https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:01:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen/page/2#post-1934278 Fri, 06 Jul 2018 18:08:36 +0000 shiny 1934278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes we remodeled last year. Totally gutted our entire place, did the bathrooms and kitchen and made a lot of other changes over the course of 9 months. It would've been quicker than that, but they delivered the wrong cabinets and we then had to re-order and wait....&nbsp;</p> <p>We ended up moving our kitchen so we could put it in a more optimum space and enlarge its footprint. Basically we swapped the dining room and kitchen. This also enabled us to create a generous walk-in pantry off and behind the kitchen. The previous kitchen was in the darkest area of our condo, got very little light, had no view. It was just depressing. But that space works fine for an intimate dining room. The living spaces flow a lot better now.</p> <p>My contractor told me renovating is like pregnancy. The first trimester you're initially all excited and you see progress when the sledgehammer starts to demo. The second trimester is more boring... as so much is being done behind the scenes (lighting, plumbing, etc) and it seems like not much progress is being made. Then the third trimester it all starts coming together with the finishing touches so it's exciting again but you're tired of dust and dirt and eating out and just want it over all ready. Then when it's all done and the dust has settled... you are so happy with the results you forget how awful the whole experience was .....and may even find yourself saying you would do it all over again!</p> <p>Oh -- also like pregnancy you may gain some weight! From eating out all the time! We did set up a makeshift kitchen but that didn't last long, because we were remodeling the entire place. Everything that wasn't inside the dorm fridge got quickly gross and coated in dust. I am sure some of the weight is also from wine, at least you can still drink wine. Wine helps you keep upbeat during the worst of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen/page/2#post-1927600 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 17:03:11 +0000 MsMary 1927600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes to the pullout drawers!</p> <p>And if you want to splurge on something you will love, get a warming drawer. My husband put one in when he remodeled his (now our) kitchen a few years ago and it's great. Serve dinner on warm plates, keep food warm so the whole meal comes to the table warm, and so on. It seems crazy but we love it! </p> <p>Oh, and make sure you have enough light.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen/page/2#post-1924952 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 12:17:06 +0000 Gail 1924952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I gutted my kitchen 9 years ago and have been happy with the layout. I used a designer who was great and he listened to everything I asked for. A couple of things I wouldn't do again however though. I chose a trendy tile backsplash which was really dark and only looked nice when the under cabinet lights were on. During the day it looked like a solid black wall. I also chose Black Galaxy Select granite which is very nice but extremely high maintenance, it shows everything.<br />Last year I changed out the backsplash for plain cream subway tile and I like it much better. &nbsp;My cabinets are cream and are holding up very well. The manufacturer is Brookhaven. My reno took 5 weeks and the process was like a finely oiled machine ! The most stressful part was making the selections before it all started.<br />There is a blog that I follow that may help you <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mariakillam.com">http://www.mariakillam.com</a><br />go in to the search and type in kitchens. She talks a lot about when doing a renovation to be careful about current trends.I didn't start reading until after my kitchen redo :(</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen/page/2#post-1924017 Wed, 30 May 2018 21:36:04 +0000 pil 1924017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like I’m hogging your thread with so many responses......but another feature I love is our paper towel cubby. The towling is easily accessible but doesn’t take up space on the counter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen/page/2#post-1923921 Wed, 30 May 2018 13:14:22 +0000 Laurinda 1923921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since you have a kitchen designer (smart move!) you may not need this advice, but it might help anyone lurking.</p> <p>I read the advice at a kitchen forum from the former GardenWeb (now Houzz):&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath">http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://https://www.houzz.com/discussions/4306041/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first#n=323">New to Kitchens? Read Me First!</a></p> <p>This is a good place to go for opinions/advice from people who have been there. They call themselves TKO for Totally Kitchen Obsessed.