Reader Kitchen: A Dallas Refresh for $40,000
With minor changes to their kitchen’s layout, a couple add more storage and counter space and create a breakfast nook
This series profiles kitchen remodels shared by homeowners on Houzz.
Kitchen renovations are among the most popular home remodeling projects in the U.S., and their costs range widely. A redo by an enterprising DIYer might come in at $5,000, while a full-blown kitchen overhaul can run over $100,000. The price tag depends not only on what work is done, but also the location and cost of labor and materials in that area. To get a snapshot of projects and costs, we asked Houzz readers to share their kitchen renovation stories and cost breakdowns. Here, we profile a gut renovation of a kitchen in Dallas, Texas.
Kitchen renovations are among the most popular home remodeling projects in the U.S., and their costs range widely. A redo by an enterprising DIYer might come in at $5,000, while a full-blown kitchen overhaul can run over $100,000. The price tag depends not only on what work is done, but also the location and cost of labor and materials in that area. To get a snapshot of projects and costs, we asked Houzz readers to share their kitchen renovation stories and cost breakdowns. Here, we profile a gut renovation of a kitchen in Dallas, Texas.
BEFORE: Idicula and Sini Samuel faced several challenges in their kitchen, including small cabinets that did not provide sufficient storage space, a tiny closet that served as an inadequate pantry, a lack of countertop space for prepping food and no ventilation system for removing cooking odors and heat. Also, their breakfast island was too tall, which made it awkward to use.
AFTER: The Samuels made only minor changes to the kitchen’s layout but dramatically improved its functionality by adding more storage and counter space. To create more room for these features, they closed off a doorway (seen in the rear right in the “before” photo) that led to the formal dining room.
The new wall cabinetry is taller (upper cabinets are 42 inches in height, compared with 30 inches before). The base cabinetry includes a lazy Susan in the corner cabinet and pullout drawers. For a more balanced look, the Samuels centered the oven on the kitchen’s main wall.
The new kitchen island has pullout drawers for cutlery and large pots and pans, conveniently located near the new gas range. A deeper, undermount sink makes dishwashing and rinsing vegetables easier. The Samuels added a second oven, and replaced dated wallpaper with backsplash tile.
The new wall cabinetry is taller (upper cabinets are 42 inches in height, compared with 30 inches before). The base cabinetry includes a lazy Susan in the corner cabinet and pullout drawers. For a more balanced look, the Samuels centered the oven on the kitchen’s main wall.
The new kitchen island has pullout drawers for cutlery and large pots and pans, conveniently located near the new gas range. A deeper, undermount sink makes dishwashing and rinsing vegetables easier. The Samuels added a second oven, and replaced dated wallpaper with backsplash tile.
AFTER: The homeowners carved out a breakfast nook around the window seen in this photo. The new range hood vents cooking smells and hot air outdoors, a major improvement. The Samuels added pendant lights over the breakfast bar and recessed lighting to brighten up the whole space.
The couple found appliances, cabinets and lighting fixtures themselves and stored the pieces in their home until the contractor was ready to install them. The couple selected custom-built cabinets with maple doors but had the boxes made from plywood to save money. Caesarstone countertops and appliance upgrades added to the final cost.
Walls moved: No
Plumbing moved: No
Plumbing replaced: No
Professionals hired: HDS Stoneworks for backsplash and countertops. SS Design of Irving, Texas, for everything else
Special features added: Second oven, range hood, LED lighting, integrated trash can, cabinet pantry, commercial-style faucet
Splurges: Ann Sacks backsplash, Caesarstone countertops
Savings: They purchased appliances through an employee perks discount program and did the painting themselves.
Cost breakdown
Appliances: $10,000
Cabinets, sinks and countertops: Cabinets: $13,000; Kraus sink plus faucet: $600; countertops: $5,000
Lighting: $1,500 (pendant and undercabinet lighting)
Tile: $1,000
Labor: $9,000
Total: About $40,100
Share your kitchen: Tell us about your kitchen remodel and post your pictures in the Comments!
More
Real Kitchen Remodel: A Kentucky Makeover for $37,000
How Much Does a Renovation Cost and How Long Does It Take?
From the Pros: 8 Reasons Kitchen Renovations Go Over Budget
Up next: An Ontario update for $13,705
The couple found appliances, cabinets and lighting fixtures themselves and stored the pieces in their home until the contractor was ready to install them. The couple selected custom-built cabinets with maple doors but had the boxes made from plywood to save money. Caesarstone countertops and appliance upgrades added to the final cost.
Walls moved: No
Plumbing moved: No
Plumbing replaced: No
Professionals hired: HDS Stoneworks for backsplash and countertops. SS Design of Irving, Texas, for everything else
Special features added: Second oven, range hood, LED lighting, integrated trash can, cabinet pantry, commercial-style faucet
Splurges: Ann Sacks backsplash, Caesarstone countertops
Savings: They purchased appliances through an employee perks discount program and did the painting themselves.
Cost breakdown
Appliances: $10,000
Cabinets, sinks and countertops: Cabinets: $13,000; Kraus sink plus faucet: $600; countertops: $5,000
Lighting: $1,500 (pendant and undercabinet lighting)
Tile: $1,000
Labor: $9,000
Total: About $40,100
Share your kitchen: Tell us about your kitchen remodel and post your pictures in the Comments!
More
Real Kitchen Remodel: A Kentucky Makeover for $37,000
How Much Does a Renovation Cost and How Long Does It Take?
From the Pros: 8 Reasons Kitchen Renovations Go Over Budget
Up next: An Ontario update for $13,705
Who lives here: Idicula and Sini Samuel
Location: Dallas
Size: 225 square feet (20.9 square meters); 15 by 15 feet
Cost: About $40,100
Construction time: Three months