Reader Kitchen: An Ontario Update for $13,700
A homeowner keeps costs down while replacing cabinetry, appliances and more in her 100-square-foot 1974 kitchen
Erin Carlyle
September 6, 2016
Former Houzz Editorial Staff. Writing about the cost of renovation and what it takes to remodel. Former Forbes real estate reporter. Fascinated by cool homes, watching the bottom line.
Former Houzz Editorial Staff. Writing about the cost of renovation and what it takes... More
In this series, homeowners share their kitchen remodels and tell us what they cost.
Recently, we asked Houzz readers to share the details of their kitchen renovations, including what they did and how much it all cost. Today we highlight a budget makeover of a small kitchen in Ontario, Canada. Read on for the details.
Recently, we asked Houzz readers to share the details of their kitchen renovations, including what they did and how much it all cost. Today we highlight a budget makeover of a small kitchen in Ontario, Canada. Read on for the details.
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: Fiona Pollock
Location: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Size: 100 square feet (9.3 square meters); 10 by 10 feet
Cost: $13,705
Construction time: Six weeks
Who lives here: Fiona Pollock
Location: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Size: 100 square feet (9.3 square meters); 10 by 10 feet
Cost: $13,705
Construction time: Six weeks
BEFORE: “I had circa 1974 builder-grade Raywal cabinets that were very shallow and tiny,” Fiona Pollock writes in an email. There was also a pantry around the corner that was on an angle. Initially, Pollock asked her contractor at McCale Renovations about removing a wall separating the kitchen from the dining room. But that option would have added quite a bit to the cost of the renovation.
AFTER: Instead of removing the wall, Pollock widened the door opening from 30 to 56 inches and increased the height as well. Pollock had her contractor remove the soffits so the new wall cabinets could be taller — 40 inches, compared with the original cabinets, which were 30 inches tall. He added crown molding to the cabinets, which serves multiple purposes. It closes the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling, hides slight imperfections in the ceiling and gives the cabinets a more custom look.
AFTER: The dishwasher moved a few inches, which required replacing and relocating some plumbing. But to keep costs down, Pollock avoided big relocations of appliances. She also added two extra electrical outlets for the countertop appliances.
Her new kitchen includes features that add functionality to the space, including a lazy Susan in a corner cabinet, as well as 36-inch pullout drawers for pots. The countertop is quartz.
Wherever she could, Pollock purchased items on sale. She bought the porcelain floor tile (not shown here) on clearance for $1.69 per square foot and the faucet and backsplash during a no-tax sale at Lowe’s in Canada. The two most expensive appliances — the refrigerator and the stove — were discounted floor models. Pollock ordered her cabinets, cabinet lighting, hardware and apron-front sink from Ikea during its kitchen sale.
“Splurge on items you know you will love like countertop and backsplash,” Pollock writes. “Save on cabinetry but do remember quality.”
Stove: gas double oven, Electrolux; dishwasher: Bosch; microwave: Panasonic
Her new kitchen includes features that add functionality to the space, including a lazy Susan in a corner cabinet, as well as 36-inch pullout drawers for pots. The countertop is quartz.
Wherever she could, Pollock purchased items on sale. She bought the porcelain floor tile (not shown here) on clearance for $1.69 per square foot and the faucet and backsplash during a no-tax sale at Lowe’s in Canada. The two most expensive appliances — the refrigerator and the stove — were discounted floor models. Pollock ordered her cabinets, cabinet lighting, hardware and apron-front sink from Ikea during its kitchen sale.
“Splurge on items you know you will love like countertop and backsplash,” Pollock writes. “Save on cabinetry but do remember quality.”
Stove: gas double oven, Electrolux; dishwasher: Bosch; microwave: Panasonic
Walls moved: No
Plumbing moved: Yes
Plumbing replaced: Yes
Professionals hired: McHale Reno
Special features added: Cabinet lighting, lazy Susan, 36-inch drawers for pots, corner pantry, hidden fan above gas stove
Splurges: Sink, quartz countertops, pot drawers, crown molding, lighting, appliances
Savings: Ikea cabinetry; expanding the opening between the kitchen and dining room instead of tearing out the wall.
