Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchens are a big ticket item (arguably the best investment you can make in your home).  To save the most money while achieving what you want, the magic word is “communicate” (the same information communicated to multiple vendors/contractors).  Here are some things to consider when the topic of “Kitchen Remodeling” comes up:

I always ”design first” (then go shopping).  A good design means you can communicate with multiple contractors/vendors.  Instead of getting pricing on THEIR ideas (without a design), you’ll end up with pricing you can compare against the other quotes (because they are all based on your design).  You wouldn’t just walk onto 4 different car lots and say “price me a car”.  You should know as much as you can about what you’re shopping for (4 doors, 4 cylinder, big trunk, CD player)…that way you’ll be able to compare apples with apples instead of getting a quote on a minivan, motorcycle, RV, and a hybrid.

Contractors are much more cordial when you bring them a design.  A design tells them, at a glance, whether it is the type of project they can be competitive on (you’re saving them work on a project that they aren’t being paid to quote). 

Cabinet Re-Facing: Proponents of re-facing say it’s much more affordable than replacing the entire cabinet (and it is), but your cabinets need to be in good structural condition (worth saving) and you still have to pay for a countertop (which likely means a new sink).  Re-facing is never just “re-facing”.  It does however save ideal candidates anywhere from $3-8k.
Also, you should be happy with the existing layout if you plan to just give your kitchen a face-lift.  If you are happy with the existing layout, and the cabinets are in good structural shape, re-facing is a great option.  The best way to court quotes is to keep things simple and know what you need:

“17 doors and 12 drawers – thermofoil finish, with radius panels and concealed hinges;
21ft of solid surface countertop and a double bowl stainless sink”. 
(that type of clear information will make it easy to hunt down some pricing…and again, you’ll get swift replies with budgets you can compare against each other)
Note: New Cabinets run about $200-600/ft…so take a guess at what “re-facing” runs per foot?  Materials are much more affordable, but labor isn’t really much less.

Layout: Your kitchen should be laid out so there is a good natural flow, to and from your most used “pit stops” (fridge, stove, sink, dishwasher, trash).  A great kitchen layout is ”most efficient” for the person who uses it.  Everyone is different, so even though designers have their design rules (“the cooking triangle” and “window at the sink”, etc…), your kitchen is YOUR kitchen and it should suit your personal style.  It should feel efficient to YOU.
Some cooks need lots of counter space…and others prefer lots of stovetop space.   Is your kitchen a gathering place or just a kitchen?  You should have an idea of what is right/wrong with your space BEFORE you contact a designer/contractor.

Replacement: Overhauling a kitchen can be as easy as ripping everything out and replacing it with new materials (keeping the same footprint and almost the exact same appliance layout).  Replacement is basically “out with the old and in with the new”.  A kitchen replacement budget boils down to three main things: Cabinet choice, Countertop Choice & Appliances.  “Total Replacement” is another thing you can shop around for and get accurate quotes from everyone (because there is nothing left to the builder’s interpretation).  The trick again is to have a floor plan with accurate measurements.  This is one of the few things that a contractor will come out and do for you (because they don’t have to “design” anything – they’re basically pricing a new version of what is already there).  Just be sure to communicate the SAME THING to every contractor.

Remodel: The most invasive type of kitchen project.  This involves adding/removing soffits, relocating lighting, adding features (maybe adding space, adding/removing a doorway)…and putting in all new finishes.  There is literally no way to budget a full kitchen remodel because I’ve seen residential kitchens cost $60k (it was an awesome kitchen but that’s the price you pay for all the exotic things that can go into a kitchen).  Every contractor you talk to will give you a different price and make different assumptions (linoleum or tile, cherry stain or melamine cabinets, moldings or not, painting or not). 

In the case of a remodel, it is recommended that you START with a clear design (that way everyone who sees it will have the same information to quote your project).  I recommend that you choose your contractor…and then enter into the design/construction.  There is no way two contractors will price things the same (or make the same assumptions), so pick someone you can communicate with and gives you confidence that the job will get done the way you imagine it.

I’m happy to answer any design and product questions.  I’d enjoy the opportunity to quote your project, but it doesn’t cost you anything for my “opinion”.  Ask away.

Very best,
Mark

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