Hello! I'm looking to rehab this kitchen and found a contractor I really liked. This would be a place I will be living in for a while and I want to be sure it's done right, not cheap. Here are some photos, so you have an idea of what I'm talking about: Essentially, I'd like to demo the kitchen cabinets, knock out the wall to the left and create a peninsula. I'd then like to move the stove where the fridge is, and the fridge to the right of the sink counter. I then want to install 4 can lights over the kitchen and 2 pendant boxes over the peninsula. All new appliances, hardwood floor (to match the rest of the condo), etc.. The contractor I liked the best gave me a quote of $10,500. I would have to purchase all appliances, sink, floors and extras. This is what I have budgeted: $3000 for appliances$350 sink$100 garbage disposal$450 hood vent$300 facet$100 backsplash$350 hardwood floor$1000 granite counter top$1000 white wood cabinets with silver hardware First question: is this a reasonable budget for what I'll need to buy? Second question: What is the wiggle room for what contracts quote you and what they will go down to? Third question: This is the estimate I received, does this seem reasonable?

You say you don't want it done right and not cheap, but all you talk about is price ;) Pricing on labor seems fair... could you get it for cheaper...? If you've gotten multiple bids, why do you like this guy and how far is he from the low bid? Have you checked references? Seen pictures of previous work? What is his resume? I don't know in california, but in some states you have free access to court records... I would check that if available. Licensed and insured... are you pulling permits for this work? Seems like most of it would be exempt from permitting, but you are talking about california here. Electrical and structural modifications probably have the most concern.

I like what @Watson Smith had to say. I just remodeled my own kitchen, top to bottom, side to side. I did all the work myself. I moved the refrigerator across the kitchen, moved the gas stove so I had to re-route the gas line, can lights, new water line for the fridge, 18" travertine tiles. The only thing I didn't do myself was the drywall, because that was part of a larger project with a specific finish and I hate drywall work. My total cost was $5,000, not including appliances. The granite guys came and installed the granite for free, along with a free sink. I think the prices are pretty high, especially for the rerouting the refrigerator water line. That takes about 7 minutes, and the copper pipe is about $20. The hardest part of that job is unwinding the tubing so it doesn't crimp. Not sure what the other contractors came in at, but if you can handle it, I would act as my own general contractor to get the jobs done. It will take longer, but you could come in a lot lower. Is this guy using subcontractors? If he is, get signed lien waivers from every single subcontractor before you write that final check. I got that piece of advise from my dad and that saved me about $11,000 when my GC walked off with the drywallers money... Good luck!

@Julian L. The galley kitchen...we have something similar (maybe a bit longer). We gutted everything and knocked out wall, added counter seating. New cabinets, granite, glass tile backsplash, moved some plumbing and electrical around a bit, etc. Pricing in LA and NY might be similar. If that is the case...we spent all-in about 25k (materials & labor). That was 8 years ago. I think you might end up spending more than you think for granite, cabinets, hardwoods & appliances. Best of luck!

Rehabbing Kitchen Estimate - is this a fair price?

Dennis Pressey Jr

Specialist · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2014 · 231 posts · 69 votes

11y

Originally posted by @Steve Babiak:

When you move a gas stove, you might find some building code restrictions must be met on proximity to combustible surfaces. Especially when you have the stove planned to be butted up alongside the wall.

BINGO!

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Julian L.

OP

Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2014 · 76 posts · 36 votes

11y

Originally posted by @Watson Smith:

$1150 for installing granite? Since you are supplying the granite you know they offer free installation and sink when you buy it.

Can you please tell me what stores will offer free installation and sink when I buy granite? Is there is limited quantity? I'd need about 30 sq. ft (is that 2 slabs)?

Rehabbing Kitchen Estimate - is this a fair price?

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