Sarlacc's Reno Thread
#81
Senior Moderator
Sarlacc- why not just remove that stupid bulk head? Yes, it will add some dollars to your construction costs, but it seems its more trouble than its worth. After that, I'd just go with the 40" ikea cabinets. They're cheap AF, but they are actually good quality cabinets.
I used to work with a guy who would design and build homes, as a side project (he would do like 1 to 1.5 houses a year). I remember him telling me that he used to get the much pricier custom cabinets, but after comparing side by side with ikea, he really couldn't justify spending 3 times more, to get maybe 10% better quality. That, and I believe they come with a 10 year warranty now too.
I put them in my basement suites- kind of annoying to assemble (like all ikea stuff), but very easy to hang and secure. I would put them in my own kitchen too.
I used to work with a guy who would design and build homes, as a side project (he would do like 1 to 1.5 houses a year). I remember him telling me that he used to get the much pricier custom cabinets, but after comparing side by side with ikea, he really couldn't justify spending 3 times more, to get maybe 10% better quality. That, and I believe they come with a 10 year warranty now too.
I put them in my basement suites- kind of annoying to assemble (like all ikea stuff), but very easy to hang and secure. I would put them in my own kitchen too.
#82
Team Owner
That's nice.
#83
Ex-OEM King
OK...last question for now..and this is a design one.
I have 8'10" ceilings in main rooms in the condo. In the kitchen there is an 11" soffit, 3.5" of crown moulding, and then the cabinets. That 3.5" of moulding is completely dead space behind it (I cut a small area and looked) And I know I need some space to be able to level the wall cabinets. But I have no intention of replacing the ugly decorative moulding.
But I think knowing I have that dead space opens up some options. My current wall cabinets are 35" not including the light rail. Its not a standard size (36" is) So, I know I can go with 36" cabinets...mount them 1" higher to maintain space, and fill in the gap with a plain modern looking filler panel.
But humor me for a second. What if I decided I liked the Ikea cabinets...which come in flavors of 40" and 30" for wall cabinets. Now, 40" is still too big and hangs to low.
But what if I installed 30" wall cabinets which would make them floating cabinets with 8.5" of gap between the top of the cabinet and soffit.
Would that look weird because of the soffit? If I did do that should I get a quote for framing out and bringing the soffit down and making it look similar to what I have now?
One idea, pending money...is to run LED strips on the tops of the cabinets for an accent light in that gap area, if that 8.5" open area was deemed fine to leave open.
Thoughts on this?
I have 8'10" ceilings in main rooms in the condo. In the kitchen there is an 11" soffit, 3.5" of crown moulding, and then the cabinets. That 3.5" of moulding is completely dead space behind it (I cut a small area and looked) And I know I need some space to be able to level the wall cabinets. But I have no intention of replacing the ugly decorative moulding.
But I think knowing I have that dead space opens up some options. My current wall cabinets are 35" not including the light rail. Its not a standard size (36" is) So, I know I can go with 36" cabinets...mount them 1" higher to maintain space, and fill in the gap with a plain modern looking filler panel.
But humor me for a second. What if I decided I liked the Ikea cabinets...which come in flavors of 40" and 30" for wall cabinets. Now, 40" is still too big and hangs to low.
But what if I installed 30" wall cabinets which would make them floating cabinets with 8.5" of gap between the top of the cabinet and soffit.
Would that look weird because of the soffit? If I did do that should I get a quote for framing out and bringing the soffit down and making it look similar to what I have now?
One idea, pending money...is to run LED strips on the tops of the cabinets for an accent light in that gap area, if that 8.5" open area was deemed fine to leave open.
Thoughts on this?
I wouldn't do 30" cabinets at this point, that will take away from the resale value and it'll look kinda stupid to have a tiny cabinet, big gap, and then a soffit.
JMO.
#85
Senior Moderator
Yeah, decorative would of course be very ideal but it's all truly speculative on our part until he tears into it
#86
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
And there in lies the problem of the soffit. Who knows what the fuck is behind it.
#87
Ex-OEM King
#88
if you go in through the top of one of the cabinets you're throwing out you'll have nothing to patch... but really, patching a small hole is a minor concern when you plan on remodeling an entire kitchen.
#89
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
With the soffit Ill have to cut at least two holes, one for each part of the L...but you're correct, going through the cabinet is the best way...I just have to find a place to rent one of those camera with night vision.
#90
Ex-OEM King
True, I was just saying that it would be pretty easy to find out what, if anything is in there. Most don't need night vision, they have built in LED light sources that go through the fiber lines.
The following users liked this post:
Sarlacc (01-12-2017)
#92
Safety Car
Thinking out of box here. Spend a hundred bucks and see if a plumber with a cam can check it out with one of there cameras and also check if any plumbing is stuck up there.
