Software
Houzz Logo Print
nerissa_barnes

Kitchen Expansion Project

11 years ago
Hi Everyone,
I'm trying to find a reputable contractor in Northern New Jersey (West Orange Area) to access a kitchen expansion project (bump-out/addition). I have already contacted two companies that I found on Houzz.com. But neither showed any interest in my project because I'm not doing a complete rip-out and hence it is not a $100,000 project. Unfortunately, I have already updated appliances and countertops and my Cabinets are in good shape. I’m really just looking for options to actually make my kitchen area bigger. I would also need to take on flooring and add an island.

Any resources you can point me to would be invaluable.
Thanks,

Comments (2)

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago
    I think you may be underestimating the amount of work such a project entails, which may account for the lack of responses to your query. "Just" everything would need to be touched. Electrical, siding, roofing, insulation, HVAC, flooring, ceiling, walls----all of that would have to be blended from the new to the old. And that is the most difficult part of any remodel situation. It's why some additions are very obvious and scream their status, and some are not. The better transitioned ones usually replace rather than try to weave together new and old. And they usually involve more design work on the front end to blend the two. This is much more involved that you may think.

    Perhaps it would be helpful to you and any future contractors under consideration if you developed some specs for your project. You'd need to research to be able to cite the products that you would want used, as well as the individual jobs that would need to be done, and indicate as to whether patching would be acceptable, or if you would want to replace for continuity sake.
    Nerissa Barnes thanked User
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago
    Hi ProSource Memphis.

    ...Actually, a construction and remodeling company in New Jersey informed me today, that my project was too small for them. They would only consider the project if I was taking on new cabinetry, appliances and moving electrical and plumbing! They were a bit snooty I must say - and let me wait 4 days for this response.

    I neglected to mentioned that I'm looking to bump-out and exterior wall. Either way, I do realize that this is project is quite an undertaking - although I did not consider the old vs. the new as you pointed it out here. When I purchased my home 15 years ago I accepted the layout, formica countertops et al. What did I know? My only want, was to get rid of the dated appliances. Which I did 5 years or so ago. Over time, I have come to hate all of it. So I recently got rid of the formica countertops, sink and faucetry. Unfortunately, the cabinetry (although a bit dated) is in great condition. I think if I open up the kitchen, add an island (without plumbing) and change the flooring it will be lovely. Had I viewed the kitchen then, as I view it now, I would have gutted everything.

    I will keep looking around, however, calling vendors that I locate on Houzz.com is both time consuming and frustrating. I will add some photos as well.