Kitchen Remodel Question

7 years ago

My wife and I would like to remodel our kitchen in the next 12-18 months, we plan on hiring someone to do it.

This is the one room or remodeling project we've never undertaken before, so we have a couple of fairly straightforward questions.

1. Is it a good idea to remodel a kitchen in phases, rather than all it once? We're trying to spread out the costs a little bit, without cutting corners and doing it on the cheap.

2. The other issue is our appliances-we have an older dishwasher and an older stovetop range that really aren't working very well anymore, we'd like to replace those now, if possible. I understand that a year from now when we actually take the plunge and replace the backsplash, countertops and cabinets, the appliances will most likely have to be removed and reinstalled, but if we install the new appliances now and then reinstall them after the remodel, am I correct in assuming this won't cause too many problems, other than maybe a slight increase in labor costs later on?

Any input would be appreciated.

Featured Answer

Helen

7 years ago

A dishwasher is universal so it's a fairly easy swap.

I don't understand whether you have a free standing stove or a cooktop and separate wall ovens. A freestanding stove is also fairly interchangeable as they are a standard 30" width. You would however be eliminating the possibility of a slide-in stove which some people like because it eliminates the gaps at the side. Or if for some reason you wanted to significantly upgrade your choice of stove to a larger type of model.

A cooktop is a bit trickier because you would have to retrofit it to your existing counter so installation would be a cost factor. If I knew that I was remodeling within that period of time I would attempt to keep the existing cooktop unless it was completely non-functional.

Whether a kitchen can be done in phases, really depends on what you are planning to do. If you are keeping existing cabinets and just doing cosmetic stuff like new counters, you don't have to do it all at once. People do cosmetic updates to discrete aspects of their kitchens all the time. Certain things - even as a cosmetic update - are done together though as you would generally replace the sink, faucets and counter at the same time and generally also might install a new garbage disposal as well.

However, if you are planning to really do a gut remodel by changing cabinets, it would be difficult to do it in stages because you are essentially gutting the kitchen and rebuilding it. Most people would take the opportunity to change the floor since the flooring runs under the cabinets. There really isn't any aspect of the kitchen that would be left once the cabinets are gone. Also you would probably find that you would need to upgrade electrical as well at the same time to meet current Code requirements.

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Comments (9)

Toni Hamlett
7 years ago
If the appliances need replacing do so. One benefit of having the appliances is you get cabinets to fit them. As for doing it in phases, this might actually increase labor cost. Consider just waiting a little longer. This will give you more time to plan and shop All the best.
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THOR, Son of ODIN
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
PLAN your remodel now and implement it in phases.

Consider what finish and model you want for the dishwasher, and decide what you want for the cooktop/oven (slide-ins have a sleeker look, maybe you want to try induction) and start your remodel with them.

Another argument for phases: If you remodel all at once with shiny new finishes and the colors that are currently on trend it will likely look "Very 2019".
If you remodel in phases there is a better chance it will not look as dated, as it will look like it organically changed over time.
PRO
Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
7 years ago
Kitchen remodels should be done all at once. So many issues arise when done piecemeal. You can replace the appliances now, just consider them in your new design.
chicagoans
7 years ago
I think one exception to "do it all at once" is the backsplash. When you do new cabinets and counters you can remove the existing backsplash (if there is one) and make the walls nice and smooth -- ready for a backsplash in the future. (Don't include a 4" mini splash with your counters.) Then after you've lived with it awhile, gathered samples and saved a bit more, you can select your backsplash and have it installed. But you'll want to plan for it by making sure your walls are good and flat.

Lighting is another area you might be able to do later (if you replace your lighting.) For example, it's easy to swap in a new style of pendant over an island or sink, or a new fixture over your table. But if you're replacing a built in fluorescent or need to change your lighting configuration to fit a revised layout, then that should be planned in advance. I don't think you'll want to open up your ceiling or walls after cabinets are in to accommodate electrical changes.
PRO
None
7 years ago
All at once
PRO
Main Line Kitchen Design
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Design the kitchen now with a professional kitchen designer. And get a budget together for the project. Then you can proceed knowing the final design you are planning .for in the future.

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It is unlikely that you would chose the same appliances if you designed first without tying yourself to those models. For example a cooktop and wall oven take up more space and cost on average about $3500 more in cabinetry, appliances, and countertop. Often customers that plan on these appliances change their mind when they see the more open design that a range gives them. Slide in ranges are needed with wooden hoods so buying a range with a back to it could ruin the design you like.

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Paying contractors in phases will cost more so do the work you are paying for all together.

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If you are trying to save money. Painting and doing the backsplash tile yourself are easier projects to tackle yourself. Research how to do each in a professional manor on YouTube before beginning.
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Save your money and get it all done in one go. Three reasons: (1) contractors are insanely busy right now. The chances of you finding one who would be willing to take on such a small project AND do it in phases are very limited. (2) Related to the first point, you want to keep subs on the job. The more you break it up into smaller pieces, the harder it will be for your general contractor to line up subs, making what should be a quick project rather endless. And (3) living through a kitchen remodel is a PITA. Trust me, you don't want to be living in a constant state of chaos over a long period of time. Get your designs, plans, and permits ready, hire a contractor and get it done. You'll thank me. ;-)
User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hire a KD to plan it all now. There are a few things that can be done later. But most things have to be done while you have walls open and nothing in the way. The plan on the front end planning pays off in less mistakes and backtracking.