kitchen and bathroom renovation referrals

Your total budget for both the kitchen and the bath was $5000? Do you plan on doing a lot of the work yourself? The lowest price I ever got for a bathroom reno was $4000. Generally, $7-10k is about average for an average-sized bathroom if you're not doing anything really fancy. Sounds like your kitchen is very small, so if you're not buying new appliances, and you buy the pre-made cabinets from home depot or lowe's, that would be your best bet -- but it's still going to be $4-5k for the kitchen IMO. (The average price for a kitchen reno is $30k, so keep that in mind).

FYI, I've heard that it's very hard to get a bathtub reglazing that sticks long term, so you may want to consider buying a new tub. The cost differential may not be that great, and it will last a lot longer.

If you do find anyone to do all that work on your budget --- DEFINITELY POST THEIR NAMES HERE!

I got my tub reglazed 8 years ago, it's great. Def more prone to scratches if you're hard on it -- like doggy nails or toddlers conducting wargames -- but if you're careful and keep the abrasives away from it, awesome! It was $250 when I had it done. They sand the old finish off, put on goo, and hit it with french fry lights for an hour.

Build It Green is a great place for used/recycled/overrun major construction supplies for cheap. google 'em

I totally did the guerilla style myself, in keeping with your budget. I'll pm you contractor sources.

our tub was reglazed before we moved in. there are a few chips in it now but the glazing had a 2 year warranty against chipping... so that's something to ask about.

jgregorie wrote: thanks for the heads up about the tub reglazeing

yah my budget for both kitchen and bathroom renovation is only about $5000, im going to try and do it guerilla style " most of the work myself "

it definitly wouldnt be cost effective to put 30K into a gut reno. i dont think i would make the money back when i sold the place. i was thinking of takeing out a HELOC loan but i dont want another payment each month on top of my mortgage.

I just did "guerilla style" on my whole house and you really can keep you costs in check. I agree with what ana said about the kitchen - if you want good cabinets it will cost you a little more. I have heard good things about Ikea cabinets and you can save a little $ by getting theirs. Instead of upper cabinets you can purchase long shelves that you can place your plates, etc. on. and then just purchase the floor cabinets

You can purchase formica countertops in various sizes at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. (2'x10' runs about $100) or for a few bucks more you might want to look into a butcherblock-type countertops. Also if your kitchen countertops are that small you might want to ask at the local stone/granite cutters if they have any cast offs (these are the pieces they cut off for other jobs with some pieces as large as 2'x2') and they usually sell it at cost. You can also use tiles as your countertops.

As for backsplashes you can go to your local sheet metal cuter and use stainless steel as a backsplash (this is cool because you can use magnets to keep alot of the little utensils that clutter up the counter on the wall) and is extremely easy to install.

Flooring is pretty inexpensive if you go the vinyl tile route. Armstrong makes a really nice vinyl tile that looks like stone and the can be installed in one day and they run about $1.25 for a sq. foot.

As for the bathroom - if you cannot find a reglazer or if purchasing a new tub is out - there is something called (I think) a bathtub surround. It is one piece which installs over the old tub and up the wall and it basically creates a new bathtub/shower surround. They usually run about $300. It also eliminate the need to install tiles near the tub. Depending on what type of sink you are thinking of (pedestal, etc.) there are so many nice ones in different styles and prices that you should be able to get a nice one in your price range same with the a toilet.

Im not sure if you will be taking down walls but if you are that will cut a chunk into your budget. Sheetrock runs about $12 for a 4x8 slab. Depending on how well the tiles were waterproofed in the bathroom you could have some really crappy looking sheetrock under it. Make sure to use the cement board there.

I did most of mine with a carpenter and called a plumber in for the tub, etc. One piece of advice - there is always SOMETHING that will come up during any reno that will sidetrack you or cut into the budget - just be prepared and keep a little mad money on the side. Good luck and feel free to PM me with any questions.