</p> <p>General advice:<br />Look at the kitchen as circles of work areas: Prep, cooking, clean-up</p> <p>Basic kitchen layout should be: Ice --&gt; Water --&gt; Stone ---&gt; Fire<br />(Fridge, sink, counters, range)</p> <p>Almost all drawers for lower cabs, full extension, and consider toe kick options</p> <p>Sink: Single, offset drain for more space underneath</p> <p>Supersusan rather than Lazy Susan</p> <p>Double outlets, or undercab plugmold to eliminate holes in the backsplash</p> <p>Many people save money with Ikea cabs, and order custom doors (from Scherrs', Semi-Homemade, etc.)</p> <p>Best wishes with your remodel! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen/page/2#post-1923905 Wed, 30 May 2018 12:30:35 +0000 Janet 1923905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One benefit of having waited so long living in our house (12 years) before doing the kitchen -- we know really well what works for us about our kitchen, and what doesn't!&nbsp;</p> <p>When we moved in here, we rolled our eyes a bit that the 25-year-old Jena-Air induction cooktop is only two burners, with a grill top taking up the other side. It's made cooking Thanksgiving dinners pretty interesting with only two burners! But...we use that darn range-top grill all. the. time. We're definitely getting one of those in our new kitchen. But with FOUR burners too! :-D&nbsp;</p> <p>I would actually be willing to do an induction cooktop again because they're so easy to clean -- I've found it a pleasant surprise, actually, that I like the induction now that I've gotten used to it and invested in good stainless steel pans. But hubs loves cooking with gas on a visible flame, so we'll probably run the propane line into the house and go with the gas range instead.&nbsp;</p> <p>I had to laugh at myself a couple of years ago in a fit of frustration, when I ripped the stupid trash compactor (remember those??? what an 80s relic!) out of the kitchen cabinets and dragged it out of the house for disposal, and bought a cheap single cabinet to fit in that space. It doesn't match the other cabinets, but who cares? We needed the storage space, and I knew it would be temporary.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm in awe of anyone who can live with those exposed shelves in their kitchen. I need closed storage space -- I hate visual clutter. All I can envision is how much grease and dust gets on everything on those shelves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen/page/2#post-1923721 Tue, 29 May 2018 16:17:10 +0000 AviaMariah 1923721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have remodeled one kitchen - complete gut down to the studs.&nbsp; We did all the planning and part of the work ourselves and then had part of the work done by professionals.&nbsp; We did it in the summer so we could still bbq outside etc.&nbsp; It wasn't too bad but this was before kids.&nbsp; We now really need to remodel our current kitchen and I've been putting it off but it will probably get done in the next year.&nbsp; Yes - very stressful, a lot of work etc, etc.&nbsp; But I don't think it's anymore stressful than all that goes into buying a new house, selling an old, house moving...&nbsp; &nbsp;I think I'd take the kitchen remodel over moving in the stress department! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen/page/2#post-1923701 Tue, 29 May 2018 15:48:05 +0000 Carla 1923701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our first kitchen was so old fashioned and old, when you closed one door two would pop open! The only thing that kept the doors closed,were the baby safety latches! When we got around to the renovation, I could have kicked myself that I didn't do it earlier. </p> <p>The second kitchen was a part-renovation and I worked side by side with the contractor. It was a 'cook's kitchen' and thanks to a bank of windows had wonderful light year round and the cupboards went right up to the cieling (no bulkheads.)</p> <p>Our current home (almost 4 years) has a 'showcase' kitchen, with an efficient set-up, but the fancy surfaces require special maintenance and The dark wood, well, is dark. (I like a white kitchen.). I love the drawers vs shelves, the hinged corner cupboard with a lazy-Susan, the double sink, and I have a walk in pantry. The dishwasher is inconveniently placed, but manageable. </p> <p>Below pic of kitchen before we painted the walls Benjamin Moore 'Revere Pewter' (more light reflective.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen/page/2#post-1923652 Tue, 29 May 2018 14:02:11 +0000 Thistle 1923652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our designer has been wonderful. Well worth every penny!</p> <p>And yes, we are doing almost all pull out drawers. We have a few shelves, but those are all pull out as well.</p> <p>And yes, all corners are a lazy susan for the bottom and this new corner design that opens the entire corner up for storage. Really nice. We got to see it in the showroom and were so impressed.&nbsp;</p> <p>Still feeling nervous. It'll be a big change, but the 42 year-old kitchen is begging for an update. