Is it possible to have a kitchen remodeled on a REALLY low budget?

Question

Need to have our kitchen remodeled and have no idea where to start. I'm guessing any contractor or kitchen remodeler would probably laugh in my face...but is it possible to have a 40 yr-old kitchen remodeled for under $25,000 and get good quality cabinets, new fridge, new dishwasher, new built-in oven, sink and stove top, new countertops and some recessed or in some way enhanced, lighting? And replace existing ceramic tile floor with either hardwood or laminate flooring? The work area is about 10 ft long X 8 ft deep. The eating area is about 9 ft X 11 ft. If this is totally unrealistic, what's the approximate minimum we'd need to accomplish this? Has anyone attempted this on such a budget?

Answer 1

You can do a lot for $25k...

Spend some time on HGTV's web site... Heck, try to get on one of those shows! They'll do it for you :)

www.hgtv.com

Lots of kitchen remodels --- lots of ideas to make your own...

Answer 2

I would start by pricing out the appliances, sink , faucet and lighting that you want. Get a bid from a plumber and electrician for their work including the lighting and gfi outlets to be installed etc. Then you will have a better idea of what your budget will allow for cabinets and flooring, The counter top is an area that can make or break you budget . So decide what is more important to you cabinets or counter. Also dont forget door pulls they can add up. Backsplash Tile vs paper or paint these are all areas to consider. It certainly can be done within your budget just be careful and dont go crazy on the quality of the cabinets median quality are fine. Good Luck and get 3 bids on everything.

Answer 3

Sure, I've done that - but the caveat is that I did all of the work except for the electrical myself. And since I also happen to be the main person who uses the kitchen, there wasn't an issue with my getting upset and threatening to divorce myself because the project took longer than desired.

It sounds like you're just getting started with your planning and budgeting process, although you have a good general idea of what you'd like to accomplish. I'm sure some others will speak up with round number estimates for how much they had to spend, but in the meantime, here's what I suggest to start working through this problem.

- You've made a list of everything you want. Now go to home improvement stores and start scanning ads to get an idea of prices for things. Find out how much refrigerators cost, for example, both ones on the high end and ones with the minimum set of features you think you can live with. A lot of home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes will let you come in with a floor plan and design your cabinet layout on the computer. From that, they can give you an estimate of how much cabinets and different countertop options would cost. That's useful information even if you choose to have custom cabinets designed: you'll at least have started thinking about the features and layout you'd like.

- Add up the cost of the things you have on your list so far.
There'll be a lot of stuff you won't know yet, but if you add those things up and compare them to your total budget, you'll get an idea of how much money is left for other things, including contractor labor. That'll start to give you a feel for whether 25k is anywhere near realistic. If the titanium counters and subzero fridge with internet hookup have used up 22k of your budget, probably you need to explore some other options.

- Decide which tasks you are reasonably comfortable doing yourself. Do you want to hand the entire project off to a contractor, or would you enjoy wrestling with a floor sander and hanging cabinets on the walls? Will the remodel require extensive electrical rewiring or replumbing? Do you have the time and expertise necessary to communicate with trademen if you don't hire a contractor?

- Ask everyone you know for the names of contractors they've worked with. Research the contractors - make sure they're licensed and try to find out about customers' experiences with them, both bad and good. Start interviewing them. Be up front about what your budget is and what your expectations are. Be wary of those who promise to give you the Earth and Moon on a shoestring budget, and also be wary of those who try to talk you into options far more elaborate and expensive than you have in mind. Somewhere in the middle there should be a reliable contractor who'll be honest with you, even about unpleasant topics like real project costs.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

Remodel your cabinets yourself. Spend your budget on upgraded appliances & maybe new counter tops.

If your cabinets are in good shape other than needing a paint job or whatever, you can do that yourself. Strip them & repaint or stain. Or take the doors off and use open shelving. Or take the centers out of the doors & add fabric instead. Or strip and repaint in a vintage design.

Buy your lighting yourself at lowes or home depot and then hire an electrician to install them if you can't do that kind of work yourself.

$25k is a good budget for your new kitchen if you do some of the work yourself.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 5

You can go to home improvement stores and tell them what u really need/want and about how much u can afford to spend. As far as contractors, they will definitely charge more..how much more I couldn't tell you. I have recently redone my kitchen with a brand new fridge, microwave, stove, flooring, paint, garbage disposal[and soon a dishwasher] for a few thousand dollars. I think you should EXPECT in the range of 21-27 thousand. Good luck with your project. My calculation is based on getting the highest priced, top quality brands. You don't NEED that stuff. I just think it looks cool. Ha Ha Ha

Answer 6

Let's talk serviceable here. Dishwasher less than $500. Sink $200, Built in oven and accompanying stove top, less than $2000.
Refrigerator $1200. Garbage disposal $100. 20 working feet of Formica counter tops less than $1000. Lowes basic cabinets about $3000. Under cabinets fluorescent lighting and new fancy light fixture $400. total less than $9000 dollars. Installation with crown molding, custom trim provided, around $10,000. Changing floor under $2000. total about $21000.
I would instead, buy new doors and refinish cabinet frame about $2000, install crown molding, custom trim, new appliances, sink and counter tops, under cabinet lighting and light fixture. Labor about $8000. If the floors are not damaged I would not replace the tile, especially with wood or laminate. total $16000

Answer 7

It is if you are willing to economize in some areas (modular cabinets rather than custom for instance). And your instincts are right on about the contractor being your first stop. Call your BBB and see how each contractor in your area has been rated, if there are any complaints on file. Once you have decided on one have him come look at your kitchen.Tell him what you're looking for and he can tell you what he can do. Don't be discouraged if you have to talk to a few before you hire one. That can actually be better than jumping on the first to walk through your door.

Answer 8

The appropriate budget is determined by the house's value. A complete remodel involves lighting, flooring, cabinets, appliances, counters, and plumbing fixtures. Most people in my area spend a total of ten to fifteen percent of their home's market value.

You want to do something that will add value to the house. Talk to a couple of Realtors in your area. See what they would advise. They know what sells and what doesn't.

Answer 9

25K a low budget? I still can figure out why cabinets are so expensive.

Answer 10

yeah go to home depot and tell them your budget and the can help you and go on web sites and compare prices