I highly doubt any electrical is there. Wires are run in the walls and not loosely in those areas.
I highly doubt any electrical is there. Wires are run in the walls and not loosely in those areas.
#93
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
Thinking out of box here. Spend a hundred bucks and see if a plumber with a cam can check it out with one of there cameras and also check if any plumbing is stuck up there.
I highly doubt any electrical is there. Wires are run in the walls and not loosely in those areas.
I highly doubt any electrical is there. Wires are run in the walls and not loosely in those areas.
perhaps thats pretty common...but shit if it doesn't make DIY difficult at times.
#94
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
#95
Team Owner
Don't worry about it- about six years ago, wifey and I got into a bit of an argument... Which ended with me punching a hole in a drywall wall
we made up, went to homedepot and talked to this black older lady in the paint isle.. It's important I mention she's black, because her reaction was fucking priceless. She looked at us, head tilted, looking from above her glasses, and says "mm hmmm... Lemme guess... You need the couples repair kit, don't yeah? Boy I tell you, I can make a fortune selling these things as a kit" best sales person I've ever got help from
nonetheless, a nice 5 inch diameter hole took about a day and a half to repair (mostly drying time, with very minimal work). You slap up this mesh product, slather drywall mud on it, smooth it, let it dry, sand, repeat, until it looks good. Two coats should do it. Then paint. You can't even tell anything ever happened.
we made up, went to homedepot and talked to this black older lady in the paint isle.. It's important I mention she's black, because her reaction was fucking priceless. She looked at us, head tilted, looking from above her glasses, and says "mm hmmm... Lemme guess... You need the couples repair kit, don't yeah? Boy I tell you, I can make a fortune selling these things as a kit" best sales person I've ever got help from
nonetheless, a nice 5 inch diameter hole took about a day and a half to repair (mostly drying time, with very minimal work). You slap up this mesh product, slather drywall mud on it, smooth it, let it dry, sand, repeat, until it looks good. Two coats should do it. Then paint. You can't even tell anything ever happened.
The following users liked this post:
Sarlacc (01-12-2017)
#96
Team Owner
I assume all you will see in their is some 2x4s and MAYBE some minor electrical (likely 1 wire, MAYBE two) which can be moved as necessary. I have a feeling they only did the bulkhead for aesthetics. It makes the kitchen look "fuller" around the cabinets.
Wait. There also might be some duct work. Easy enough to check though.
Wait. There also might be some duct work. Easy enough to check though.
#97
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Sarlacc
And there in lies the problem of the soffit. Who knows what the fuck is behind it.
#98
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Thinking out of box here. Spend a hundred bucks and see if a plumber with a cam can check it out with one of there cameras and also check if any plumbing is stuck up there.
I highly doubt any electrical is there. Wires are run in the walls and not loosely in those areas.
I highly doubt any electrical is there. Wires are run in the walls and not loosely in those areas.
The following users liked this post:
TacoBello (01-12-2017)
#99
Team Owner
Also, there could very much be wires in the bulk head. They would be strapped to the 2x4 framing that makes the bulkhead and yes, that would pass code inspections. It wouldn't (or shouldn't) just be floating in there, or laying loosely inside.
#101
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
Good call
#102
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
While Im no where near ready to start the reno yet...I did jump on one item. Someone on CL is selling a new in the box shower set up that I want at over $200 less than the cheapest price I've found. So, i think its worth snagging and tossing in a closet.
Hansgrohe tub/showerpipe...rainhead, hand sprayer, diverters, thermostatic control, and tub spigot all in one with nicely styled exposed piping. Saves a ton of money vs going with individual pieces/parts.
https://www.amazon.com/Hansgrohe-271...f_rd_i=desktop
Hansgrohe tub/showerpipe...rainhead, hand sprayer, diverters, thermostatic control, and tub spigot all in one with nicely styled exposed piping. Saves a ton of money vs going with individual pieces/parts.
https://www.amazon.com/Hansgrohe-271...f_rd_i=desktop
#103
Az User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: parts unknown
Age: 45
Posts: 12,488
Received 2,486 Likes
on
1,645 Posts
While Im no where near ready to start the reno yet...I did jump on one item. Someone on CL is selling a new in the box shower set up that I want at over $200 less than the cheapest price I've found. So, i think its worth snagging and tossing in a closet.
Hansgrohe tub/showerpipe...rainhead, hand sprayer, diverters, thermostatic control, and tub spigot all in one with nicely styled exposed piping. Saves a ton of money vs going with individual pieces/parts.
https://www.amazon.com/Hansgrohe-271...f_rd_i=desktop
Hansgrohe tub/showerpipe...rainhead, hand sprayer, diverters, thermostatic control, and tub spigot all in one with nicely styled exposed piping. Saves a ton of money vs going with individual pieces/parts.
https://www.amazon.com/Hansgrohe-271...f_rd_i=desktop
that's a great deal, i would go get it ASAP if i were you.
