shoeboxDesigns

Shoestring Budget: Kitchen Renovations


I live in a 700 square foot house that was built in the 1940s. Although the house has undergone a few small renovations, the kitchen in particular was starting to show its age and was in need of a makeover. The goal was to update the kitchen and give it a fresh new look while staying on a tight budget (~$300)

I will show you some before and after pictures, and walk you through the renovation process. A list of the total costs involved is included at the end. Enjoy!

Before Renovations

After Renovations

The use of two different colours for the cabinets was intended to (1) balance out the weight of dark colours contributed by the appliances, and (2) give the kitchen a unique touch with a fresh, modern, and overall eclectic feel.

Steps:

1. Remove existing tile backsplash, make sure to wear gloves, mask, and goggles. If you are in an older house, make sure to check for asbestos. Asbestos used to be included in materials such as plaster, and can be carcinogenic when disturbed or airborne. Apply filler compound to any holes or blemishes, create a smooth surface. 
2. Remove existing sink and faucet. Keep in a safe spot.
3. Measure exisiting sink hole. This is important because you will need to use that            measurement for cutting the sink hole in your new countertop. 
4. Remove old countertop. 
5. My lovely father built my new countertop using plywood, contact cement, and laminate. 
6. Use the measurements from Step 3 and cut the sink hole in the new countertop. 
7. Install new countertop. 
8. Reinstall original sink and faucet. The sink hole measurements must be exact or your sink will not fit properly. 
9. Secure countertop to lower cabinetry. 
10. Remove cabinet doors. 
11. Clean cabinet doors. Make sure the cabinets are free of all grease and grime. Let Dry. 
12. Sand the cabinets. Use a piece of 150 grit sandpaper and lightly sand all surfaces. This will allow the paint to bind to the cabinet surface. 
13. Prime and Paint. 
14. Drying time. It is very important to allow adequate drying time. I would suggest 5 days before reinstalling your cabinet doors. If you reinstall too early the paint will chip easily (e.g. rubbing against other doors) and will create more issues down the road. 
15. Install cabinets and hardware. 
16. Determine your tile layout. Mark the visual focal point for where your backsplash will be when complete; this will be your starting point for laying the tile. 
17. Starting at the center of the focal point, start applying your thin set mortar to a small section of the wall using a trowel. Press and wiggle the tile into its appropriate location. Use a temporary 1/8" spacer to create a uniform grout line. 
18. Complete tiling backsplash. 
19. Let tiles settle overnight. Once dry remove spacers.
20. Mix sandless grout and apply over the tile backsplash. Make sure to push grout into the gaps between the tiles. Remove any excess grout. 
21. Allow the grout to set for an hour and clean the surface with a wet sponge. 
22. Apply a bead of tile caulking along the bottom seam where the tile meets the backsplash. 
23. Reinstall outlet covers. 
24. Sit back and enjoy your new beautiful kitchen. 

Renovation Cost:

Subway Tiles: Olympia Tile = $30

Grout & Plaster= $30

Laminate: Formica= $65.00

Plywood: $55

Paint & Paint Supplies: $70

Contact Cement: $30.00

Misc Supplies: $30.00

Labor (my amazing Dad) : $15 in Tim Hortons Coffee…

Total cost of renovations:  $295

Let me know what you think! :)