How I saved on our kitchen renovation
February 17, 2016
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If you've been around for awhile you know I completed our kitchen renovation late last year. I still absolutely positively adore it. BIG FAT LOVE. A few of you had requested that I share the budget for the project -- I know it's so helpful to hear what other spend when undertaking this kind of project.
Of course what I think was a pretty fantastic price for such a big change is relative -- some will think it's crazy low for the transformation and some will think it's high. I'm in the former group. ;) We had a budget of $10,000 in mind and ended up staying just under that. Seriously, by the skin of my teeth, it was within dollars of that amount. That was spent over an 11 month time span -- I moved as fast as the budget (and my energy) allowed.
Considering the average kitchen renovation is nearly $20,000 I felt great about the price. (And that's for a renovation like ours where you reuse a lot of the items. Full renovations average nearly double that.) I saved SO MUCH money doing most of this reno myself -- here's more of what helped keep costs down...
1. We kept the cabinets.
I took the cabinets off of one wall, but all of the others stayed. Building off of those and then painting all of them made the biggest difference in here by far. Taking them down was free. Adding to them was minimal cost in wood and trim. The price of the sprayer was the only big expense in painting them and I'll use that for years to come. (I saved a couple thousand by doing them myself, go here to see my tutorial):
Take a look at what you have in your own kitchen and see how you can make it work! Keeping the cabinets (we had nice ones that were just worn) was easily the biggest cost savings for us. If you don't like your cabinets consider replacing just the doors. If you don't like your layout consider moving what you have to work better.
2. I didn't move plumbing.
We kept the same layout of the kitchen because it works very well. Moving plumbing more than a few feet gets to be expensive and messy. I also thought hard about what I would really use. I LOVE the look and function of a pot filler above the stove, but our stove is two feet from our sink. The expense to add one was much better in the form of a new slide in range. :) I also kept our old sink and faucet:
I also love the look of a farmhouse sink but ours is deep and easy to keep clean. Our faucet isn't anything fancy but it works great and I love it. Not everything needs to be replaced! I know it's so easy to just want everything brand new (and if you want it, get it!) but if it works and you like it, you don't need to replace it just because the room is being upgraded.
3. I did most of the renovation myself (and used what I had)
I hired out help for a few things -- drywall, adding lighting and building the vent hood (it involved cutting a hole in the house). Other than that this was a labor of love. I seriously worked my butt off on this room and I'm so proud of it. If you're afraid of DIY I encourage you to see what you're capable of. I think you'll be surprised. :) I wasn't sure I could pull off the extended island and cabinets, but I did it. And by the way, if you aren't a DIYer, you can still renovate without spending a ton of money. More on that in a minute.
As I mentioned above, the sink and faucet stayed and that saved some money. I also used a LOT of scrap wood to build out the island and extend the cabinets to the ceiling:
I used our old island and built off of it -- there was no need to replace what was there. Looking at it now you'd never know this is underneath it:
When we built our home I picked out a mix of black and stainless appliances. I regretted that from day one. :) Our trash compactor is still black, but it works great and it's not a focus because it's in the island. Our dishwasher has been repaired about eight times in 12 years but it's still kicking. I'd love a newer, prettier one but I kept the big purchases to what would make the biggest impact. Our slide in range is so gorgeous and makes the whole space feel more custom:
4. We took our time
This renovation was really two-fold. We took down a wall in our family room a couple years ago and that started the ball rolling to create a TON more space in our kitchen. I planned the changes to the kitchen for a very long time and then took nearly a year to complete those changes. If there is one thing to take away it is that -- take your time! I'm not talking about living with a nonfunctioning kitchen for a year -- I'm talking about figuring out exactly what you want and how you will get it and save for it. You will not regret it!
One big change in this room was moving our back door from our bay window over to between the kitchen and the family room. The cost of that went to the family room renovation, but the new window seat build, trim and lights were included in the kitchen:
I've waited so long for that window seat! It was a dream come true. But it took a long time to get to it. :)
5. Our contractors aren't expensive
As I mentioned, I got help with a few things. Adding and moving lights was a big one. Drywall was another (I accidentally just typed 'drywall was a mother' and had to laugh at that Freudian slip because it sucked) -- we took the old backsplash and drywall down and I absolutely hated that part. I leave the finishing process to professionals for big jobs like this. I used the same guys we use for most of our bigger house renovations for most of these items, but also found a new plumber and electrician I'd totally use again. I always say go to your friends to find quality contractors who don't cost a ton. If I need someone the first place I go is Facebook to put out the call for recommendations. I find the smaller, locally owned companies are less expensive.
