets than I had, so it was worth it! Cabinets, hardware, granite countertops with ogee edge, new double stainless sink, new faucet, small island, tile backsplash, all new lighting cost about $13,000. We removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room, but did nearly all of that work ourselves. We didn't buy new appliances at the time, and the flooring didn't need to be replaced (we have hardwood in kitchen, dining room and hall) so all that was a savings. I chose to do the backsplash in just one type of tile, no accent tiles, so that helped a bit, too...I have a LOT of backsplash!

It was all worth every penny and the stress--which wasn't really too bad. I love my kitchen and don't mind spending time in there anymore.

Re: Kitchen Updates

151949 — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 20:40:39 GMT

My friend who lives inn SC bought a home with pink cabinets - she had them professionally painted for $600 - she has quite a few cabinets. However, her DH & son took the cabinets down and delivered them to the guy then put them back up after they were done, so them doing all the difficult work probably saved them a ton. Her new color is ivory, and she replaced her counters with a light tan granite, and she already had that color they used to call bisque for her appliances, and she has light tan bamboo floors.Her son also installed a glass tile blacksplash in brown tones that are darker than any other part of the room to create a contrast - all in all it is lovely.

Re: Kitchen Updates

KateE — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 01:38:03 GMT

Thank you for the input as it gives me much to think about.

Re: Kitchen Updates

queendiva — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 02:27:54 GMT

After reading the replies and seeing all the gorgeous Before and Afters, I am so glad I did my kitchen when I did. I had downsized, so there was a budget for the kitchen and it was limited. Cannot believe the prices to have the work done today! I had pretty much exhausted the budget (meager by 2016 standards) and was going to pass on the back splash (previous back splash was mirrored!!) Lucked out at a garage sale where I found two boxes of the perfect tumbled marble tiles for a dollar or two and got even luckier by going to a large tile showroom and finding the third box which I needed to complete the new backsplash! Pays to be creative (and lucky) when you are pinching every penny on a kitchen reno.

Re: Kitchen Updates

151949 — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 03:28:40 GMT

I think in the arena odf remodeling a kitchen it is very important to be careful , no matter how much you like the trendy items, to avoid using them too much. Those trends will fade away very quickly and I always think a kitchen remodel should last at least 20 years. For this reason , when we bought our new home in 2010 I was careful to stay with all classic styles and very neutral. I'm 67 years old and I hope to never need to remodel a kitchen ever again, except perhaps new countertops, as mine are formica and I know they will wear out eventually.