Timeline and Cost of Kitchen Renovation...

Our kitchen is still a work in progress but we have accomplished a lot on our checklist so far.  We are definitely DIY amateurs, which means we fail and learn about our mistakes along the way.  Construction is neither one of our fortes but Nate is a great hubby and will tackle whatever I ask even if he has no clue what he is doing when going into the project.  Since their wasn't any structural revamps to be done, it made the process for us a little easier.  Here is the timeline of our kitchen renovation.  We did it in steps to keep to our budget.

Timeline:

May 2010-  Purchased new stainless steel appliances from Sears.  We were eligible for the new homeowners credit at the time so we were able to use some of that money to purchase these.  We shopped around and found we were able to get the best price for what we wanted at Sears.  We bought the Kenmore Elite floor model of our side by side refrigerator and it saved us over $1000.  We paid $1800.  It had a slight dent on the front but nothing that noticeable in comparison to the money we saved.  We bought a Kenmore gas convection oven for $999, Kenmore dishwasher for $400 and we went with a Whirlpool microwave for $250, since it was less expensive compared to the Kenmore.  This was our largest purchase in the kitchen and we wanted to make sure we bought quality so they would last for many many years to come.

OLD Appliances...

 

New Appliances...

Total for appliances: About $3800 (Largest splurge in the kitchen)

June 2010-  Had a gas line put in for our oven.  When we moved in, it was electric and I knew that I wanted gas when looking for a home.  I find you have more control when cooking with gas and it cooks everything more evenly.  This was a $200 investment and so worth it! 

October 2011- Painted cabinetry white and bought new hardware (handles).  We waited a year for this step because I wanted to make sure I knew exactly what I wanted since it's not a project I want to revisit any time soon.  It was a whole weekend project plus 5 days of letting the cabinetry cure.  We hand sanded every piece of cabinetry.  If it's not glossy it just needs to be roughed up a bit so that the primer and paint will adhere properly.  On a Friday evening we took all the cabinetry off, removed hardware, sanded and wiped down after the sanding process with mild soap and water.  On Saturday morning we primed the back sides of the cabinets first and the entire kitchen.  We set up saw horses in the basement and that was our workshop for the weekend.  We let the primer sit till it was dry and then did the front side.  Later that day we did two coats of white on the back sides and the whole kitchen.  On Sunday we did 2 to 3 coats on the front side and another coat in the kitchen.  Now comes the waiting game.  We let the cabinetry set and cure for at least 5 days before hanging the cabinets and putting hardware back on.  We didn't want to jeopardize our work after all those hours we invested into it.  We did all of this with small 4 inch foam paint rollers.  I bought inexpensive hardware at the time with the intention of upgrading in the future.  We spent $1.00 per knob and reused the old hinges.  I greased up the hinges and wiped them down with an oil spray.  They look good as new after!  Total for hardware: $25.00!

We used Benjamin Moore primer and paint from our local Ace True Value Hardware.  Looking back I wish I had gone with their Advanced line.  We went with the one recommended by the paint specialist which was called Regal Select and their All Purpose Primer.  Advanced was a fairly new product at the time and he wasn't as familiar with it.  From tutorials I have read, it acts like an oil based paint but is in fact water based.  If painting your kitchen, I would highly recommend this.  We bought a gallon of primer for $40 and a gallon of paint in a Pottery Barn color called "Decorators White."  It has a gray undertone when held up next to other white paint swatches which is what I wanted.  We bought sand paper designed for cabinetry and paint rollers for $10.  I had a $5 coupon off on Benjamin Moore paint so I ended up paying $45.  Grand total for paint supplies:  $105.00!

February 2012- Purchased a hanging light pendant from West Elm(here) for over our table in the kitchen.  This was one I had been eyeing for a while and with a 30% coupon, I couldn't pass it up.  It was originally $149 and we were able to get it for $120. 

