@homedecor1 wrote:
@Mominohio
First off glad to see you on the boards! I was hoping all was OK & of course, it seems like you've been busy in the process of some remodeling.
So here's my 2 cents:
4 years ago I had a full kitchen remodel, galley style & now I wish I had done more research for ideas. Although, I love it!
I did full wood cabinets with soft-close drawers, which I do love. I chose a cream color vs. white and used pewter drawer pulls.
I replaced the cabinets because they were "particle board" track housing junk☹️. I also added a cabinet for glasses, cups and a bank of cabinets (above my sink) which does not block the viewing into the den area. I also took out the bottom cabinets & replaced with deep drawer cabinets -- I'm so glad I did. No wasted space or bending over to "look" for something in the back.
Then came the countertop decision. I spent hours & hours comparing products. At one point, the contractor suggested formica & boy, you'd never know it was formica. I was going to use Corian until my friend told me how much care you need to take in not putting hot pot, cutting, scratches easy, etc. Plus, she said they can "buff" out scratches.
I chose granite with a "rounded beveled edge" I do "reseal" every December & it very easy process. it's a breeze to keep clean. I use Weidman granite cleaner after cleaning up from dinner every nite -- just spray on. My mistake I should have gone a little lighter -- mine is pretty but I should have done white/cream background. (Spouse is not hearing I want to change it $$$).
Then, since I was on a "budget" I did not replace my appliances since they were only 4 years old (bought when I purchased home) although they're white they seem to blend ok.
I had all new flooring (ceramic tile) in last year in light birch. Very costly so it had to wait!
Honestly, it's amazing how fast the budget went out the window -- I estimated $10,000 for entire job and it was about $1000 over.
Most important thing whoever you hire be sure they are licensed, bonded & insured. To me, this is my priority -- I'm willing to pay more for their services.
And lastly, be sure to read the contract before you sign to see what is included. I was surprised when the installer finished & the cabinet company was only contracted for demo, install & granite -nothing else! I had to hire a electrician to install lighting and upgrade electrical. Plumber installed all new plumbing.
I would remodel the kitchen based on "your needs" not what the kitchen designers tell you what you need! Oh, and believe me I know the cost of a new roof😳😳😳just put new one on 2 years ago & I have a villa.
Happy remodeling!
@homedecor1
I miss being on the forums lately, but honestly, the home forum has gone a way I really don't enjoy, with all the posts of various rooms/homes etc. and the commenting on them. I mean I like a little of that, but I feel a lot of actual poster's real life questions, pics, sharing has just gotten lost in those other posts, to the point where I sometimes have to really search for the purging thread to keep up with it.
Anywho, as usual, you have hit on a number of things that resonate with me.
I'm looking at an ivory/cream finish to the cabinets. Everyone is pushing white, and it just seems too sterile or modern for the rest of the decor on my main floor. Because the living, dining and kitchen areas all are visible from each other, I think the feel of the house would be much better if I followed my cream/tan/brown. craze I have been in for a long time now. I have seen some pretty wood stains that I like too, but I'm really drawn to making the space lighter, after 25 years of dark cabinets.
I'm glad to hear you felt you could keep your white appliances. That is what I have now, and while the fridge is 35 years old and really should be replaced, I don't want to replace the stove right now. I need to see if almond/bisque/ivory type appliances are still available. I know they were in years past and that is what I'd like to replace with. I just don't like stainless or black.
I have no idea what to expect for a price, and am anxious to hear from the contractor. I hear people say the average kitchen remodel is like $30,000, and I can tell you, I'll never get it done if it is in that price range. Some of the things people have shared here for prices give me a bit of hope that we might still be in the running though.
My angle with my husband has been that we could really replace my car, as it is a 2005 with over 200,000 miles on it, but I'd be willing to keep the car and put what a new car would cost, into a kitchen remodel, if he is agreeable. And we never buy a fancy car, if new, it is always a base model. I figure if I can pay off a car in 5 years, I could pay off the same price kitchen in the same time. And it helps that hubby is a mechanic, so he can keep the car going for relative little money! LOL
I hear you about licensed bonded and insured. I always demand that, it just isn't worth the chance to hire someone who isn't. And I was told that the company we are using does everything we might need, including plumbing and electrical (even though I don't expect to need those things). The only thing they don't do is paint, and I need painting done, so that kind of bums me out. They even do floors, although at first glance, it seemed they didn't have a lot of choices in flooring, so I may go somewhere else for that.
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