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1923612 Tue, 29 May 2018 10:40:53 +0000 Scarlet 1923612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe consider buying a portable induction cooktop if it works with your pans. Might make life easier while it’s going on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1923527 Tue, 29 May 2018 01:06:52 +0000 pil 1923527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second the drawers for the lower cabinets. We now have only one lower cabinet with doors and pull out shelves and it’s my least favorite storage area. </p> <p>Also, this may not work with little ones, but I do like having a microwave drawer under the counter. The drawer style is nice because we can place dishes in without having to bend over to reach around a swing out door, or pull the dish down from above.</p> <p><a href="https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33332593/w/sid=1/thumbs/sharp-microwave-drawer™-oven" rel="nofollow">https://www.houzz.com/ideabook.....er™-oven</a></p> <p>We’re happy with our induction cooktop too.</p> <p>All of the decisions about killed me, but you’re probably much more decisive </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1923235 Mon, 28 May 2018 05:56:42 +0000 Sal 1923235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We did ours three years ago and it went relatively smoothly.&nbsp; We had 10 days with little kitchen but only four-five with no kitchen.&nbsp; We ate crockpot and electric frypan meals, rotisserie chicken and visited friends.</p> <p>Lining up contractors that will work together is the key and being realistic about what you can achieve.&nbsp; We have a 100 year old house and limited space - so I was never going to get a huge kitchen with room for everything - and I do have one of those low corner horrible cupboards to access.</p> <p>I love it though- I love my huge bench, my great cooker, my drawers for crockery, and my funky hydrangea wallpaper..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922898 Sat, 26 May 2018 23:22:10 +0000 Anonymous 1922898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Twice. I highly recommend a kitchen designer that listens to you. I loved the results and would not have changed a thing. We took out a wall oven and hanging cabinets that visually made the kitchen smaller and put in a slide-in stove. I really loved having sturdy pullout drawers in the under the cabinet space instead of shelves. Lazy susans in corners are great and make the space more user friendly. I wanted and got lots of light but no fixtures that hung below the ceiling. Everyone loved this and it created a big open space. I also wanted cabinets that went to the ceiling...a cleaner look than soffits and added space for seldom used items.<br /> The kitchen designer managed a long peninsula of counter space and a whole wall of cabinets in a hallway that still left enough room for a wheelchair to get through if my mother visited. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922829 Sat, 26 May 2018 20:07:47 +0000 Thistle 1922829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I learned quickly my budget was unrealistic.&nbsp;</p> <p>I had to double it. *sigh* But, I'd rather wait a year to do the bathroom and get the kitchen perfect.</p> <p>My designer has been great. Really gets what having a younger family means. Just wish there was more space to work with! And that I had a second a kitchen while the first was being redone </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922739 Sat, 26 May 2018 16:04:28 +0000 Janet 1922739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and to borrow a phrase from a sign on the door of one of my grad school professors (a writer and graphic designer):</p> <p>GOOD<br />FAST&nbsp;<br />CHEAP</p> <p>(Pick any two) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922737 Sat, 26 May 2018 15:58:24 +0000 Janet 1922737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A long time ago, and it was a cheap cheap budget project (making a 40 year old kitchen in a beach house into something usable in the modern age, but so basic there's no dishwasher and we kept the old fridge!). I'm petrified to start on our current kitchen because it's a much larger and more complex job, and the stakes are higher -- our main floor is open concept so the kitchen, dining and living rooms are so connected we will need to plan very carefully. Our house is a bit architecturally challenging too (contemporary post and beam with lots of windows and angled ceilings). So I don't have advice for you but reassurance and commiseration! I'm reading the answers and filing them away for my use too. :-D&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm currently planning two bathroom renovations (powder room first, then guest bath) in preparation for our master bath. I figure the smaller projects will be good test fodder to audition contractors, and it will be nice to have a decent guest bath to use while our master is being renovated.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922642 Sat, 26 May 2018 12:13:17 +0000 pil 1922642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the big picture I would rather remodel a kitchen than move again.