Kitchen renovations: Creative Ways to Shave 10% off without compromising vision, aesthetic
or functionality
Presented by:Evan Levey, PresidentColumbia CabinetWorks
Background on Columbia CabinetWorks
• Main Showroom in North Greenbush and a Satellite Showroom here at the Times Union Center on the concourse
• Exclusive distributor of Wood-Mode and Brookhaven custom cabinetry
Background on Columbia CabinetWorks
• Comprehensive kitchen and bath team with over 35 combined years of experience in drafting and design
• Leaders in the Green Building Movement…Certified in the Environmental Stewardship Program
Defining the Dream
Questions to consider:• Analysis of your current kitchen• Style elements for new kitchen• Functionality requirements for new kitchen• CCW’s reference:
The Twenty-Two Key Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a New Kitchen
available at the door
Setting the Budget
Rule of thumb: Value of your home’s kitchen should shake out at roughly 10% of home value
Pulling the Trigger
• You’ve creatively and thoughtfully defined the dream
• You’ve carefully and rationally set the budget
• …and your estimate comes in 10% higher than budget
($2,500 more on our $25,000 Elm Street kitchen)
What to do now?
• Resist first instinct to scratch one large ticket item
• Solution is a combination of smaller, subtler adjustments
• Remember, there is no need to compromise aesthetic or functionality
10 ways to lower costs
Cut down on built-in accessories you don’t need
What to keep…• Pull-out trash bins• Lazy Susan corners• Difficult to install pulloutsWhat can go…• Spice racks• Built-in baskets• Silverware trays• Towel bars• Pull-outs in every base cabinet
10 ways to lower costs
Cut down on built-in accessories you don’t need
Installed baskets vs. baskets on open shelving
10 ways to lower costs
Cut down on built-in accessories you don’t needInstalled swing-out spice cabinet vs.
spice cabinet insert or spice drawer insert
10 ways to lower costs
Keep the details where they show the most
…not only will your wallet thank you but the overall look will likely be more classic and elegant since the details will not be overdone
10 ways to lower costs
Keep the details where they show the most
Mouldings• heavy mouldings
and corbels on the island…pricey and unnecessary
10 ways to lower costs
Keep the details where they show the most
Mouldings• Mixing lighter with
heavier mouldings not only saves $ but enhances the focal point (in this case the hood)
10 ways to lower costs
Use glass doors but don’t divide them with mullions
… Don’t sacrifice the beauty of glass doors…consider simple or patterned glass without the expense of wooden mullions
10 ways to lower costs
Consider one big cabinet rather than two small ones
• Improves storage• Save $ without
compromising function or aesthetic
10 ways to lower costs
Consider one big cabinet rather than two small ones
Many small cabinets vs. fewer taller cabinets
10 ways to lower costs
Swap the tall chef’s pantry for one with simple interior pull-out drawers
The pull-outs are completely adjustable in height so you won’t waste an inch!
10 ways to lower costs
Swap the tall chef’s pantry for one with simple interior pull-out drawers
Chef’s pantry vs. pull-out drawers
10 ways to lower costs
Nix the appliance garage
These cabinets are incredibly expensive and are often the least accessible in the kitchen – especially when they are in a corner.
10 ways to lower costs
Pick a free-standing range rather thana separate cooktop and wall oven
…and watch the savings add up on appliances, cabinetry, countertop and installation
10 ways to lower costs
Pick a free-standing range rather than a separate cooktop and wall oven
Separate cooktop and wall oven vs. free-standing range
10 ways to lower costs
Consider larger mouldings rather than smaller stacked ones
Result is a similar look for much less money.
10 ways to lower costs
Consider larger mouldings rather than smaller stacked ones
Achieve the same look for less.
Multi Stacked Layers vs. Fewer/Larger
10 ways to lower costs
Consider larger mouldings rather than smaller stacked ones
without blowing the budget!
See how stunning the result can be…
10 ways to lower costs
Ask the kitchen designer questions
…about door styles, woods and finishes. A small tweak can save big!
10 ways to lower costs
Ask the kitchen designer questions
Specialty finish that is both glazed and distressed…
Elegant and expensive
10 ways to lower costs
Ask the kitchen designer questions
Standard finish…
same elegant look at a fraction of the cost
10 ways to lower costs
Research what you like
…flip through design magazines and clip images that are appealing. This will help your designer identify trends of what’s important to you and what’s not.
Hard to see any compromises?They are there…just carefully selected to maintain the overall vision and functionality of the project.
Some examples of finished projects…