Reader Kitchen: An Overhaul in Washington for $99,000
An update to this Washington kitchen fixes a layout that blocked beautiful views, and adds easy-to-clean surfaces
This series profiles kitchen remodels shared by homeowners on Houzz.
This Washington couple updated their large 1990s kitchen for just under $100,000, changing almost everything in the space. Read on for the details in this installment of our kitchen renovation series, in which Houzz readers share their remodeling stories and costs.
This Washington couple updated their large 1990s kitchen for just under $100,000, changing almost everything in the space. Read on for the details in this installment of our kitchen renovation series, in which Houzz readers share their remodeling stories and costs.
BEFORE: Jo Ann Snover’s 1993 kitchen was showing its age, and she wanted to change out the oak cabinets to give the space a more contemporary look. Plus, the cabinetry layout obscured beautiful views. The kitchen also suffered from surfaces that were difficult to clean and in some cases deteriorating: the countertop grout, the built-in marble surface for pastry and the wooden backsplash and drywall above it. The island cooktop vent couldn’t pull cooking smells or “grease-laden warm air” out of the kitchen, the pantry was small and the oven was too narrow to hold some of her larger cooking pans. Lower countertops were difficult to access, and upper cabinets required she use a step stool. In short, Snover wanted a more functional, attractive kitchen.
AFTER: Snover’s contractor gutted the kitchen, taking it down to the studs. He then added three new windows (seen on the right side of this photo) to bring in more light and capture the property’s spectacular views.
A new island provides seating and hides a microwave drawer and spice pullouts. All the appliances are new, except for the dishwasher, which Snover and her husband had recently purchased, and the plumbing was also replaced.
The couple had the existing hardwood floor refinished, added Caesarstone countertops and rebuilt the pantry. Installing a vent hood was more involved than the homeowners anticipated — it meant pulling back the master bedroom carpet and running ductwork to an outside wall between two floor joists — but it was important in terms of functionality. Snover eliminated upper cabinets to give the kitchen a more open feel and enhance the views. But this step meant she needed to ensure sufficient storage.
A new island provides seating and hides a microwave drawer and spice pullouts. All the appliances are new, except for the dishwasher, which Snover and her husband had recently purchased, and the plumbing was also replaced.
The couple had the existing hardwood floor refinished, added Caesarstone countertops and rebuilt the pantry. Installing a vent hood was more involved than the homeowners anticipated — it meant pulling back the master bedroom carpet and running ductwork to an outside wall between two floor joists — but it was important in terms of functionality. Snover eliminated upper cabinets to give the kitchen a more open feel and enhance the views. But this step meant she needed to ensure sufficient storage.
AFTER: So Snover splurged on custom cabinetry, including appliance storage cabinets hidden in new pullouts under the stairs.
Walls moved: Yes, removed a doorway from the front hall into the kitchen
Plumbing moved: Yes, for kitchen sink, dishwasher and refrigerator
Plumbing replaced: Yes
Professionals hired: Westhill
Special features added: Pullout storage under the stairs
Splurges: Custom cabinetry, including spice pullouts
Savings: Reusing ductwork from old (useless) downdraft vent for the makeup damper for new vent hood; redesigning understair storage to accommodate existing framing once the expense of taking it apart became clear; patching and refinishing 22-year-old hardwood floor vs. replacing
Cost breakdown
Appliances: $12,000
Cabinets, sinks and countertops: $22,589
Lighting: $650 for two semiflush mounts; other lighting included in the electrician’s bill
Additional lighting, glass backsplash and other expenses: About $17,382
Faucet: $400
Windows: $6,000
Vent hood: $2,000
Labor: $38,000
Total: $99,021
Share your kitchen: Tell us about your kitchen remodel and post your pictures in the Comments!
More
Reader Kitchen: An Open-Plan Space in St. Louis for $44,000
How Much Does a Remodel Cost and How Long Does it Take?
From the Pros: 8 Reasons Kitchen Renovations Go Over Budget
Up next: More storage in Illinois for $26,000
Walls moved: Yes, removed a doorway from the front hall into the kitchen
Plumbing moved: Yes, for kitchen sink, dishwasher and refrigerator
Plumbing replaced: Yes
Professionals hired: Westhill
Special features added: Pullout storage under the stairs
Splurges: Custom cabinetry, including spice pullouts
Savings: Reusing ductwork from old (useless) downdraft vent for the makeup damper for new vent hood; redesigning understair storage to accommodate existing framing once the expense of taking it apart became clear; patching and refinishing 22-year-old hardwood floor vs. replacing
Cost breakdown
Appliances: $12,000
Cabinets, sinks and countertops: $22,589
Lighting: $650 for two semiflush mounts; other lighting included in the electrician’s bill
Additional lighting, glass backsplash and other expenses: About $17,382
Faucet: $400
Windows: $6,000
Vent hood: $2,000
Labor: $38,000
Total: $99,021
Share your kitchen: Tell us about your kitchen remodel and post your pictures in the Comments!
More
Reader Kitchen: An Open-Plan Space in St. Louis for $44,000
How Much Does a Remodel Cost and How Long Does it Take?
From the Pros: 8 Reasons Kitchen Renovations Go Over Budget
Up next: More storage in Illinois for $26,000
Who lives here: Jo Ann Snover and her husband
Location: Woodinville, Washington
Size: 350 square feet (32.5 square meters)
Cost: $99,021
Construction time: Four months