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LauderLady
LIF Toddler
Member since 6/05 380 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re do the kitchen? Added a few pics for opinions.
We live in a 1 bedroom co op and have made many improvements over the past 2 years. (for example: we had the closets and floors done, added recessed lighting to the living room) Today we are having new appliances delivered. Now I want to "update" the rest of the kitchen. The cabinets and counter top are from the late 80's...a White Formica. I know that kitchens (and bathrooms) add value, but is it worth it on a 1 bedroom co-op? Would we get back all we spend?
TIA 
Message edited 8/27/2006 12:44:00 AM.
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Posted 8/24/06 1:11 PM  |
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MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
thats a hard question to answer. if you are really unhappy with the kitchen, i would re do it and not worry how much $$ you are gonig to make, unless you plan on selling within the next year or two.
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:12 PM |
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LauderLady
LIF Toddler
Member since 6/05 380 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
We are planning to sell in the next year or so.
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:13 PM |
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Palebride
I am an amazing bakist
Member since 5/05 13673 total posts
Name:
Lori
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
chances are good you will not make that money back for a one bedroom co-op.
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:14 PM |
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MABLE03
I <3 SATC
Member since 6/06 4563 total posts
Name:
Fabulous
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Yes I would. Kitchen's are a big selling feature and when the time comes help your condo sell for more and quicker IMO. I would update it and make it look nice but not go crazy spending a fortune to do it.
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:14 PM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
according to Designed to Sell on HGTV, they recommend sellers to add granite counter tops and SS appliances. since you already have the SS, get an estimate on the countertops. I heard about places that install it at $45 a linear foot - and you get to pick the slab.
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:17 PM |
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LauderLady
LIF Toddler
Member since 6/05 380 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
according to Designed to Sell on HGTV, they recommend sellers to add granite counter tops and SS appliances. since you already have the SS, get an estimate on the countertops. I heard about places that install it at $45 a linear foot - and you get to pick the slab.
We didn't do SS b/c the area for the fridge has very specific dimensions...so we had very limited choices. I figured even if we didn't do SS new appliances are better than ones from 15 years ago. I had my super look at the kitchen this morning and he said that my counter and backsplash are one piece and need to be special ordered. Maybe we could redo the backsplash and add a separate counter top.
Another question. I hear al lot about "cabinet re-facing"...what is that?
BTW, I LOVE designed to sell! I watch that show all the time!
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:25 PM |
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ODonnell
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Member since 9/05 5983 total posts
Name:
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
I redid the kitchen in my 1-bed co-op (as well as everything else) and managed to double my profits in 2.5 years when I sold last year.
I did it quite cheaply but it was only a galley kitchen. I had the cabinets refaced and a whole new formica countertop and backsplash, which cost about $2,700. I also got a matching sink, painted everything and stuck down nice vinyl floor tile. I didn't even replace the appliances - I had them spray-pained white instead of the original almond. The hole thing cost no more than $3,000.
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:42 PM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by LauderLady
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
according to Designed to Sell on HGTV, they recommend sellers to add granite counter tops and SS appliances. since you already have the SS, get an estimate on the countertops. I heard about places that install it at $45 a linear foot - and you get to pick the slab.
We didn't do SS b/c the area for the fridge has very specific dimensions...so we had very limited choices. I figured even if we didn't do SS new appliances are better than ones from 15 years ago. I had my super look at the kitchen this morning and he said that my counter and backsplash are one piece and need to be special ordered. Maybe we could redo the backsplash and add a separate counter top.
Another question. I hear al lot about "cabinet re-facing"...what is that?
BTW, I LOVE designed to sell! I watch that show all the time!
cabinet refacing is when you only have the front of the drawers and cabinet doors replaced. it could make s huge difference without spending a huge amount. although it's not cheap.
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:44 PM |
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ODonnell
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Member since 9/05 5983 total posts
Name:
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
Posted by LauderLady
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
according to Designed to Sell on HGTV, they recommend sellers to add granite counter tops and SS appliances. since you already have the SS, get an estimate on the countertops. I heard about places that install it at $45 a linear foot - and you get to pick the slab.
We didn't do SS b/c the area for the fridge has very specific dimensions...so we had very limited choices. I figured even if we didn't do SS new appliances are better than ones from 15 years ago. I had my super look at the kitchen this morning and he said that my counter and backsplash are one piece and need to be special ordered. Maybe we could redo the backsplash and add a separate counter top.
