Posted on 04/08/2023 9:54:41 AM PDT by The Louiswu
Hello all. My wife and I are buying a house and we need to demo and remodel the kitchen. I have been looking for generic timeline samples and lists of things that need to be done and questions to ask of contractors but I'm not having much luck.
Question: Is anyone here a contractor or has experience with home kitchen remodels that might be willing to help me find relevant materials to make the job go smoother.
Thanks
Do not go through Lowes or Home depot......you’d just be paying a middle man.
Local Google and Yelp reviews might help......word of mouth is still the best advertising IMO.
Do not get a brand new sledge hammer and start busting the cabinets and counter tops to pieces! (Like the idiots on TV) Its all screwed together take them down and sell them! Those older cabinets are quality stuff.
Whatever you end up doing, budget in an extra 20 -25% for cost overruns and expect it to take a lot longer than originally projected. Then hopefully the worst case is that you come in on budget and on time.
Gas range only. Put it in the corner of the kitchen next to an outside wall. Hood over it and the exhaust goes straight outside. It takes up a little more space in the corner but hear me out. Wannabe ‘serious chefs’ need to feel like they’re orchestra conductors or drummers in a rock band. Closeup counter space on both sides.
I could go on but it’s most important.
He would be better off with a fireplace and some cast iron hooks, stands, and cookware once the goobermint shuts off the gas for stoves.
Try: https://www.angi.com/ for local contractors. Find a family-run lumberyard or flooring store and ask for good, local Contractors/Workers.
I just read an article on this a few weeks back. High points for a basic re-model without spending a lot were:
Repaint/restyle cabinets
Install under-cabinet lighting
Replace existing backsplash
Replace existing seating
Unless you’re taking it back to the studs, these areas give you the most bang for your buck. So, if you’re doing it from scratch, don’t go ‘cheap’ in the above listed areas.
I’m bringing my kitchen ‘back from the 80’s,’ one step at a time. Beau is like, ‘I JUST installed that 30 years ago!” so it’s slow going. He NEVER feels that something has lived out it’s natural lifespan, LOL!
Nelson Cabinetry. They offered me Cabinets for $4.4k. Home Depot would have charged me $8k but I got there when everything was reduced 20% so I bought it for $6.5k-delivered.
The Nelson folks would have delivered the cabinets UNassembled. I suppose one could pay a high school student $20 to assemble each of them. Installation takes a real pro with lots of those shims.
Wise advice. We always count on 50% over budget (most often surprises arising during demo) and double the time estimate.
Do you know what materials you want to use or are you looking for design services as well? Are you knocking out walls or needing to move a gas hookup? Think about what matters most in your kitchen. Who is doing the demolition? Are you doing any of the work yourself? Are you looking at custom cabinets or off the shelf? These are all factors in the budgeting and considerations for the timeline. Also where will you cook during the remodel?
Yep.
We actually went through local solid surface countertop company for the granite in our kitchen.......when the guy got through he said if I needed any more work to call him directly and bypass the company as it would be a considerable savings......he said he can purchase materials from his company. I wish I’d of know that earlier...but live and learn I guess.
Also, this is probably a no brainer but after you find a contractor I’d try to swing no payment until after the job is done and your satisfied.....but most will probably only settle for half up front.
Also also, where I am I can check for contractor complaints through my county tax collectors office (as strange as that may sound) but I was actually able to speak with a human.....so I’m sure there’s a way to do that where you are and I would highly recommend making the effort.
The kitchen remodel formula is simple.
Cost is three times budget.
Duration of project is four times schedule.
I’m a contractor and what you ask will cost you 30% of the job cost. ;)
Also do you speak Spanish?
“We actually went through local solid surface countertop company for the granite in our kitchen.......when the guy got through he said if I needed any more work to call him directly and bypass the company as it would be a considerable savings.”
I would not Take that for Granted.
I’d make sure, if you’re in a state that has property taxes, that the remodel won’t bite you on the heinie tax-wise.
First thing: take a DETAILED measure of the space. I mean EVERTHING. Switches, outlets, gas supply, plumbing, lighting, all cabinetry, Windows, doorways, moldings, ceiling height, soffit(?)....then go from there.
I agree about what others have said about cabs from the big box stores. Their “designers” are morons. Hire a designers isn’t incentivised by selling product. Get a good design for the kitchen that will serve your cooking needs, and then go shopping.
Also do you speak Spanish?
Yep, preach it brother.
Agreed, and do the tear-down yourself. For two people it's a piece of cake. You may need a plumber to cap off the water supply lines. I did mine a few years ago and they quoted me $3k just for the demo, did that myself and recycled the cabinets.
Q: What do you get when you throw a hand grenade into the kitchen?
A: Linoleum Blownapart.
Good luck with your project.
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