How I'm Renovating My Kitchen On A Budget
In a little more than a month we are embarking on our first major kitchen renovation. I know from my line of work budgets for a kitchen reno can start around $30k. My goal is to use my industry knowledge, and maybe a few discounts to pull off a renovation for $15,000. As with my kid’s bath in 2021, I did some of the work myself to save money. For the kitchen, we are planning to do the demo and build the cabinets ourselves, as well source and contract myself.
Keep reading to see where my kitchen started, what I’ve done previously, and the full rundown for plans this renovation.
This is the kitchen when we moved in in 2018.
Back in 2019, I worked with what I had and gave the kitchen a cosmetic update.
Then in 2021 I painted the floors.
Last summer I removed the soffit above the sink and most recently, I added an Ikea hack pantry.
Unfortunately I can’t open up the walls or make and major layout changes, but I can improve the function and the aesthetics. The main pain points for the current kitchen is the condition and function of the cabinets. I believe they are original to the house, circa 1984. While I made major improvements by painting and updating the hardware, the doors don’t close all the way, drawer sizes leave something to be desired and the pantry has always been an issue.
Below are a couple images of material mixes that inspired the selection direction.
What changes are we making?
Changing out the cabinets, countertop, backsplash, sink and faucet. Taking out the current pantry and moving the fridge to its current location. Possibly removing the soffit on the range side.
Are we getting all new appliances?
No, well, probably not. We already got a new fridge back in October, because ours was on the fritz, which was one of the prompts for the renovation. Definitely getting a drawer microwave. At this point, I am not planning to replace the stainless steel electric range, but I do have my eye on this one, should we come in under budget. I would love a new dishwasher, as ours is black, but it still works, so I will likely keep until it dies.
Where am I in the process?
Back in December I had a kitchen planning appointment with Ikea. I had already done my best to measure and map out that I wanted in the kitchen design software on their site, so I had a leg up on the appointment. Melissa, the kitchen specialist I worked with, was awesome. She was able to adapt my design and gather all the info to build me a plan and shopping list.
What hard finishes did I select?
Once I decided to go in the Ikea direction, I had already selected the Semi Handmade fronts, I plan to use, Quarterline in Stone. In my dream kitchen I have a beautiful, bold stone countertop and matching backsplash. I had it quoted that way and I decided to with the look for less. We are planning to do quiet warm, white quartz countertops, Caesarstone Riverlet and a really pretty marble-look porcelain on the range side backsplash. On the sink side, planning a zelliege tile, but still a little up in the air on the actual selection.
I plan to do an extensive cost breakdown and talk about where I am allocating the $15,000 in the coming weeks.