Forum
« Fighting ECB ticket En Suite bathroom »
October 6, 2009
Kitchen Renovation Neophyte?
We are purchasing a late 1800's Victorian with 203K renovation money. I got a bid from contractor for all the work we mutually decided needed be done, and there is some--not enough of course--money left for my purchase of cabinets, tile, and appliances (which is what agreed with contractor we would purchase and he install). It is a limited budget, and kitchen will not be reconstructed, just renovated. What it does need is new floor, cabinets and appliances. My question: do I use a kitchen designer to plan/purchase cabinetry? Does it cost more, or do they make up for it by getting cabinets at a discount? I have done a lot of online research as well as gone to Lowe's/HD to look so I have a fair idea if what we want...just have never done this and really would like suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Comments
On that budget, plan the kitchen yourself. I'd rip out the existing shlock, and use Ikea with a solid surface countertop.
I sure wouldn't want to spend all that money and not have a beautifull brand spanking new kitchen.
Posted by: IronBalls at October 6, 2009 3:26 PM
I second Ikea, but would recommend an Ikea specialist. They will save you time and money by picking all that you need but no more, and coming up with a functional plan.
Posted by: Maly at October 6, 2009 3:41 PM
IKEA...best bang fot the buck. More expensive (relatively speaking) lines look great too.
Kitchen designers are good for fiddly things you might not know about, like special pantry cabinets, and blind corners, etc.
Posted by: cmu at October 6, 2009 4:48 PM
Go to this forum link. Study it. Then either lurk on it or join it and get actively involved. Either way, it will be the best decision with regard to a kitchen reno you will make.
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/
Posted by: Brooklynista at October 6, 2009 6:09 PM
Wow, thanks for all unanimous Ikea votes. haven't even gotten to look there yet but clearly that's the next step. I had only looked at Kraft-Maid (Kraft-Made?).
Brooklynista, thanks; I have been to Garden Web site but found it daunting as it seemed geared to people who have a lot more money to spend than I. Everyone kitchen seemed to feature an island with granite and Gaggenau and Wolf Appliances which I won't be able to budget for.
Posted by: sogo at October 6, 2009 7:18 PM
Hold up, Sogo! LOL. While there are many high end kitchen renovators on GW, those folk are definitely not the whole story. In fact, there are plenty of DIYers and Ikea/Lowes/HD folk in that community. You can certainly get lots of advice, complete with photos, from those who have done whole kitchen renos on $20k or less. Here's an example of a particularly good thread like that: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0810443618847.html And it's not the only one. Again, if you seriously study the site for awhile and don't get turned off by the Gagg/Wolf/SubZero crowd, I guarantee you'll find the kind of advice you're looking for. No expensive KD needed! :-)
Posted by: Brooklynista at October 6, 2009 8:38 PM
Thanks Brooklynista, I look forward to exploring, less intimidated now. Appreciate the clarification!
Posted by: sogo at October 7, 2009 7:01 AM
SUCH a great link, thanks so much Brooklynista! Much more my speed....
Posted by: sogo at October 7, 2009 7:39 AM
If you are looking at Ikea cabinets, don't forget to look at the Ikeafans website. Lots of people who are using Ikea creatively, and in general a really helpful group of posters too! They'll refer you back to Garden Web too. Don't let the deep pockets of some of the Garden Websters get to you: there are many others on the site with shallow pockets.
Posted by: Minmin at October 7, 2009 11:53 AM
I think I am going to start a new post, if anyone sees, about Ikea vs. KraftMaid. And I will be checking here too if anyone cares to weigh in; thanks
Posted by: sogo at October 8, 2009 9:19 AM
Frankly, I wouldn't poo-poo the thought of using a kitechen designer. Those of us who are worth our salt are experts at cramming 10 pounds of feathers in a 5 pound bag. We know about building codes, and how to make the most function of a limited space. Most designers don't charge for their services. In my own business, I represent 5 different manufacturers, most of whom are very competitive. For example, I have a manufacturer who produces eco-friendly all-wood cabinetry for a small premium over IKEA, and none of the VOC's or formaldyhide that you find in a conventional particle board cabinet. I have an office in Long Island, but have a presense in the slope, and do a lot of work there.
Check out my website: www.StephenWangel.com
Posted by: STEPHENWANGEL at October 12, 2009 4:23 PM
Stephen, that was my original question, about a designer not charging--I know in my business fees are made up from a mark-up on equipment gotten at a professional discount, so the end user doesn't feel it, and wondered if it was the same. But how does one know if the price is competitive till you GO to the kitchen designer and use their services? What if you decide not to use them and their wares? Thanks....
Posted by: sogo at October 13, 2009 7:10 AM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.