My Kitchen Financials - Finally!

A kitchen is the heart of your home and can be a major factor in determining a home's resale value.  Did you know it is the number 1 major remodeling project among homeowners and the most expensive room to renovate?  Kitchen renovation costs will vary by region, size and quality of materials & appliances.  Typically a kitchen renovation will cost anywhere between $20,000 to over $45,000. 

As many of you know, I recently renovated my kitchen.  I tried to save money where I could and kept the layout basically the same with the exception of the kitchen sink.  I had it moved to the corner to give myself more counter space.  I saved $475 by tearing out all my old cabinets and molding myself and another $587 by pulling out the appliances (dishwasher/stove, range hood & fridge).  I saved an additional $665 by not getting a dumpster.  My trash company, Robert Wright is awesome.  They take EVERYTHING.  I recycled a lot of cardboard!

Originally 27 boxes arrived Christmas week!

I also hired my own plumber.  I paid him $455 to move my plumbing where Lowe's quoted me $508 to move the plumbing and install the new sink, so I saved $53 going with my own local plumbing contractor.

Here is my cost breakdown:
Plumber - Relocate surprise waste pipe discovered in soffit ($250), remove dishwasher and sink, move plumbing, reinstall dishwasher & new sink $705

Contractor - remove wall, Sheetrock, tape, mud, repair electrician's work $815

Electrician - move outlets/switches, remove chandeliers and install 4 recessed lights + 2 pendant lights -  $875

14 Schuler Semi Custom Cabinets with Smart Drawer Upgrades/Soft Close Door Mechanism includes wastebasket pullout, double slide out shelves, 3' drawers, stainless steel tilt out sink tray, toe kick, shoe/ceiling/scribe/crescent crown mouldings, side panels, finish repair kits, Carriage Black and White Chocolate paint + $250 delivery fee & $2,072.40 labor $10.725.23
*received a $1,600 discount for spending $10,000+

Houzer Undermount Sink Bowl $180.02 (remember I saved $72 by price matching the Amazon online price @ Lowe's)

 

Blue Pearl granite ogee edge 36 sq ft purchased & installed by Kitchen Express Plus $2,948.71
*saved $651 by not going with Lowe's

I also saved an additional $117.08 on my granite by opening the Chase Freedom credit card.  I opened this credit card because I knew I would be easily spending $500 in less than 3 months and they paid me $117.08 for charging on the card!  A no brainer.

New cabinet hardware purchased from Lowe's (reused some knobs) - $74

Delta faucet purchased from Lowe's $214
*earned many gas points using the Price Chopper/Lowe's Gift Card promotions!

Pendant lights purchased from Overstock $62

Travertine stacked stone Back splash purchased from Grossman's Bargain Outlet $259 + $450 Labor (installation) = $709

Krylon stone paint for switch/outlet covers (used 2 different colors) $14

Total = $17,321.96

Now the deductions!

Sold old double sink via Craigslist $70

Sold old granite and back splash via Craigslist $100

Sold cabinet base with granite top via Craigslist $25

And remember, I saved $117.08 on the granite by charging to my Chase Freedom card.  They reduced my account amount.

So the actual total was $17,009.88.  All that's left now is the base molding to be installed after my hardwood floors are refinished (Nino will come back, no charge).  They needed to be refinished before I began this project and good thing as I think every contractor in here dropped a tool of some sort! 

I am quite happy with my new kitchen.  It was a very long process from start to finish but it was well worth it. And it's nice to know it added value to my home.

And if you missed it, go HERE to see my Dining Room transformation.