renovating kitchen

Hi There,

We usually replace the whole kitchen in all our renovations, however if you are doing it on the cheap think about the following:

1.  Replace the cupboard door only to get rid of the blue and get a more modern look.
2.  White tile over the blue check one.
3.  That space at the back looks odd.

About the kitchen having a washing machine … try to think about putting the washing machine is another area of the house.  Entertaining friends while they see your dirty washing … its not so appealing (my opinion only).

If you are going to sell it invest in some bar stools as they look fantastic … the house we sold last week the buyers wanted the 3 bar stools thrown in with the house.  The paid over $400,000 for the house and the stools cost me $130 all up.

If you get stuck on the design see an interior decorator … We use one on all our jobs and they are fantastic.

Well enough said … I hope this helps.

I reckon the space in the wall was a storage place for chopped wood and there might be a chimney space above the oven as it was a 1920 building which would have had originally a wood stove and oven.

As for cheap kitchens or cabinetry….I'm currently in the middle of an "IKEA experiment" and all seems to be working out!
And it was cheap!

I got the whole lot! A kitchen, two bathrooms.
Carcasses are together and I'll finish the rest this week, time permitting.
They are actually quite ingenious (I was skeptical) and easy to assemble – although I am a carpenter by trade.
I'll let you know if there's any disasters.

As a foot note, the process was interesting. I "designed" the cabinetry using their website, ordered on Friday, paid Friday night and they delivered Saturday arvo! In fact, they only deliver on the next day, they wouldn't hold it for me.

Still plenty of time for it to all go wrong….found a few parts missing today, but it's roughly on track!

Thanks guys from me as well. I did always wonder about the IKEA option………. It might be worth seeing if any of the Bunnings in Vic have a comparable (read cheap) service. I would go with the wood stove thing too. I've seen one unrenovated and the cavity with stove took up most of the wall and was a supporting wall, looked like a real pain. Most of the time you see places where they have stuck the two parts of the stove side by side in the cavity. At least this one is in the corner not in the middle of the room or something.

Re the laundry maybe turn the linen cupboard into a European laundry. Basically big cupboard houses washer and dryer and you shut the doors. Or put it in the bathroom (if there is space). If you have anyone sharing they will not want to see someone elses undies washing away while they are making dinner! Also anyone with kids will not rent without a "real" laundry.

D

Hi,

Just a side comment regarding the cavity. When doing these kinds of renovations for clients we have more often than not found these cavities to have a lintel above them which are load bearing. This means that if you want to increase the cavity or remove it completely, it will be a structural change which will require a permit and a new lintel to be engineered and installed at the height that you want to open it up to.

It might be worth while getting a builder to come and have a look for you. Let me know if you get stuck and need a hand as one of our guys might be able to do it.

Henry,

Yes, the IKEA is located in Richmond.
Their stuff is designed to be put together by anyone. I found that there was a lot of repetitive work in putting together the carcasses and other bits and pieces, and the only thing that really needed my carpentry skills was the fixing of the overheads to the wall ( a little bit tricky) and the adjustments of doors and drawers for an accurate fit.
I don't want this to sound like an IKEA add, but the stuff really is quite easy to put together.
Now, I don't want to put you in over your head, but perhaps consider having a go at it yourself and see how it goes. If you're finding it's not working out, then call a carpenter. You might find that you can get all the components together but would prefer a carpenter put them in place and make the adjustments for fit.
There are also other "flat pack" cabinet suppliers.

Good luck.

Ideally, a plumber and electrician should ensure the services are isolated. Then it's a matter of commitment and a sledge hammer. And yes, you should have a design, budget and schedule established before you do anything else!

Of my kitchen or Henry's….?