The funny thing is, most of this renovation was about half of the final cost. Two splurges nearly doubled the final price -- our new slide in range and the granite countertops.
The range I just flat out loved and got because I was obsessed with it (although I did compare prices). I shopped around for the granite and ended up finding our granite for $1000 cheaper than my original quote. That was a HUGE savings. Also, I went with butcher block for the island countertop and that saved at least $500 that we would have spent on granite.
When I break down what we got out of this renovation I'm really proud of what I was able to accomplish for the final cost. We ended up with one new (high end) appliance, stone countertops, a huge new island with added storage, custom cabinets built to the ceiling (with more storage), added light sources, a gorgeous custom vent hood and my dream addition -- the window seat. As always we paid cash for the entire renovation, and again, spreading it over nearly a year really helped with that.
In our renovations over the years I've noticed one thing when it comes to budgeting for a reno. If you are taking down a wall or moving walls it will usually cost more than you plan. Always keep in mind you may add to your list as you move things around. But I've found when I'm keeping the same layout it's much easier to stay within the budget.
If you'd like to see more photos of our kitchen and how we use it, check out my Instagram account. It is my favorite space to share on there, of course. :)
I hope this post helps if you are considering a renovation of any kind, but especially one in your kitchen!
You can see the full reveal of this space with before and after photos here. I covered all of the links to projects and all product sources in this post -- be sure to check that out if you'd like to tackle any of these. And if I didn't cover something you were curious about here, please let me know!
I always love seeing your kitchen and continue to be impressed with all that you were able to do yourself! You did such an amazing job with your island and I love all the pretty details throughout!
ReplyDeleteShelley
Love your kitchen - it looks amazing. I have a question about the island, do you happen to know the distance from your sink to the island? Thinking of adding one in our kitchen, but want to make sure it's not too squished!
ReplyDeleteI believe it's about 3 1/2 feet but I'll double check!
DeleteLove it Sarah! I've been remodeling our master bath. It's been taking the good part of 6 months, as I've done it myself and have figured it out as I go. We built a wall, and really have been surprised how much it does add to the budget! I really underestimated that, and I was also surprised how much bathroom fixtures add up. I decided to keep our Roman tub faucet bc a new, simple one was minimum $200, and I would have had to take apart the tub surround to replace it... Now the bathroom is almost done, we're looking to redo our kitchen. Our home has been builder-grade basic, and I have been scouring the internet for add-on storage above our cabinets, like you have done, for over a year! Everything I come across has been custom-built, adding $$$ to the cost. Your kitchen is so inspirational for me. I love the colors you chose, and that you did the work yourself (cabinet-wise). We talk about adding to our island as well, and I feel much more confident after seeing your results!
ReplyDeleteLove it Sarah! I've been remodeling our master bath. It's been taking the good part of 6 months, as I've done it myself and have figured it out as I go. We built a wall, and really have been surprised how much it does add to the budget! I really underestimated that, and I was also surprised how much bathroom fixtures add up. I decided to keep our Roman tub faucet bc a new, simple one was minimum $200, and I would have had to take apart the tub surround to replace it... Now the bathroom is almost done, we're looking to redo our kitchen. Our home has been builder-grade basic, and I have been scouring the internet for add-on storage above our cabinets, like you have done, for over a year! Everything I come across has been custom-built, adding $$$ to the cost. Your kitchen is so inspirational for me. I love the colors you chose, and that you did the work yourself (cabinet-wise). We talk about adding to our island as well, and I feel much more confident after seeing your results!
ReplyDeleteLOOKS AWESOME!!! You did a great job!
ReplyDeleteWhat a helpful post. And your kitchen looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteA budget break down would be great. I saw you had a budget of $10,000 but I'd like to see where that money was spent.
ReplyDeleteMost of the projects I did that I linked above have the costs. If you are interested in one in particular that I didn't include just let me know!
DeleteI adore your kitchen! I think you did a gorgeous job. I love your blog, love watching your journey with your home over the last few years. I especially love seeing that your tastes have changed, it's given me the freedom to love something right now knowing that I'm not locked into that style for the rest of my life:) which ironically has caused me to be to settle in a little more clearly on what I LOVE!
