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.
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!
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?
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?
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.
Q: What do you get when you throw a hand grenade into the kitchen?
A: Linoleum Blownapart.
Good luck with your project.
Good luck with contractors...it’s a nightare in most areas. We ‘ve gone with Lowe’s on a kitchen remodel and some other projects (roof, windows, doors). It’s kind of nice having them find the contractors and deal with them. With that being said be prepared for a long project on kitchens just because the supply line is so messed up. We had a really fast response and install with the roof and windows though. The best thing about Lowe’s is the 2 years 0% interest financing. Add my military discount in and it’s a good deal.
Also, check to see if you need a local government permit. It can cost a pretty good percentage of the contractor expense if you need one and then expect your property appraisal to be updated for property taxes.
Trying to figure out what you want vs how much you can afford/want to spend is the hardest part.
Try to avoid trendy stuff that will be out of style in a few years.
https://www.thespruce.com/steps-to-a-kitchen-remodel-1822229
Know what you want before signing any contracts.
https://www.countryliving.com/remodeling-renovation/home-makeovers/g1233/kitchen-makeovers/
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/query/total-kitchen-remodel/nqrwns
These Stud Pack videos are pretty good.
https://youtu.be/IO5nn_BdawA
More YouTube advice.
https://youtu.be/SgkfFn0vB7Q
Sure, I have done dozens of kitchens. What specifically do you need to know?
Quick tips-
Do not remove anything until your new materials are on site.
Old plumbing causes a domino effect. - If you fix one thing something else will break.
Don’t smash the walls or cabinets like they do on stupid home improvement shows-its messy and for the camera. Carefully remove them and save them for a garage or basement.
Any questions please ask.
👍
This not what you asked for, but here are some hints on how to avoid cost overruns:
1) Minimize relocation of existing water supplies and plumbing drains in walls and floors. Same with vent pipes and roof penetrations. Many people do not realize that moving some things even a few inches can cost big bucks. Figure out a way to work to the existing penetrations and drains.
2) As above for electric conduits and boxes.
3) As above for HVAC ducts and return air grills.
4) Do not move doors if you can help it.
5) If your cabinets are good quality, keep them and refinish as desired, replace the doors or hardware.
6) Replacing worn countertops and floor covering is a good bang for the buck. Luxury vinyl tile can look great and is easy for alost anyone to install themselves.
7) Natural stone is beautiful, but it is also easy to ruin with common household cleaning products.
8) Design you layout, scope of work etc., and pick evey conceivable products you want before you start (down to what type of nails and screws, what type of paint — everything). Price fixtures and pin down what you can afford BEFORE Contractors are involved. Once they are, pride tends to cloud judgement.
9) Do not start jack until you have every detail planned, priced and agreed to.
10) Make sure every fixture, applicance, and material are available BEFORE you start wrecking the existing.
11) Many people discover ideas and opportunities after the job starts. Unless you like cost explosions and delays, get all involved to swear, in writing, that they will not demand changes. Some contractors might like the chance to make extra from the job, but most I have known personally would rather do their job once, get done on time, skip hours of haggling with their subs, not fight you over change orders, and leave their customer happy instead of feeling cheated.
12) Do not allow anyone but yourself to communicate with the general contractor, if you have one, or the GC’s subcontractors. See #11.
You are going to get a lot of advice.
I bought a house and had to do a complete renovation.
I found a contractor that did the job for t&m ( time and materials ).
I knew up front what he charged per hour per person. He submitted time at the end of the week and I paid him.
The advantage is that when you discover something you don’t expect, you just tell them to do it, no estimates or adders.
He bought all the materials I told him to buy, and what he needed, and he handed me an itemized list with receipts at the end of the week, I gave him 10% on the materials and paid him.
It went smoothly, and the unexpected got done without hassles.
It took 6 weeks for the remodel, 1 week for the painting, and 1 week for flooring.
As others have said....DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE HOMEWORK! Interview AT LEAST three contractors...even more. You will learn SOMETHING, from each. Look at things like how much they mark up things like cabinets, lighting, flooring, etc (if they’re providing/ordering).
Add in (to contract) that lien releases are to be provided as each subcontractor has completed their work. Add in that a weekly/monthly accounting of any overages will be provided. Don’t sign anything that indemnifies the contractor.
Sometimes.....Nextdoor will have reputable contractors....just check/verify who is recommending said contractor.
https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/kitchen-remodel/budgeting-for-a-kitchen-remodel
https://www.mrhandyman.com/tips-ideas/checklists-resources/kitchen-remodel-checklist/
I suggest buying a different house. Why buy something that clearly involves such an expensive lengthy process? I had a neighbor do their small kitchen and it took 9 months.
It’s been twenty years but what worked for us was to hire a kitchen designer. Yes, it cost a few grand. But it was akin to hiring an architect. The result was a good ergonomic design, a complete set of prints, and a list of materials.
Yes, it cost a few grand. But it also came with a list of local contractors used to working with her designs.
20 years later, people walking into our kitchen area still say, “Wow.”
You will be living in the space for a long time. Sometimes being frugal will cost you more years down the road.
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