Q. Is it ok just to ask cabinet company people to just come out and give me estimates? How do I know if I am getting an accurate estimate? How many estimates should I request? How much information do I need to give the estimator? I am concerned about "offending" companies by asking them give me estimates then not following through with the work. We are planning a complete kitchen remodel, floor, cabinets, fixtures appliances. Where should we start to get the best estimate?
A. I used to design kitchens. This is the best advice I can give you:
Establish a budget for your work BEFORE you start. If you have $10,000 or $100,000 to spend, know that amount and work with it. Being unsure of your total possible expenditure is the fastest way to get ignored by designers and contractors. A kitchen is not a cheap room re-do.
Investigate what you like and what you want your room to look like in advance. Designers need parameters to work with. No one knows your tastes and desires bettter than you. Having any less than an idea of what you want to project to be like finished is a sure way to be disappointed in the outcome.
Know the scope of the work you want to do. new cabinets? countertops? Flooring, wallcovering, lighting, appliances, etc?? do you need to upgrade your plumbing, wiring, ventilation? These and many other questions should be answered first. If your budget doesn't allow for any of these items, you may have to set your sights lower.
Hire a designer.. a kitchen designer. This is someone that you PAY to handle drawings and design. a qualified designer will help you answer all of these questions and give you a good idea if your budget is close to adequate. Expect to pay this person and be sure that you are comfortable with them. In many cases, the designer will credit their fees if you buy the project from them. Hire a CKD if you can (Certified Kitchen Designer)
With drawings and specs in hand, you can look at different types of products and talk intelligently to prospective contractors to handle your work. You will be working on an even plane with all parties involved since there is one set of parameters with which to work.
A kitchen renovation is a BIG project and can be a lot of fun, but there are also heartaches involved. It takes time, can be messy and you will be eating a lot of meals out. Expect the project to take a little time and be patient.
A new kitchen will make life much better in the long run and will increase your home's value. It's a good investment.
Establish a budget for your work BEFORE you start. If you have $10,000 or $100,000 to spend, know that amount and work with it. Being unsure of your total possible expenditure is the fastest way to get ignored by designers and contractors. A kitchen is not a cheap room re-do.
Investigate what you like and what you want your room to look like in advance. Designers need parameters to work with. No one knows your tastes and desires bettter than you. Having any less than an idea of what you want to project to be like finished is a sure way to be disappointed in the outcome.
Know the scope of the work you want to do. new cabinets? countertops? Flooring, wallcovering, lighting, appliances, etc?? do you need to upgrade your plumbing, wiring, ventilation? These and many other questions should be answered first. If your budget doesn't allow for any of these items, you may have to set your sights lower.
Hire a designer.. a kitchen designer. This is someone that you PAY to handle drawings and design. a qualified designer will help you answer all of these questions and give you a good idea if your budget is close to adequate. Expect to pay this person and be sure that you are comfortable with them. In many cases, the designer will credit their fees if you buy the project from them. Hire a CKD if you can (Certified Kitchen Designer)
With drawings and specs in hand, you can look at different types of products and talk intelligently to prospective contractors to handle your work. You will be working on an even plane with all parties involved since there is one set of parameters with which to work.
A kitchen renovation is a BIG project and can be a lot of fun, but there are also heartaches involved. It takes time, can be messy and you will be eating a lot of meals out. Expect the project to take a little time and be patient.
A new kitchen will make life much better in the long run and will increase your home's value. It's a good investment.
Remodeling a kitchen - how long did it take, how much did it cost?
Q. My husband and I want to remodel our kitchen and would like to plan for the time and costs. How long did your kitchen remodel take and were there unexpected expenses you hadn't counted for that came up? Were you happy with the outcome of the kitchen based on what you spent?
A. It took 3 months..... we did it ourselves and it cost 27,000$ Canadian....
Unexpected expenses: wiring that was no longer any good, having to buy more tiles, redoing the floor base to make it smooth for the new tiles (because pulling up the old ones ruined the floor underneath) and having to make a new countertop instead of just being able to relaminate the old one (the wood underneath the old laminate was rotting).
Yes... very happy with the outcome! We have just sold the house... paid it 133 500.00$ just over 5 years ago.... just sold it for 279 500.00$... I'd say that definitely covers the cost of the kitchen renovation!
Unexpected expenses: wiring that was no longer any good, having to buy more tiles, redoing the floor base to make it smooth for the new tiles (because pulling up the old ones ruined the floor underneath) and having to make a new countertop instead of just being able to relaminate the old one (the wood underneath the old laminate was rotting).
Yes... very happy with the outcome! We have just sold the house... paid it 133 500.00$ just over 5 years ago.... just sold it for 279 500.00$... I'd say that definitely covers the cost of the kitchen renovation!
Would white appliances go with dark kitchen cabinets (cherry color) and mahogany flooring?
Q. Kitchen remodel
A. Stainless steel is the best...i sell alot of those at work and when you try to sell your home it would sell faster because of the finish of your appliances.
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