foolish to replace appliances BEFORE a remodel?

17 years ago

I'd really like to remodel my kitchen. I've started the process, but I am very indecisive. I have a big kitchen, and I'm not thrilled with the layout, but I'm typically in my kitchen 6+ hours every day and think I may go insane with a traditional gut and redo. So maybe a simpler reface. But once you add the counter and appliances, is it worth paying that much for an only OK kitchen? I agonize. I think the remodel will occur anywhere from 6 mos. to 6 years from now. In the meanwhile, I'd really like to at least have the new appliances, which are a much easier project to do. I'm planning on doing some minor demolition and plumbing to allow for a larger fridge [48" counter depth from a 36" standard depth] and stove [a 6 burner Bluestar from a 4 burner old clunker], which my handyman can do. I've thought it through enough to know that I'll be happy with the appliance configuration I've chosen whether I go for a simple reface or full-on redo (except maybe the dishwasher, but I'm OK with that). Are there any good reasons I may not have thought of to avoid replacing the appliances first?

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Comments (5)

plllog
17 years ago
I'd worry that the new appliances might get damaged when you finally do go for your redo. BUT the one thing you seem really decisive on is that getting the new fridge and oven right now will make you happy. Maybe if you were happy with that much you wouldn't be so stressed out over the remodeling decisions, and getting things right, and you could enjoy the process at your leisure. And you can post your plans in the kitchen forum and get all kinds of help.

I've been at the just give me the danged appliances stage, but there was just no way to insert them in the old kitchen. Empathy here. Be happy!
Buehl
17 years ago
If the layout is a problem, then I would definitely delay any "infrastructure" changes...like counters, cabinets, sinks, etc. However, appliances, if you know what you really want, can be purchased now to "get by" until you have the rest of the remodel planned out.

An advantage to this is that with careful planning you can hook up your appliances elsewhere and still have a very functional "temporary" kitchen (unlike us...we had only a MW & Ref and had to buy a toaster oven & hot plate)!

I suggest you wander on over to the Kitchens Forum to help you with your remodel plans...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised about the help & support you will find over there...from planning to demo to install to the finishing touches!

(Oh, and read the "Read Me" thread over there! Read Me If You're New To GW Kitchens!.)

Good Luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchens Forum
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Fori
17 years ago
Do it! You'll be happier.

When you do remodel, make sure everyone knows you're keeping things and they must be careful. And be there for the removal.
lascatx
17 years ago
I didn't and I'm glad I didn't. For one, the dying appliances mandated that we actually get serious about our plans and finally pull the trigger. We took about 4-1/2 years to get to that point. The appliances held in there, but we would have had some issues if they hadn't. Some appliances you make do without for a while or find a cheap temporary solution while others will box you into limited decisions.

For another, not one of the appliances I have now is what I would have picked before I started. Of all the new appliances, the only one that would have fit in the "before" space would be one of two DWs -- and we couldn't replace that because the old one had been tiled in. It was about to become a large drying rack if it died before we could get it out.

I got a better functioning kitchen by changing the layout, and I am so glad we made the changes we did. I wouldn't have done that if I had locked in on other appliances.
Fori
17 years ago
I'd definitely stick with appliances that you know you'll be able to fit in and you know you'll be sticking with...and you know you use a lot. The range is one. That will improve your 6 months to 6 YEARS tremendously. If the big fridge is really going to make a difference, do it. Since you have a big kitchen and want that fridge now, you probably will have that fridge as a requirement in your Fabulous Kitchen Remodel, so it's okay to plan around it. (In my dinky kitchen, it was OK to replace a dishwasher before remodeling, but the fridge has to wait for final plans.)

Remember in 6 years, styles will be a little different and if you're into everything matching, you may have issues. But that range is a standalone piece, so I think it's safe. Hopefully you have a hood you can use, though. That's something that ought to wait for a plan.