Reader Kitchen: More Storage in Illinois for $26,000
A couple pull out brick walls and update the cabinetry and countertops in their 1977 kitchen
This series profiles kitchen remodels shared by homeowners on Houzz.
As part of our ongoing series on kitchen renovations shared by Houzz readers, today we visit Wheaton, Illinois, where a couple who have lived in their home since 1977 updated their kitchen, stripping it of the last vestiges of bygone decades. Their total cost: about $25,670. Read on for the full details.
As part of our ongoing series on kitchen renovations shared by Houzz readers, today we visit Wheaton, Illinois, where a couple who have lived in their home since 1977 updated their kitchen, stripping it of the last vestiges of bygone decades. Their total cost: about $25,670. Read on for the full details.
BEFORE: Susan Hofer and husband Karl Hofer bought their home in 1977, when it was newly built. Twenty years later they changed out the countertops and sink; a decade ago they added hardwood floors. Nearly 40 years into living in this home, Hofer was longing for a full update.
AFTER: The most striking change might be the walls. Hofer had her contractor, Ken Martin of Martin Contractors, remove what she describes as “two walls of 1970s real brick.” He pulled out the soffits to make room for taller cherrywood upper cabinets. For the lower cabinets, Hofer chose rollout shelves with two deep drawers for storing cooking and baking pans. She added new quartz countertops, but to save money, the Hofers kept the existing white appliances since they were functioning just fine. Eventually, they’ll replace them with stainless steel ones.
The sink and faucet, as well as the pendant light above the sink, are new. Hofer settled on a cream tile backsplash to brighten up the room against the darker cabinetry.
The sink and faucet, as well as the pendant light above the sink, are new. Hofer settled on a cream tile backsplash to brighten up the room against the darker cabinetry.
BEFORE: On the wall opposite the sink, Hofer’s contractor removed a partial wall where the cabinetry ended. In this image, the wall is shown as it stood prior to the renovation.
AFTER: Removing the wall created room for the three-sided cabinet, shown here, which provides more storage space.
“Our only unexpected expense was when the kitchen ceiling partially collapsed while our contractor was cutting holes for the can lights,” Hofer writes. To repair the problem, the contractor added new beams and reinforced the ceiling.
Walls removed: Yes
Plumbing moved: No
Plumbing replaced: No
Professionals hired: Ken Martin of Martin Builders
Special features added: Built-in microwave shelf, corner cabinets with glass doors, lots of additional cabinet space, desk with four drawers, crown molding
Splurges: Rollout shelves for lower cabinets, two-level cutlery drawer, rollout trash and recycling bins, deep drawers for cookware, small tip-out sink drawer for sponges, soft-close drawers and doors.
Savings: The Hofers shopped around for the best price on cabinets, countertops, the range hood and the pendant light for the sink. Builder’s Supply Outlet in Broadview, Illinois, where they purchased their countertops, gave them a free sink and a big discount on their faucet.
Cost breakdown
Cabinets, sinks and countertops: $14,535
Lighting: $350
Tile: $600
Stove hood: $425
Labor: $9,760
Total: $25,670
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“Our only unexpected expense was when the kitchen ceiling partially collapsed while our contractor was cutting holes for the can lights,” Hofer writes. To repair the problem, the contractor added new beams and reinforced the ceiling.
Walls removed: Yes
Plumbing moved: No
Plumbing replaced: No
Professionals hired: Ken Martin of Martin Builders
Special features added: Built-in microwave shelf, corner cabinets with glass doors, lots of additional cabinet space, desk with four drawers, crown molding
Splurges: Rollout shelves for lower cabinets, two-level cutlery drawer, rollout trash and recycling bins, deep drawers for cookware, small tip-out sink drawer for sponges, soft-close drawers and doors.
Savings: The Hofers shopped around for the best price on cabinets, countertops, the range hood and the pendant light for the sink. Builder’s Supply Outlet in Broadview, Illinois, where they purchased their countertops, gave them a free sink and a big discount on their faucet.
Cost breakdown
Cabinets, sinks and countertops: $14,535
Lighting: $350
Tile: $600
Stove hood: $425
Labor: $9,760
Total: $25,670
More
Reader Kitchen: An Overhaul in Washington for $99,000
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 space in San Francisco for $36,000
Who lives here: Susan Hofer and her husband, Karl Hofer
Location: Wheaton, Illinois
Kitchen Size: 216 square feet (20.1 square meters); 12 by 18 feet
Budget: $25,670
Construction time: Two months