How would you update this kitchen without a major renovation?
notnyc
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
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2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoMrs Pete
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Upgrading 60 amps to 200 amps without major rewiring?
Comments (18)This is how I would do it: 1) Permanently install your new 200-amp panel in the best location possible. 2) Install a 60-amp dual breaker in the new panel. 3) Run a #6-3 cable from this breaker to the old panel. Do not connect at this time. 4) Have the POCO completely remove the incoming power cable (service) from your old panel, and connect the cable you ran in step #3. (Congratulations! Your old main panel is now a sub-panel.) 5) Have the POCO connect service to your new main panel. 6) Migrate old circuits from your "sub-panel" over to your new main panel at your convenience. I'd also probably get as much of the new/re-wiring out of the way up-front as possible, just so I wouldn't have to keep having the inspector back every few months. I know that some guys will tear out a foot-high horizontal strip of wall about 18" up throughout when they do a rewire, then sheetrock it closed when they're done. This would allow you plenty of access to run new house wiring and your structured cabling, and would leave the place more livable in the mean time by not ripping off entire wall coverings. As far as why you don't want your structured wiring close to your 120v/240v wiring: Communications cable operates at a low voltage and current, and active house wiring can easily induce noise into it, thereby degrading the signal it carries. The rule of thumb, IIRC, is 12-inches of separation between a CAT-5e data cable and a power cable carrying up to 5000 Watts....See More1970s major renovation: how to budget?
Comments (16)I will preface this by saying I know nothing about the real estate market in Apex, NC, but off the top of my head, a 2,400 sq ft house that only has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths has a lot of wasted space somewhere. Several years ago, my mom, a widow at the time, bought a major fixer upper. It was an all brick house in an up-and-coming part of the city (major US city) and the only thing it had going for it was its location (which is obviously something you cannot change). We all thought she was completely nuts, but for whatever reason she fell in love with the house. She didn't move any walls or add any additional square footage but basically tore nearly everything down to the studs. Everywhere she turned, it was one problem after the next. She budgeted around $75K for all the wanted to do (including finishing the basement) and in the end (about 2 years later) her total came closer to $150K. Yes, almost double her original budget. Since she worked full time, she hired contractors to do a lot of the work, but she did a lot herself, like painting and tiling. We referred to the house as the money pit. She knew there was likely asbestos (there was, everywhere) but she did not anticipate all the plumbing and electrical needing upgrading. Or the mold issue in the basement. Or the broken sewer pipe in front of the house. I just shook my head every time she'd complain about another issue the contractors found. She wound up selling a few years later. She could only list her house for around $50-60K more than what she paid for it because that's what the market dictated, even though everything was new. In the end she lost nearly $100K. Even though everyone and their mother warned her at the time, she didn't listen and regrets having put that time and money into such a project. My husband and I recently finished our basement. A small remodel based on some of the projects I read on this site. But I would never do it again. We wound up spending maybe $15K more than I expected (because I didn't account for some of the things we needed to do before actually finishing the basement, like a new sump pump and having the walls sealed). We lived here during the finishing and because the weather is brutally cold, most of the stuff that was originally downstairs is still in the garage and will be dealt with this spring. I'm tired of my house being in disarray. I just want my life back to "normal". My husband is thrilled with the results; I would have rather moved (and tried to convince him to before we started this project, but I was obviously unsuccessful). Bottom line is these kind of major remodels take a lot more time (ours took a month longer) and much more money than you think. Unexpected problems that come up are par for the course. And then there's the problem of overbuilding/over improving for your area. My mom was definitely a victim of that and why she could only list her house for what she did. I'd rather buy a house that had everything I wanted in a heartbeat. I wouldn't even give a fixer upper a second look....See MoreHow would you update this kitchen?
Comments (24)Houzz is great but it takes a bit more than photos and a back pocket full of design opinions to design a space well. Great custom design takes into consideration the architectural period and detail of the property, the owners preferences and styles, and the budget and timeline. What will remain, what will be removed, and what will be added? Does the architectural footprint change? It is best to have a design vision and plan for the property as a whole and then design each space, embracing that design plan, that moves that vision toward reality. This will help assure that the design will be cohesive, can be planned in phases if need be, and, come possibly come in on budget. Based on this one photo and the info you provided: The house was built in 1974 but the kitchen looks later than that. The lines of the architecture looks like it may be a bit more contemporary, many homes in the 70’s were, and it looks like you have a Mid Century piece of furniture in the adjoining room. If you do not plan on replacing cabinets then I would paint them. The maple looks very yellow, which happens with age. If you plan on replacing or refacing the cabinets I would recommend slab doors as these are keeping with the typical design of that era. I would change the countertops to a quartz with an eased edge as the double pencil edge is to traditional. I would change the backsplash to a true subway tile, not beveled, or continue the quartz up the wall for a seamless look. Save choosing the wall color until last as it will be easier that way. If you go for a light cabinet/countertop I would choose a medium tone for the floor either in wood or wood looking tile. Lastly choose your fixtures and fittings. Again professional designers look at the space as a whole, even if you are only doing one space at a time, so that the end product is consistent with your overall vision. Good luck....See MoreHow would you do a minor update to our small double-galley kitchen?
Comments (11)New countertops and backsplash is a great start. Buy a sofa table, credenza, narrow long dresser, a buffet, or an antique and paint it or keep as is for extra storage or a place to put drinks and food when entertaining. You could put the same countertop on the floating piece you decide on as well if you like. Maybe a nice runner in front of the cupboards could bring in some texture and colour, as well as switching out hardware really makes a big impact for different price points. Depending on your budget, new taps and lighting can dramatically change the atmosphere and update. Do as little or as much, every little bit will be a nice refresh. Your cupboards look to be in great shape, I think you made the right choice not to paint them. If I see another all white or grey kitchen I’m going to scream. While timeless, where is the individual personality in that? Good luck and have fun. It’s your home. Advice is good, but follow your gut....See Morenotnyc
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