#104
I got the kohler one ^^ Notice how the rail doesn't go all the way down to the valve/faucet? I got this model on purpose. Do your measurements before you buy it. Your standard shower head height tends to blast me in chest... I wanted the rain head to be as high as possible, so I wouldn't have to crouch under it.
#106
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
#107
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
I got the kohler one ^^ Notice how the rail doesn't go all the way down to the valve/faucet? I got this model on purpose. Do your measurements before you buy it. Your standard shower head height tends to blast me in chest... I wanted the rain head to be as high as possible, so I wouldn't have to crouch under it.
#108
This was actually the the model that got me interested in the showerpipes. Saw it at the Kohler showroom near me. I got turned on to the Hansgorhe model at Fergusons...the fact that it has everything built into one piece sold me, and actually comes out less expensive. Its got pretty great reviews, too.
http://www.hansgrohefixtures.com/med...e_27146001.pdf
This is what I did in the other shower which also has a unique look and inexpensive.
#109
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
I'm only 5'8"
#110
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
Had another contractor, who did some work on our neighbor's kitchen, come this morning.
He would reface, with paint, the cabinets and put on new doors, light rail, and crown moulding for $6k. I provide the soft close hardware and new knobs, etc. If he did all new cabinets he would cost more than other because he only does wood, no mdf. And he won't install other company's product.
That said...that is WAAAAY less for refacing than any one else. The upside is not having to totally destroy and wait on cabinets. The downside is I wouldn't able to make any little touches I wanted for built ins or adding more space. I want to see a sample of his high gloss white.
There is more, but I' waiting for the rest of his quote regarding the bathroom. Also waiting for the quote I had a GC come do Thursday night.
He would reface, with paint, the cabinets and put on new doors, light rail, and crown moulding for $6k. I provide the soft close hardware and new knobs, etc. If he did all new cabinets he would cost more than other because he only does wood, no mdf. And he won't install other company's product.
That said...that is WAAAAY less for refacing than any one else. The upside is not having to totally destroy and wait on cabinets. The downside is I wouldn't able to make any little touches I wanted for built ins or adding more space. I want to see a sample of his high gloss white.
There is more, but I' waiting for the rest of his quote regarding the bathroom. Also waiting for the quote I had a GC come do Thursday night.
#111
registered pw
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: south central pa
Age: 49
Posts: 38,821
Received 354 Likes
on
252 Posts
I would make sure you have one tub in the place. Make sure any improvements are correct for your neighborhood. You don't want to have the most expensive condo if you are remotely thinking about selling in the next 5 years.
In our last place we didn't put in granite since the neighborhood was not a granite countertop neighborhood. We did "smart" updates to keep the place up to date since we were looking to sell.
In our last place we didn't put in granite since the neighborhood was not a granite countertop neighborhood. We did "smart" updates to keep the place up to date since we were looking to sell.
#112
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
The first of two larger contractors got back to us with their quote tonight. They actually wanted to come by to go over everything in person and answer questions. I felt that added a personable touch.
In some places I think their prices were pretty good, in some places I feel it seemed expensive. BUT I also feel they were including a lot. They are providing the under counter LEDs, cabinet hardware (no handles and pulls), all sealed grout (we choose color) all cabinet extras (pantry drawers, etc) The kitchen sink, new and more modern baseboards through out the entire condo, exhaust fan in the bathroom, new LED light in the shower. I also wanted a quote to run a new switch/circuit and install ceiling in our living room...they said they throw it in with the rest of the work, we provide the fan.
We would provide (and much of this is by choice) backsplash tile (about $250 or less for what we want and need) bathroom floor tile (free, leftover from my parents reno) shower tile (partial free, again from parents reno) Toilet, Tub, Shower hardware, kitchen and bath faucets, bath sink (because we have specific one we want) medicine cabinet. Drawer pulls/handles, stove, above stove microwave, and dishwasher, and main bathroom lighting fixture, and other bath fixtures.
I'm still waiting for one more general contracting company to get back with their quote later this week. I'm guessing based on their brief chat that they will come in slightly higher. They also didn't spend nearly the amount of time the other spent going over everything with us. So, we'll see.
So for a whole new kitchen, a whole new bathroom, and complete sanding/prepping/ repainting of our condo we seem to be looking at about $40k plus another $6k for all the stuff we are providing (including the appliances).
In some places I think their prices were pretty good, in some places I feel it seemed expensive. BUT I also feel they were including a lot. They are providing the under counter LEDs, cabinet hardware (no handles and pulls), all sealed grout (we choose color) all cabinet extras (pantry drawers, etc) The kitchen sink, new and more modern baseboards through out the entire condo, exhaust fan in the bathroom, new LED light in the shower. I also wanted a quote to run a new switch/circuit and install ceiling in our living room...they said they throw it in with the rest of the work, we provide the fan.