May 2012-  Purchased granite for our countertop.  This was an investment we knew we wanted to make from the very beginning.  It was just a matter of time.  We decided that each year with our tax return we would put it to good use and do a project in the house that would help build towards equity in the home.  Fixing up the kitchen was our top priority.  We researched counters and went months and months looking at colors and deciding on the type.  I really wanted Quartz with recycled glass but it was way out of our budget (around $80 to $100 sq foot for the colors I liked!!!!).  So we continued to search and found that granite was actually one of our more reasonable options.  I knew I wanted a white base that mimics marble.  We found a local store that had a slab out front which I fell in love with.  It had silver/gray veins flowing through it and I believe the name was called "River White."  I was sold, plus the price was amazing compared to the big box stores.  Little did we know that the process of waiting for it to be installed would be at least 4 months later.  We were able to get it for $55/square foot and normally this exact same stone is $89/sq foot at Home Depot.  We knew it was a deal and didn't want to pass it up.  It was quite the run around dealing with this company but we kept reminding ourselves that we were getting a great price! 

June 2012- Purchased Farmers Sink from IKEA.  This was one of my dreams on my checklist when owning a home.  I knew that if we were having new counters installed now was the time to take the plunge since they would be cutting the granite to fit.  I researched farmer sinks for months and found they were extremely expensive.  When walking around at IKEA last Winter one of the sinks caught my eye.  It was a modern version of the farmers sink for a fraction of the price.  I found that the cheapest sink at Lowe's for a one basin was a minimum of $600.  I was able to purchase a 2 basin Farmers sink at IKEA for $299!!!!!!!  I wanted to do a dance right then and there in the store.  I have to say, this sink makes a statement in our kitchen and it's usually the first thing people comment on even before the granite.
Total for sink with taxes = $325.00

September 2012-  Granite and sink installed and new faucet.  The installation was included in the granite price.  On the day of installation, my hubby and his dad removed our existing counters and the company we purchased them from installed the granite and sink.  This was one thing we knew we were not cut out to do ourselves.  Sadly, just this week we read in the newspaper that the company we purchased our granite from is under investigation because the owner (who was in our home) is no where to be found and he has left many hanging without an answer.  Thousands of dollars have been paid for work that has not been done.  My heart feels terrible for those who are waiting for an answer and there may never be one.  Now we realize why the granite was so cheap.  It is a sad story and we sit here thankful that he didn't take our money and run as well.  Our granite has a story to tell now!  It was at least $1000 less than if we had bought it elsewhere so we could justify spending that amount.  And I believe it ups the value of our home as well so it is money well spent.  Granite Total= $2600.00 Faucet= $200.00 (from Lowes).

October 2012-  Removed old fluorescent lighting over the bar and spray painted the handles/hinges black. Replaced drawers with updated pulls which I had been wanting to purchase for a while.   I bought Rustoleums Matte Black spray paint and painted the handles and hinges.  Handles look fantastic and hinges look great except for the wear from the cabinets opening and closing everyday.  I don't mind the brass showing through because it gives it an old/aged look.  At some point I'd like to buy new hinges, it was just too expensive at this point in the reno since they are at least 3.00 a pop and I need 2 for each door.  That definitely adds up and someday I will replace them.  For now, I am pleased with the results. I sprayed the hinges with 3 coats on one side, let it  cure for 2 days and then did the other side.  it really makes it all flow together now!  Total for spray paint and new drawer pulls= $30.00.

November 2012- Installed Subway Tile Back Splash. $140.00 (See Here).

Grand Total for Kitchen Renovation to date = $7500.00. This # may seem like a lot but I think we were able to save on many areas and in the long run I believe it has brought the value of our home up.  Plus, it is where we spend most of our time, so for us it was worth EVERY penny! You really can transform your kitchen on a small budget.  I watch these renovation shows on HGTV and kitchens are always the priciest redo in the home.  I am happy with the price we paid.  We may not have been able to do it all at once, but in the long run, we are thankful and so is our wallet :)

*To do projects left on the kitchen checklist:

1. Crown molding on the top of cabinetry to make the cabinets look custom built (have the molding, needs to be installed).
2. Molding and wooden feet on the bottoms of cabinetry to make it look like custom furniture.
3. New light over the bar.
4. New light over the sink.
5. New black hinges.
6. Barstools for bar.
7. Wood Farmers table for eating area and bench/chairs
8. Natural fiber/jute rug for eating area

The above list is certainly a continued work in progress and as we put money aside we will tackle the next item on the list.  Will continue to post updates on our kitchen journey and if you have questions on any details of the process please feel free to contact me!  Any kitchen plans in your future?