Kitchen Renovation Done Cheap?
+9
We really need to redo our kitchen. At this point what I really need to replace are the walls, cabinets and counter tops. The rest can be done gradually. Luckily my brother-in-law makes cabinets, so all set there. My biggest worry is the gutting and replacing the walls. How much would this cost? I am hoping someone knows how to do this without breaking the bank. Then I am afraid of what I will find behind those walls. The previous owner "supposedly" gutted the place, but I'm not buying it.
8 answers
-
Why do you have to replace the walls? Unless you have a mold problem, or taking them out to enlarge a space, I do not understand why you need to replace. Can the walls be repaired? having at least 3 contractors come and give estimates would be a great place to start. do not hire the first guy or the guy who just makes you want to hire him now and says sign here and give me a check-from experience I can tell you that guy is usually a crook. Take your time and ask questions. Why do you feel the previous did not "gut" the place? More information and pictures are helpful to steer you in the right direction.
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Apr 03, 2014
-
Obviously, the more work you can do yourself, and not hire out, will cut costs. And I agree with C Renee Fuller, why are you "replacing" walls? Unless there is a mold problem, a coat of Kilz to cover any stains, and then a new coat of paint, is the cheapest way to go. From experience, destruction is the fun part, and there will ALWAYS be surprises!
Debra Peters
on Apr 03, 2014
-
Wish you could post a photo!
Barbara R
on Apr 04, 2014
-
I don't know why you want to replace the walls. Is it because you want a different texture? Sometimes if you have an orange peel or knockdown texture on the walls, you may want to change them so that you have smooth walls (which I prefer). In terms of changing the texture on the walls you can simply use drywall compound and put that all over the walls and then sand down after it has dried. Then do that again and again until the walls are smooth. It is NOT easy work. The other option is simply to take off the existing drywall and replace it with new drywall and then retexture the wall or just joint compound over that. Removing the existing walls isn't difficult - if you're referring simply to the drywall. Just take a hammer and knock a hole in the wall then pull the drywall pieces off in as big of chunks of wall as you can. Once it's all off then remove any nails in the studs and then replace any insulation in the walls (I recommend putting insulation in ALL walls even interior walls for sound prevention and insulation obviously). You don't need to replace the electrical or plumbing unless there's a problem which there probably won't be if you haven't noticed anything. However, to do things the "right" way, I'd advise replacing any old wiring in the walls by a professional electrician. In terms of costs, it depends on what exactly you are wanting to do. If you are doing it yourself then it depends on the cost of the drywall (usually around $8/sheet of 8' x 4') and the cost of the joint compound (about $12/gallon) and tools and fasteners/etc. Paint costs/etc. also. If you want someone to do it I'd say somewhere in the $500 range for a small kitchen. Just guessing without seeing it it's difficult to say. I hope this helps. :)
Edict Inc
on Apr 04, 2014
-
Because the walls are a mess. I will have to take pictures. The wall where our cabinets are is just really dark stained plywood. I'm also worried about what is behind that wall. We had a termite problem, so not sure if there is damage in there. There is a chair rail around the room (which I'm sure we can take off), but the bottom half of the walls are grooved(?). It's not flat. Really not much you can do. It would take a lot, and I mean a lot of spackle to fix that, and I am still not sure that would even look good. And as to the previous owner gutting the place, when he put it back together he did a really, really crappy job. I believe he did everything as cheaply as possible. I will try to get pictures, maybe someone would have ideas so I wouldn't have to gut. Thanks!
Melissa McNeil
on Apr 04, 2014
-
@Melissa McNeil If your brother-in-law makes the cabinets, we'll give you some new hardware for free if you take pictures of the before and after and let us post the project on our account here. Interested?
D Lawless Hardware
on Apr 04, 2014
- See 2 previous
-
Melissa McNeil If the wall panels, above and below the wainscot trim, are at the same level, you can sheet the walls with thin 1/4 " drywall. The plywood will support the back of the sheets and you can have a drywall contractor tape and texture it for you (professionals make it look easy, it's not). If you have to remove the plywood paneling, it will be a much larger job.
New Style Kitchen Bath & Patio
on Apr 05, 2014
-
Are cabinet facing strips ok? Buy new cabinet doors and drawer fronts! Walls can be texturized with all manner of smooth on materials, then painted.
Suzanne
on Feb 18, 2015
Sign Up to Answer
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