We would provide (and much of this is by choice) backsplash tile (about $250 or less for what we want and need) bathroom floor tile (free, leftover from my parents reno) shower tile (partial free, again from parents reno) Toilet, Tub, Shower hardware, kitchen and bath faucets, bath sink (because we have specific one we want) medicine cabinet. Drawer pulls/handles, stove, above stove microwave, and dishwasher, and main bathroom lighting fixture, and other bath fixtures.
I'm still waiting for one more general contracting company to get back with their quote later this week. I'm guessing based on their brief chat that they will come in slightly higher. They also didn't spend nearly the amount of time the other spent going over everything with us. So, we'll see.
So for a whole new kitchen, a whole new bathroom, and complete sanding/prepping/ repainting of our condo we seem to be looking at about $40k plus another $6k for all the stuff we are providing (including the appliances).
#113
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
I would make sure you have one tub in the place. Make sure any improvements are correct for your neighborhood. You don't want to have the most expensive condo if you are remotely thinking about selling in the next 5 years.
In our last place we didn't put in granite since the neighborhood was not a granite countertop neighborhood. We did "smart" updates to keep the place up to date since we were looking to sell.
In our last place we didn't put in granite since the neighborhood was not a granite countertop neighborhood. We did "smart" updates to keep the place up to date since we were looking to sell.
1) We are keeping the tub. The dude who tried to talk me out of it is out. Won't hire him.
2) My neighborhood is a very high end neighborhood. The area is now known as Silicon Beach as we have all the big tech companies now housing the corporate headquarters for their SoCal operations. Also all the big ad exec companies are right across the street. I'm talking walking distance to all of this. So, there is a lot of money in here (and no, certainly not me, I'm poor) So, I'm not pouring the kind of money into this condo that people have, but I'm not continuing with the builder quality crap that was in the place when we bought it. I'm going more middle of the road. Based on what we bought this place for and what its worth today, we won't lose money on this.
#114
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
Finally got the last quote from the last contracting company....After I had to email them to follow up and ask for it.
it was slapped together, generic, and the only time is laid out the money was with the schedule of payments...nothing was broken down like my other quotes. And the total...$67,000 FUCK those guys.
it was slapped together, generic, and the only time is laid out the money was with the schedule of payments...nothing was broken down like my other quotes. And the total...$67,000 FUCK those guys.
#115
Ex-OEM King
They don't want your business. Hence the insane quote and half assed work.
#116
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
#117
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
Perhaps he was serious...He actually sent a follow up email to see if we'd considered it. I basically told him his quote didn't specify where my money was going, asked why his price was $27,000 (i was wrong when I first told you guys) higher than my other quotes from other reputable contractors because there was no price breakdown, and that he was clearly out of my price range. Didn't hear back, doubt I will.
Spoke with the contractors whom I like, and I just got home from visiting a couple of their current projects. Good quality, they walked me through everything. I just need this refi to close so I can start.
Spoke with the contractors whom I like, and I just got home from visiting a couple of their current projects. Good quality, they walked me through everything. I just need this refi to close so I can start.
#118
Needs more Lemon Pledge
#119
registered pw
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: south central pa
Age: 49
Posts: 38,821
Received 354 Likes
on
252 Posts
It's funny how flighty contractors are. When we had our mudroom built, we had 5 or 6 different contractors quote. One or two said they really wanted the job and never called back even after multiple attempts. A couple were way out of whack.
The one we went with was responsive and prompt. I had seen some of the places he had built on our road. He was working for his boss for 15 years and his boss was looking to retire. His pricing was just right and his work turned out nice.
The one we went with was responsive and prompt. I had seen some of the places he had built on our road. He was working for his boss for 15 years and his boss was looking to retire. His pricing was just right and his work turned out nice.
The following users liked this post:
Sarlacc (01-24-2017)
#120
The Third Ball
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,131
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
It's funny how flighty contractors are. When we had our mudroom built, we had 5 or 6 different contractors quote. One or two said they really wanted the job and never called back even after multiple attempts. A couple were way out of whack.
The one we went with was responsive and prompt. I had seen some of the places he had built on our road. He was working for his boss for 15 years and his boss was looking to retire. His pricing was just right and his work turned out nice.
The one we went with was responsive and prompt. I had seen some of the places he had built on our road. He was working for his boss for 15 years and his boss was looking to retire. His pricing was just right and his work turned out nice.
And in many ways I was thankful. I was already wanting to use this company. I got 4-5 quotes. And I was tired of getting more to see the same damn numbers.