</p> <p>We did ours about two years ago, just expect it to cost more than you think. Yes it was a pain but I do love it! </p> <p>My one suggestion would be to have a sample door done in the cabinet color you choose. Our white cabinets were custom made and the color was spec’d in Benjamin Moore. The cabinet maker used a Sherwin Williams ‘equivalent’ and the color ended up yellower than expected. I had a meltdown. There was some back and forth and installation was delayed but I’m over it now. Technically I suppose we could have taken a harder line with the contractor and cabinet maker but decided not to.</p> <p>One thing I like, that I don’t think has been mentioned, is our gfci outlets have a small night light built in. </p> <p>I didn’t see this above the refrigerator storage idea until after our kitchen was done, but what a great idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922506 Sat, 26 May 2018 02:37:20 +0000 cindysmith 1922506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you can live through the reno, it will be worth it. DH &amp; I were ready to throttle each other when we redid the RV kitchen, but now we've been able to enjoy having a dishwasher in an RV </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922499 Sat, 26 May 2018 02:25:47 +0000 rachylou 1922499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The opportunity to have a kitchen that works is a huge joy. My mum did entice me to cook in her kitchen with a custom work bench for me with length and butcher block top and room/outlets for appliances. And for herself, she’s very small, she got a shallower counter and can now reach the kitchen windows to open and close them. You can’t really buy that ready-made. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922493 Sat, 26 May 2018 02:07:26 +0000 Gaylene 1922493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, maybe it’s time to change this thread around and tell you what I loved about my remodeled kitchen:<br /> It made me happy every time I walked into the room—the color scheme, the layout, and the “feel” was just exactly right for me.<br /> It was wonderful to have everything right at hand when I was cooking and baking.<br /> Everyone wanted to be in the kitchen so it became the hub of our home.<br /> My husband and sons became competent cooks because there was working room for more than one person at a time.<br /> Cleanup was a snap instead of a chore because everything was streamlined and stuff had a place instead of being left out all over the place.<br /> I loved my new faucet and my new appliances—they were so much more functional as well as better looking. </p> <p>There is a lot to be said for having a kitchen which fits your lifestyle and work habits instead of having to adapt to whatever some builder thought would “sell”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922331 Fri, 25 May 2018 15:24:27 +0000 Thistle 1922331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may be more nervous now than I was before! :)</p> <p>Maybe we should just buy a new house...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922175 Fri, 25 May 2018 03:00:21 +0000 DonnaF 1922175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Drawers, drawers, drawers, especially full extension ones. I have a tiny kitchen so I ordered extra shelves and hung them close together for extra storage. Oh, and my painted cabinets started chipping like the day after the warranty ended. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922166 Fri, 25 May 2018 02:03:08 +0000 Aquamarine 1922166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We remodeled our kitchen about 17 years ago. Everything went really well, and once the demolition started, it took less than a month. We were really lucky, but having a great contractor helped.</p> <p>However, I had 3 small children at the time, and I almost had a nervous breakdown. Seriously. We put a small microwave and fridge in our family room, and it was summer so we could eat a lot of meals outdoors, but it was very, very stressful. I know you have small children so I’d think through your options for meals and cleanup.</p> <p>However, like childbirth, I think I forgot just how bad it really was because I am considering doing it again. This time I’d like to knock down a wall or two and expand the kitchen. And it’ll be way easier without little ones underfoot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922139 Fri, 25 May 2018 01:03:46 +0000 DonnaF 1922139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We remodeled our kitchen in 2005 or so. Remember: Do it fast. Do it cheap. Do it right. If lucky you get two of the three.</p> <p>Clean up is harder than cooking during a kitchen remodel. Buy busboy bins. Same depth as dishpans but bigger. