Kitchen Remodel

[ciscogizmo1]

We did a kitchen remodel about 6 years ago. It costed about $50k but that included other things that wouldn't be on your list. We bought a stove that costed about $10k. We had to plumb for gas. Also, we re-did the walls and ceilings. We raised the ceiling too. Also, we had structural stuff that needed to be fixed since the prior owner did it incorrectly. Also, we added recessed lighting. We had to move a gas line that was coming through the skylight area. We re-did the skylight. We got Cherry Cabinets from a custom cabinet maker. We have Bose dishwasher & regular stainless steel refrig. Our microwave doubles as a convection oven. We changed the step under the bar stool to be smaller. We had to move an old heating shaft thing that was near wall. We had to add a firesafe door going out to the garage. We widened the opening for the window in the kitchen. We got tile flooring. So my point is that you really aren't going to know the cost until you get some bids. I would just get as many bids as you think you'll need. Go to Lowe's and Home depots too. Get as many bids as possible. We had an artitect but you can easily just use a contractor for the entire process.

Some of my friends are re-doing their kitchens as well and they are getting bids around $75k. They say it is all labor that has gone up in price. Same thing with pools, 10 years ago our pool was about $27k now people are paying $50k or more..

 

[Rose Pink]

So many choices! It makes my head spin. DH is adamant about not taking out a loan so we are back to the 25K range. I am going to have to be creative. It's not like I have to decide today so I will take my time. I truly appreciate all of your comments and suggestions and warnings. Tuggers are great!

I am wondering about how one goes about finding an independent cabinet maker? Word of mouth would be best but I've not heard of anyone (good or bad). I don't really feel comfortable picking someone out of a newspaper ad. I also agree with Elaine that the quality/consistency of the finish is apt to be better in a factory-controlled environment. The cabinet maker (local manufacturer) I am looking at has been in business for decades. Their showroom is lovely and large--many choices. My DIL's parents ordered cabinetry from this firm and they are very happy with the quality and with the designer.

I'm not sure why, but I don't feel comfortable buying from a big box store. I've looked at their displays many times over the years but I like what I see at this other place better. It just feels more comfortable. I'll get DH to go with me and we can at least price out the cabinets to see if there is a huge difference in cost between the big box stores and the local manufacturer. He is more into buying a new car, however. We don't need a new car. We need a kitchen. Any suggestions on how to handle our difference of opinion?