I had kitchen cabinets in our garage for almost 4 years, until I took a screwdriver to the above fridge cabinet. I was terrified to diy - we won't do electrical, and will hire for that. But, much of it is doable by yourself. We learned how to install and level cabinets, cut and install butcher block, etc. I had NEVER done any such work prior.

Can you ask the GC to itemize for you so you can see what you can "put on hold" for now? Maybe you can have laminate counters for a while. How much are the cabinets, what type, and how many? Are there pull outs that you can install yourself after install? That is a fairly uncomplicated diy that can save hundreds if not thousands depending on how many you want. Would you be willing to purchase one Ikea cabinet to see what it was like putting together? Maybe hang it in your garage? That would give you a feel for the difficulty. Would you be willing to purchase nice cabinets second hand? You may be able to swing this now, or part of it now, or even decide that you can diy. I didn't think I could. I just got tired waiting. Think about what is the most important and prioritize.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm a single mom - working fulltime, and I'm not sure how much DIY I could realistically do.

I can cut out the backsplash for now, but not much else - I've already cut out the pullouts etc. for now.

I'm looking at about 12 cabinets total - for midrange cabs. I could save a a 1-2K on the cabinets if I got cheaper ones, but given the pricetag for the job, it doesn't make sense to do it without getting the cabinets that I like (not talking all-plywood or anything either.)

It's over 1K just for the permits here!

Check ikeafans for great ideas on ikea kitchens- the cabinet cost is much less so that you can spend on the other things. You could get full extension drawers and all the innards for the lower drawers for an great price, and leave doors off the top wall cabinets until you could afford them (doors are the priciest component). The cabinets are really very easy to put together yourself, and then your contractor could install for you. I second Hestia's idea about laminate countertop for now. That is probably the easiest component to replace down the road.

I'd give IKEA some serious consideration. They really make some gorgeous cabinets! Look into IKEA's butcherblock countertops for now. They are inexpensive and almost the same dimensions as granite. So when you can afford it, just pull out the wood and slide in the granite. Easy as can be!

And you might be surprised how much you actually can DIY. I am a 51 year old woman and I have built three houses now. I was 20 when we started the first one and had two little kids by the time we finished it. I dug footers, laid block, installed and finished hardwood flooring, did wiring, you name it! I do have a hubby, but he is disabled so most of this last house (my forever house) fell on my sholders. I can't afford to hire people, so I learn how to do whatever needs to be done. I have also learned how to design and build my own koi pond and filters. The last pond I dug was this past spring. It's 4' deep and I dug it with a shovel. Determination and lack of funds is a GREAT motivator to learn how to do what you don't currently know how to do. There are web sites and books to teach you things you never even dreamed possible! So even though being a single mother makes it harder, don't sell yourself short. You can do anything you put your mind to doing!

Cindy