How much *should* this kitchen cost?
enzaenza
8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (40)
User
8 years agofunkycamper
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Curved staircase - how much should it cost?
Comments (13)Wow! Thanks so much for all of the help. Maybe they are not so far off after all. I knew it was going to be expensive. I think I might have been a little unrealistic. I did find out that the mahogany hand rail does have a lot to do with why it is so much. I think it is about 18 steps. I also need to find out if this will include the hand rail and balausters on the balcony and the loft area over the Great Room. If so, it might not be a bad price for all of that... Thank you all for the additional info. I just wanted to make sure costs do not get too out of hand....See MoreHow much should it cost approx. to renovate a bathroom?
Comments (35)I would like to chime in again in response to hollysprings' post. I do appreciate her insight, and others who are way more knowledgeable about this stuff than I. I agree that there are often circumstances that we may not be aware of that drive costs up, but let's face it, for many of us the construction industry is an enigma and it is already so hard to sift the wheat from the chaff. It only makes it harder for us when they don't let us know what goes into an estimate and we are left in the dark. Not only trying to find someone upstanding, but also someone who you get along with and understands your goals in the project. And I do think we should know the separation of labor and materials at least in some basic context. Obviously there is some range of cost that they have taken into account in order to come up with a lump sum estimate in the first place. Not to mention their own magic number that they need in order to make a decent living. And yes, there is a difference between nit-picking and getting a range of expected customer's choice driven costs. Shouldn't there be some responsibility on the contractor to let us know what types of allowances they are taking into consideration? I am new to remodeling, much like the OP. Unfortunately there are not many good resources for us noobs to educate ourselves about the construction process, how contractors work, good design, and product knowledge. Which is why I and so many others are on online forums such as this. I have been burned a few times attempting to learn and ask those same questions, like what the driving force is behind estimates and it is very frustrating because many contractors are not able to really articulate these things. What I have experienced is either a well organized design/ hold firm that does high quality work but only wants to work with luxury finishes or small time guys who come recommended by friends and neighbors that don't have a broad range of knowledge of products/design. And then those who do really great jobs for their friends and families but slack off for those who aren't on their Christmas list. No one I have met as a potential or actual client has been particularly interested in answering my questions, except with a short answer and a 'trust me I know what I'm doing'. I do know you get what you pay for and I am able to pay for what I want, but I also want to gain an understanding in what those driving forces are behind the costs. And in my expensive area of the country, it is very easy for me to feel and actually be price gouged....See MoreOpinions wanted - How much should this cost, roughly??
Comments (19)On the whole, I don't think it looks cheap and unfinished, but from your comments I think that the contemporary look may not be for you. I don't know what to do about that. The "plain" doors *are* contemporary - anything else is less so. I don't know what the woods are but they seem quite refined - the dark cabinetry (walnut? mahogany) and the lighter (figured?, curly?) wood on the horizontal uppers. The woods are rich as is the backsplash tile - very nice. Specific fixes: the fridge cabinet fix is straightforward as it really ought to line up with *something* else in that room - I think that is what is throwing such a huge wrinkle in an otherwise nice space. It has an eye line all its own. An easy fix is to get sides and a couple of shelves to give it its built in look such that the top shelf lines up with the top of rest of the kitchen. I can appreciate what the PO was trying to do as I, too, don't like big blocky heaps of cabinetry rising up and dominating corners of rooms so she was probably trying to ease into the elevation. BUT without something to give that fridge block some symmetry, it just looks wrong. So, the elevated sides and shelves should fix it. Also, if you get some of the pro-style fridges, they will be taller than the Electrolux there and may immediately line up with the top of the cabs with a new side and the same top shelf already in existence. If you don't cook, why do you want a rangetop???? *puzzled* From a show only standpoint, a good unobstrusive cooktop or better yet, an induction unit is the way to go (actually, they are excellent for performance also, IMO). The rangetop will diminish some of the contemporary sleekness AND if you are talking cutting the installed granite etc. - opens up the possibility for things going wrong. I'm all about contemporary and I don't like the pendant either, so all blessings to change it out. :-) Never been a fan of islands constructed as you show but those can be put to excellent use. Take a look at Pharaoh's kitchen. A back-lit onyx tile or slab installed there will make the back of the island look absolutely awesome. Congratulations on the new house....See MoreHow much should this kitchen cost?
Comments (17)Sarah, great info. Also, since the cabinets are such a huge chunk of the expense, really shop around for them. We have a small kitchen, not nearly enough cabinets. And still we got some outrageous quotes. First we went to 1 kitchen showroom and got quotes on the mac-daddy cabinets (Century), then a grade just below that. Century was close to 30k. The "cheap ones" were 24k. That was with full overlay, but ALL the bells and whistles. Since this is our second home, and a total rehab, neither of those were in the budget. Upon our contractor's suggestion, we went to HD to look at their Thomasville line. They had the door style we wanted. The same cabinet set up in their highest quality with all the bells and whistles was only $15k. BIG difference. I hate HD and was skeptical, but budgetary concerns won out. Plus our contractor, not HD, is installing them, which is where I've heard most of the problems arise. So yeah, shop around. :-)...See MoreUser
8 years agoBunny
8 years agoAvatarWalt
8 years agoUser
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agosjhockeyfan325
8 years agoUser
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoenzaenza
8 years agoJillius
8 years agoenzaenza
8 years agowilliamsem
8 years agorebunky
8 years agobeachem
8 years agoBunny
8 years agofunkycamper
8 years agoMDLN
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoUser
8 years agoTexas_Gem
8 years agopractigal
8 years agoenzaenza
8 years agoNothing Left to Say
8 years agoenzaenza
8 years agoMDLN
8 years agoUser
8 years agoenzaenza
8 years agoginny20
8 years agoenzaenza
8 years agoenzaenza
8 years agoenzaenza
8 years ago
Related Stories
REMODELING GUIDESShould You Stay or Should You Go for a Remodel? 10 Points to Ponder
Consider these renovation realities to help you decide whether to budget for temporary housing
Full StoryKITCHEN CABINETSKitchen Cabinet Color: Should You Paint or Stain?
Learn about durability, looks, cost and more for wooden cabinet finishes to make the right choice for your kitchen
Full StoryMOST POPULAR19 Kitchen Projects Every Homeowner Should Know About
Could your kitchen use a new sink, a backsplash, updated hardware, better organization, a good cleaning? Here's how to get started
Full StoryKITCHEN BACKSPLASHESWhy You Should Embrace a Solid Slab Backsplash
The effect is stunning, and yet the cost can be minimal. Here’s what to know about using full slabs of stone in your kitchen
Full StoryMOST POPULARHouzz Quiz: What Style of Kitchen Should You Have?
Should you be cooking up a storm in a modern, traditional, farmhouse or another style of kitchen? Take our quiz to find out
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDES7 Design Rules and Why You Should Break Them
Think tile is only for kitchens and bathrooms? Art should hang at eye level? Time to consider breaking these old rules
Full StoryMOST POPULARSo You Say: 30 Design Mistakes You Should Never Make
Drop the paint can, step away from the brick and read this remodeling advice from people who’ve been there
Full StoryFUN HOUZZHouzz Quiz: What Should You Do With a Basement?
Take our quiz to find out if you should turn your subterranean space into a London pub, a Lego lounge or something else
Full StoryMOST POPULARHow High Should You Mount Your TV?
Today we look at an important question to consider when locating your television: How high should you set it?
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGWhy Cleaning Window Screens Should Be Part of Your Winter Strategy
Dirty mesh blocks light, heat and views. Learn how to keep screens looking good and if they should be put away until spring
Full Story
catbuilder