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922137 Fri, 25 May 2018 01:03:22 +0000 Echo 1922137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We did a complete renovation of our kitchen about five years ago. We knocked out the old plaster and went all the way down to lath. While this part was happening, the kids and I went and stayed in a hotel and we had a dumpster parked outside the house. We worked with both Home Depot and a general contractor. Even after the major construction was done and we had drywall in and plywood on the floor (we didn't choose to remove the original asbestos tiles, so we had to cover them and them place new flooring on top), it was awful to live with. And it feels like it takes FOREVER because everything needs to be done in a certain order, so it was a while before we had running water back in the kitchen or appliances in. But it was well worth it, and I cannot imagine how we lived with the old kitchen for so many years!</p> <p>The biggest issue was that everytime we made a final decision on something, I had second thoughts and wouldn't be able to sleep. I would be SURE whatever I chose would be awful and look terrible. But that never happened. We knew what we wanted; we stuck to that vision; despite my second-thoughts, it turned out wonderfully.</p> <p>I've attached some pictures of the kitchen torn out and some pictures when things were almost complete. Interestingly, as we started living with it and it felt less new, I took fewer pictures, and I don't even have pictures of everything complete (trim and window coverings, etc.)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922118 Fri, 25 May 2018 00:22:11 +0000 Gaylene 1922118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, twice! The first time Mr G and I did much of the work, but the second time we hired a contractor. Oddly enough, both took approximately the same time to complete, but the second remodel was obviously more costly. Just a couple of extra thoughts based on our experience:</p> <p>A generous “contingency” fund makes life much less stressful because you WILL encounter unexpected surprises. </p> <p>Pay close attention to things like placement of electrical outlets (yes, you want electrical outlets in an island), which way doors swing (hitting your head every time you move from the stove to the sink isn’t good), storage spaces that fit YOUR dishes and eating style (Do you need cereal bowl or wine glass space? How tall is your blender? Where will that big turkey roasting pan fit?), lighting in critical workspace areas (dark corners are not good), places for “stuff” your family is likely to drop off “temporarily” in the kitchen (where do lunch bags, grocery sacks, and pet supplies go?), and other small, but critical, functional elements of a family kitchen. You know how your family functions, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for certain features that might not be “typical”. Those stunning, showcase kitchens aren’t the same as family kitchens. </p> <p>Create a mini kitchen somewhere in the house, but don’t fret if your eating style changes from well-thought out, nutritious meals to whatever is easy and convenient. You’ll have lots of opportunity to compensate that diet of takeout pizza once you take possession of your new kitchen. </p> <p>And, finally, keep a sense of humor when you have a meltdown because you can’t find the pepper grinder in the piles and boxes that will be your new life. Actually, you might find your kids enjoy the whole “camping in the house” atmosphere if you don’t get overly stressed. </p> <p>And, take pictures during the reno so you will be able to remember how it was just in case, a few years down the road, you decide to redo the bathroom... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922117 Fri, 25 May 2018 00:15:06 +0000 Style Fan 1922117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first husband and I remodeled our kitchen (and a lot of our house) in 1999.&nbsp; I actually had to finish it myself after he died.&nbsp; We loved doing stuff like that.&nbsp; I enjoyed going to places to look for appliances and cabinets, etc.&nbsp; We planned out the kitchen and then he did a mockup in heavy cardboard.&nbsp; I remember that room very fondly.<br />Some people hate going through renovations.&nbsp; I love it.&nbsp; (I also did a bathroom). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922099 Thu, 24 May 2018 22:22:28 +0000 cindysmith 1922099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I lived through two with my second husband. my DH &amp; I remodeled the kitchen in this RV, and we're building a house exactly the way we want it to be.</p> <p>I was fortunate enough to be married to a general contractor who had many many friends that would come do work for us quickly and professionally. It meant neither of our kitchen remodels didn't take very long.