Another question. I hear al lot about "cabinet re-facing"...what is that?
BTW, I LOVE designed to sell! I watch that show all the time!
cabinet refacing is when you only have the front of the drawers and cabinet doors replaced. it could make s huge difference without spending a huge amount. although it's not cheap.
I got all new drawers with my refacing.
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:47 PM |
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Freddie
LIF Adult
Member since 3/06 1162 total posts
Name:
Freddie
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
I have seen that some people offer a credit to the buyers for something that needs to be redone, but the sellers don't want the trouble or they let the buyers decided what they want.
Maybe you could do that when you sell if you don't want to get into a redo?
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:52 PM |
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LauderLady
LIF Toddler
Member since 6/05 380 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by ODonnell
I redid the kitchen in my 1-bed co-op (as well as everything else) and managed to double my profits in 2.5 years when I sold last year.
I did it quite cheaply but it was only a galley kitchen. I had the cabinets refaced and a whole new formica countertop and backsplash, which cost about $2,700. I also got a matching sink, painted everything and stuck down nice vinyl floor tile. I didn't even replace the appliances - I had them spray-pained white instead of the original almond. The hole thing cost no more than $3,000.
In my opinion, $3,000 is not a lot of money. Who did you use to do the refacing?
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:52 PM |
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ODonnell
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Member since 9/05 5983 total posts
Name:
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by LauderLady
In my opinion, $3,000 is not a lot of money. Who did you use to do the refacing?
I agree that it was a great price, but that was 3 years ago, so it may be more now. I used Island Wide Industries and they were based in Brentwood. When I tried calling them a few months ago to do another job for me, their number was no longer in service.
I can highly recommend the guy who did the countertop in my new house (KellyFG recommended him to me), but I'm not sure if he does refacing. FM me if you would like his info.
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| Posted 8/24/06 1:58 PM |
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csorisi
My 2 LOVES
Member since 11/05 1984 total posts
Name:
Corinne
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by ODonnell
I redid the kitchen in my 1-bed co-op (as well as everything else) and managed to double my profits in 2.5 years when I sold last year.
I did it quite cheaply but it was only a galley kitchen. I had the cabinets refaced and a whole new formica countertop and backsplash, which cost about $2,700. I also got a matching sink, painted everything and stuck down nice vinyl floor tile. I didn't even replace the appliances - I had them spray-pained white instead of the original almond. The hole thing cost no more than $3,000.
The only thing is that prices are not what they use to be 2.5 years ago so you would have to look at when you bought it and if you sold it today would you still make a profit. In a year or so the market maybe the same or decling a little. I just bought my house that didn't have a very updated kitchen and I liked that because I didn't pay extra for something I am going to gut anyway. Not everyone has the same taste and it may or may not add value to your home.
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| Posted 8/24/06 11:02 PM |
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Ang-Rich
Beyond Compare
Member since 5/05 17988 total posts
Name:
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
I think that most RE agents would agree - kitchens and bathrooms sell the place. We updated both before we put it up and I think that it made a huge difference. We definitely got back everything that we put into it so it was well worth it. I personally think that updating the kitchen in a one bedroom would be a smart decision - as long as the cost is not too high. I say update - don't renovate. You can upgrade the countertop to corian or a new formica if granite is just too $$$. New appliances will go along way and refacing the cabinets will have a huge impact. Leave the rest to asthetics - paint it a nice color, add some classy accents to the countertop and walls (not too much though) and I think it'll be perfect.
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| Posted 8/24/06 11:18 PM |
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spooks
So in love!
Member since 6/06 4378 total posts
Name:
Sarah
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
We were on the other side of this as a buyer - our seller drove up the price b/c they redid the bathroom and kitchen (with granite, stainless steel appliances, etc.) and wanted to get back what they put into the place - which they sorta did b/c our price went up
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| Posted 8/25/06 4:40 PM |
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MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by ODonnell
I redid the kitchen in my 1-bed co-op (as well as everything else) and managed to double my profits in 2.5 years when I sold last year.
with the market changing to a buyers market, i dont think now is the time to put lots of $$ in a property to double profits..
but if its a $3K fix, I would consider it.
