Advice on kitchen renovation cost and value
I’m renovating the tiny kitchen area in my tiny pre-war studio apartment. How can I get a sense of what it should cost and how much it will improve the value of my apartment to redo the cabinets (which are old and gross) and update the appliances (which don’t work and are too big for…
I’m renovating the tiny kitchen area in my tiny pre-war studio apartment. How can I get a sense of what it should cost and how much it will improve the value of my apartment to redo the cabinets (which are old and gross) and update the appliances (which don’t work and are too big for the apartment)? Thanks from a first-time homeowner.
We just did a 5×8 foot kitchen in a studio coop apt and then just sold the apt. The biggest expense is the appliances. In terms of resale value it DEFINITELY helped. But don’t go overboard, for a small apt, it will only help resale value so much. My neigbor went overboard on a reno and I think he lost money on it. I spent $7000 on all my materials ($1k fridge, $700 stove, $600 DW, $1500 ikea cabs, $1500 granite counters, $750 flooring, $800 sink/faucet). We were really tempted to spend more for better appliances, but are so glad we didn’t. I don’t think we would have gotten any more $ for the apt because of it.
Not quite amazing, but very good. Many posters here are of the Viking-Sub0-Granite school, so of course they will spend four times what’s needed.
Here’s a breakdown for IKEA top end, one wall + island kitchen:
Cabs: 3500. Counter: 1500. Appliances (Summit ref, “stainless” Magicchef range, etc): 3000. Installation/paint with my building the cabs: 2000. Plumbing & electrical: 2000 (new gas line).
Donatella, that’s an amazing price. Mind giving info on your contractor?
I did a small 10 foot galley kitchen with a little island using a Kraftmaid white thermofoil kitchen with granite countertop and new appliances. I ordered the kitchen from Lowes and my contractor installed them. I did the kitchen with appliances and installation for $7,000. It is very pretty and my tenant loves it.
It will add value. If you do go hands on and do it yourself (I did) you can go cheaper than 8000. Ikea has a good computer kitchen planner. I think you’d find it helpful regardless of whether you use them. I moved gas lines and water lines and ran updated electric for $1000, no permits. I think moving a waste line would be harder and more expensive. Alot depends on your co-op rules. Small applainces will be more expensive than normal size though( and obviously viking and what not will add thousands, but there are other options) If you do go ikea, check out ikea fans. If you are reasonably handy, you can install their kitchens. I did it and I think I did a better job than the installer my friend hired.
I just redid a kitchen in my house. Lessons Learned: Go with IKEA AND make sure they assemble the kitchen. Handymen often say they know how to do it, but then it turns out they do not and then you are stuck. Our GC backed out of the assembly at the last minute. We hired someone else to do it and he did a sloppy job and didnt finish with the assembly 0f 7 cabinets in 10 hrs (i kid you not). Get a handyman to install – thats the simple part. For appliances I shopped around and through recommendations on this site I went to EBA wholsale (shopeba.com). Ask for Tom. He beat all prices – PC Richards, Home depot, J&R in Park Slope etc etc. Good luck.
Totally depends on finishes and size and what the current condition is. Could cost as little as $8,000. Could also cost as much as $50,000. If cost is an issue, which it usually is, head to IKEA. Good quality for cheap prices. You can have one of their installers do it, or find a local handyman as suggested by Rick.
Also depends on your condo/co-op board. If they are finicky, and they see you are moving a wall or a gas line, they may require you to file with the DoB (more often than not, they do not require it, though). And if they require insured contractors, you can probably not use the less expensive “handyman.”
I’d suggest also hiring an architect or interior designer to get it done right.
A make-over will definitely add value.
You need to shop around for your materials and appliances & cabinets. Then get a contractor or handyman over to see what needs to be done. Get three quotes from them and you’re good to go.