</p> <p>DH &amp; I remodeled our RV kitchen in a week. Our kitchen in the new house isn't finished but we're probably going to move in before an actual functional kitchen exists (RV is down an a/c and its brutal, the new house stays very cool). I'm already thinking ahead to things that I can cook without a lot of prep space, in one pot or microwave or whatever, and paper plates we can compost so I don't have to wash dishes in the bathroom LOL</p> <p>Everybody has given good advice, and I can't think of much to add to it beyond telling you to make it exactly as you want it now while you're doing it. Because going back and changing things later is going to be a very expensive pain in the arse. I've been nicknamed "change order" because I've changed things after they were done, and now the contractor just waits til he can get me to answer questions and doesn't even bother DH with them :-D</p> <p>I wish you all the best, because living through a reno is tough. It's even worse when it's one of those core/must-have rooms like a kitchen or bath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922089 Thu, 24 May 2018 21:14:03 +0000 RobinF 1922089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We did a minor remodel about 3 years ago. We knocked out (had it done - we didn't do it) the wall between the kitchen and dining room to make a large kitchen with eating area. I love it and can't imagine living with it the old way now. We kept the old cabinets and had the wood laid in the kitchen to match the hardwood in the dining room. It was a big hassle while it was going on. We had plastic boxes with all our food and dishes stacked up in the living room, the refrigerator was in the front hall. Luckily the microwave could stay put until the last minute. They gave us an estimate of two weeks and it took double that. Before we rarely used the dining room and now the whole space gets used. It was totally worth it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-ever-remodeled-a-kitchen#post-1922078 Thu, 24 May 2018 20:56:54 +0000 Anonymous 1922078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It has been exactly 2 years since we completely gutted and redid our kitchen. My DH and I identified what we wanted in a kitchen that we had complete control over remaking. The things we wanted were better lighting, better kitchen flow, and finally more storage space. The one thing that I would recommend is not to go cheap on the cabinets. Our walls are 8 feet high and we were able to remove the soffits to accommodate 39-inch upper cabinets.</p> <p>Before the demolition begins,&nbsp; you must isolate the kitchen from the rest of the house because there will&nbsp; be lots of dust all during your project - iow, close off the other rooms from your kitchen - plastic draping,cover furniture, protect rugs and hardwood floors, etc. If you are holding onto your appliances make sure you know where you will place them (as near to the kitchen as possible).</p> <p>Day#1 - demolition of the kitchen (if you can do it it will save you some money, but trust me it is better for someone else to do it and haul it away.) Cabinets, soffits, countertops,&nbsp; backsplash.</p> <p>Week 1 : old tile floor removed by flooring contractor, subfloor checked and underlayment put it and they began to tile. (We went with 18" tiles set on a diagonal) We tiled the entire floor rather than just up to the cabinets. I think it looks a great deal better this way and really did not add that much to the total cost of the floor. It took 2 days to tile and 1 day to grout. Lots and lots of dust with the removal of the old tile.</p> <p>Week 2/3: Electrical work - new outlets and we installed recessed led ceiling lights which we put on a dimmer switch, electrical for microwave, under cabinet lighting, and peninsula outlet. At the end of the week , the upper cabinets were put in and the following week the bottom cabinets. Crown molding all around the upper cabinets, some other decorative trim, and we installed under cabinet molding on the upper cabinets with undercabinet led lighting.&nbsp;</p> <p>Week 4: under cabinet mount sink installed and then granite countertop (countertop sealed the same day) Last thing installed was the backsplash, The final touches were a new fridge, microwave.</p> <p>The following week,&nbsp; the&nbsp; installer came in to replace a cabinet door that was warped and installed&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>We set up a temp kitchen in the basement using a toaster oven and microwave. Our kept our old fridge in the garage during the remodel and donated it afterwards. We were also able to grill outside and ate a lot of pizza and sandwiches. We have a sink in our mudroom and used that to wash utensils&nbsp; and plates, though I heavily used disposables.</p> <p>Our old&nbsp; kitchen had an island which we got rid of and created a peninsula instead. We were able to install wider cabinets and have a peninsula that is longer than the island we had and we no longer walk into one another in the kitchen. We did not move any plumbing,&nbsp; keeping our sink and dishwasher in the same place. We did redesign a corner so&nbsp; that we could&nbsp; install a counter depth french door fridge which we love. Microwave with vent/and lighting over the range.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have to say that I love my kitchen more than any other room in the house and am happy that we did it. I absolutely love the undercabinet lights and use this more than the led ceiling lights. I have 3 corner cabinets with lazy susans,&nbsp; adjustable lower cabinet pull outs, and a pantry with lower pull out drawers. I have a vent kickplate under the pantry. Also put in a narrow lower cabinet for storage of baking pans, pizza pans, large cutting boards.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p>