Message edited 8/25/2006 4:47:31 PM.
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| Posted 8/25/06 4:47 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by Palebride
chances are good you will not make that money back for a one bedroom co-op.
I agree - i had a one bedroom condo and I definitely did not get the money back that i put into my brand new kitchen. If you wont be there long to enjoy it - dont do it. Even though it probably isnt a large kitchen, most kitchen remodels come with a very large price tag. When people are buying a condo, they dont realize how expensive and what a pain it is to re-do a kitchen - they think that its easy because its so small. Save yourself some time, money and stress and forget about it!!!!
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| Posted 8/25/06 6:08 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by Ang-Rich
I think that most RE agents would agree - kitchens and bathrooms sell the place. We updated both before we put it up and I think that it made a huge difference. We definitely got back everything that we put into it so it was well worth it. I personally think that updating the kitchen in a one bedroom would be a smart decision - as long as the cost is not too high. I say update - don't renovate. You can upgrade the countertop to corian or a new formica if granite is just too $$$. New appliances will go along way and refacing the cabinets will have a huge impact. Leave the rest to asthetics - paint it a nice color, add some classy accents to the countertop and walls (not too much though) and I think it'll be perfect.
I think that this is a great suggestion - i would definitely consider refacing cabinets, installing a new countertop etc before gutting the entire thing. but as i said in my previous post - redoing the whole kitchen is usually very expensive. And it doesnt sound like your kitchen is THAT BAD to begin with....
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| Posted 8/25/06 6:10 PM |
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MrsBlueSash
Love my sailor
Member since 6/05 5793 total posts
Name:
Christian
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Ikea cabinets, paint them, new handles and knobs...I would go the cheapest route possible.
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| Posted 8/25/06 6:13 PM |
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LauderLady
LIF Toddler
Member since 6/05 380 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Thanks every one. Our new appliances arrived yesterday. Everything looks clean and bright, but it didn't have the visual impact I had hoped. (I don't know exactly what I expected these appliances to do  )
We are going to check into Refacing the cabinets. We'll see how much it will be. I want to just clean up my kitchen a bit (it was absolute chaos yesterday with the installation) and then take pictures and post them for your opinions.
Thanks again!
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| Posted 8/25/06 8:26 PM |
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Palebride
I am an amazing bakist
Member since 5/05 13673 total posts
Name:
Lori
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
When we had our co-op, we painted the fronts of the cabinets and put on different hardware. It made a HUGE difference and cost next to nothing. People thought they were brand new...even the Board President who had the same cabinets in her kitchen!
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| Posted 8/25/06 9:00 PM |
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LauderLady
LIF Toddler
Member since 6/05 380 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Here are some pics of our kitchen. Should I just leave well enough alone? (of course I would touch up the paint and I ordered a valance for the window today) However these pictures seem to emphasize the difference between the white of the cabinets and the white of the appliances.
Image Attachment(s):
Message edited 8/27/2006 11:07:49 AM.
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| Posted 8/27/06 12:25 AM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by Meaghan729
Posted by ODonnell
I redid the kitchen in my 1-bed co-op (as well as everything else) and managed to double my profits in 2.5 years when I sold last year.
with the market changing to a buyers market, i dont think now is the time to put lots of $$ in a property to double profits..
but if its a $3K fix, I would consider it.
I agree- personally I don't want to pay extra for your redone kitchen- but that's me
the market is crazy right now - there is a chance you might not get back the money you spend if you spend alot- esp on 1 bedroom co-op
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| Posted 8/27/06 12:33 AM |
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LauderLady
LIF Toddler
Member since 6/05 380 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Re do the kitchen?
Posted by Beth1210
Posted by Meaghan729
Posted by ODonnell
I redid the kitchen in my 1-bed co-op (as well as everything else) and managed to double my profits in 2.5 years when I sold last year.
with the market changing to a buyers market, i dont think now is the time to put lots of $$ in a property to double profits..
but if its a $3K fix, I would consider it.
I agree- personally I don't want to pay extra for your redone kitchen- but that's me
the market is crazy right now - there is a chance you might not get back the money you spend if you spend alot- esp on 1 bedroom co-op
But would you be more likely to buy a place that has been updated or would you rather fix it up yourself?
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| Posted 8/27/06 12:39 AM |
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