Cost breakdown
Appliances: $2,530 (stove and fridge, both floor models: $940 and $800; dishwasher: $640; microwave: $150)
Cabinets, sinks and countertops: $3,500 (cabinets), $1,600 (countertop)
Lighting: $125
Faucet: $150
Tile: $300 (floor tile, grout, backsplash)
Labor: $5,500
Total: $13,705
Share your kitchen: Tell us about your kitchen remodel and post your pictures in the Comments!
More
Reader Kitchen: A Dallas Refresh for $40,000
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 open-plan space in St. Louis for $45,000
Plumbing moved: Yes
Plumbing replaced: Yes
Professionals hired: McHale Reno
Special features added: Cabinet lighting, lazy Susan, 36-inch drawers for pots, corner pantry, hidden fan above gas stove
Splurges: Sink, quartz countertops, pot drawers, crown molding, lighting, appliances
Savings: Ikea cabinetry; expanding the opening between the kitchen and dining room instead of tearing out the wall.
Cost breakdown
Appliances: $2,530 (stove and fridge, both floor models: $940 and $800; dishwasher: $640; microwave: $150)
Cabinets, sinks and countertops: $3,500 (cabinets), $1,600 (countertop)
Lighting: $125
Faucet: $150
Tile: $300 (floor tile, grout, backsplash)
Labor: $5,500
Total: $13,705
Share your kitchen: Tell us about your kitchen remodel and post your pictures in the Comments!
More
Reader Kitchen: A Dallas Refresh for $40,000
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 open-plan space in St. Louis for $45,000
Related Stories
Landscape Design
Before and After: 4 Landscapes That Bring Resort Style Home
Stunning fire pits, luxurious pools, elegant entertaining zones and other relaxing spots give these yards vacation vibes
Full Story
Landscape Design
Before and After: 3 Exuberant, Wildlife-Friendly Landscapes
By Elena Vega
Ho-hum expanses give way to colorful meadow-inspired gardens that encourage butterflies, birds and bees to stay awhile
Full Story
Kitchen Makeovers
Before and After: 4 Uplifting Blue, White and Wood Kitchens
By Elena Vega
Chase away cooking space doldrums with shades of ocean and sky paired with classic colors
Full Story
Landscape Design
Yard of the Week: Ranch Home Opens Up to Indoor-Outdoor Living
A home and landscape makeover near Denver creates harmony and connection between interior and exterior spaces
Full Story
Kitchen Makeovers
Kitchen of the Week: Bold Black Style With Nods to ‘Star Wars’
A designer helps a young couple create an open kitchen with a large island and a dramatic look with fun sci-fi roots
Full Story
Bathroom Makeovers
Bathroom of the Week: Warm Spa Feel With Aging-in-Place Features
A designer helps an empty-nest couple create a space with a curbless shower, an inviting style and room to maneuver
Full Story
Outbuildings
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Kitchen Makeovers
Before and After: 3 Refreshing Green Kitchens
By Elena Vega
Rich green cabinets banish the banal in these redesigned cooking spaces
Full Story
Bathroom Makeovers
Bathroom of the Week: Fresh, Bright Look With More Breathing Room
An airy layout with a curbless shower and light finishes helps open and brighten a once-dark primary bathroom
Full Story
Landscape Design
Patio of the Week: Sloping Side Yard Becomes a Relaxing Retreat
By Kate Burt
A landscape designer found on Houzz transforms a challenging English yard into a contemporary lounge for empty nesters
Full Story
Prefer the look of the old kitchen
My old kitchen had turquoise laminate counter top, ugly bulkhead and the cupboards were not even in good condition, so knock yourself out if you like dated cabinetry.
I put Ikea cabinets in a tiny condo kitchen, splurged with a quartz counter top and used
a wood butcher block from Ikea for the top of the island. Ikea saved us money as we put together the cabinets ourselves and the contractor hung and finished the kitchen. It changed from the 1970s to modern overnight. They are easy to clean and so functional.