ReplyDeleteActually, there are numerous folks who prescribe educational cost to their tyke as the way to furnish them with higher learning; supportive in keeping their child/little girl all the more side by side at school. gp tuition
ReplyDeleteWow, your kitchen reno is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love you kitchen, it's my favourite diy makeover. After seeing how much you are able to achieve on your own I'm starting to think I could do more than just decorating. Can I ask what power tools you use or find the most useful? I have a power drill and a jigsaw but I'm thinking some type of electric saw would make a huge difference. Any advice would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYour house always looks so amazing. Your style is so on point! Love every bit of it!
ReplyDeleteMel | www.thegossipdarling.com
Such a drastic & fresh change & for under 10k? Seriously this is why I had to feature you..Your renos are the BEST & practical!!! Now I like you even more because I know you're a night owl hahaha! Happy Thursday friend!
ReplyDeletePaige.Rose
from
www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com
I absolutely love your kitchen, so much inspiration and great design
ReplyDeleteI would love to see more detailed pictures of your backsplash. I'm intrigued by the idea of siding as shiplap, but I can't get a precise enough picture to study. Thank you for all the eye candy. Stacy
ReplyDeleteSo, so beautiful! Thank you for sharing so much of it! I see it's been asked above, but I'm also curious which power tools you used (or just which ones you use frequently, in general). Maybe it could even be its own post! Also, where are your dining room chairs from??
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh out loud at "drywall was a mother." Hahaha! It's so gorgeous, Sarah! This makes me so ready to tackle my own kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI love how much DIY you added to your kitchen. It gives it a much more personalized feel and you saved so much money! My husband and I painted our cabinets (all 39 of them and 23 drawers!) and it took a while but we saved so much money doing it ourselves. It's amazing that even though you kept the same layout, it just looks bigger with the new changes you made. You did an awesome job!
ReplyDeleteMy kitchen layout is almost identical to yours,and I'm looking to replace our countertops as well. I can't find where you cited a final price for the granite including the install.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, your kitchen is so beautiful!! The light you get from that window seat and and door is so pretty! My kitchen cabinets are similar to yours in color and I have the shelves with the same brackets! Before we get to the shelves though, I was wondering why you did not install a tile backsplash. Did you do something to the paint behind the stove and sink? I worry about that and was planning on subway tile. However, our kitchen is pretty small and I worry about too many different wall things going on for "too busy" of a look. I do want some white planking on one wall and was going to put subway on the other two walls, as I said, and then paint the last wall. Can you give me your thoughts on backsplash vs just paint? Thanks.
ReplyDeletewow great tips and tricks- the kitchen looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteJabeen x
http://www.spilling-the-beans.co.uk/
I always have such a difficult time making decisions like you are doing. I look forward to seeing how it all comes together with the final decisions.
ReplyDeleteWe love what you did in the kitchen - the classic tones, the style and of course great space planning. When it comes to selling your home - it kitchen is a hot spot. http://kikiinteriors.blogspot.ca/2015/05/home-staging-tips-for-kitchen.html
ReplyDeletedrywall is a mother lol...hahhaa you did a beautiful job and congrats on doing most of the work yourself.
ReplyDeletehttp://k-g.us/
Love your kitchen! I'm planning on granite countertops. I live in the Indy area, and wondered if you would share where you got the great price on your granite. Thanks! Always look forward to your posts!
ReplyDeleteI Love your Kitchen and accidentally came across your BlogSpot (Thank God) I'm in the process of painting my entire home and looking at most of your projects have helped me with some Ideas, I wanted to ask you~ What colors did you use on your cabinets and walls in your kitchen? I love the Farm Style look but I also like the Traditional so I want to be able to complement both styles in my home any advice will be appreciated it.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah. I'm curious about your sink. It looks like it was originally a top-mounted sink, but after the reno it's now an under-mounted one. How did you manage to achieve that, particularly as you replaced the countertop with much weightier granite? I have always thought that an under-mount sink has to carry the weight, so an above-mount sink cannot be used in a refit. Looks like I got that wrong! ;-) Can you also please tell me what material your sink is made from - stainless steel, etc? Many thanks, and congrats with an amazing achievement! Hx
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