https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 12 May 2026 21:21:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2701799 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 14:39:35 +0000 atoz 2701799@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pinkb: that's great! And I have no doubt that we'll be doing the backsplash a year later... :meh: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2701798 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 14:38:53 +0000 atoz 2701798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Microscope: did you go with the IKEA under cabinet lighting? Are you happy with it? (Silly question: is it hard wired? I have to look into it!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2701795 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 14:37:06 +0000 atoz 2701795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: smart! I'll keep walkways in mind...</p> <p>@kemma: we're definitely on a budget but appliances are so important...we're planning on a counter depth fridge for sure &amp; quality gas range<br /> .<br /> @Corduroy: that is REALLY good to know. Do you happen to have a picture if you wouldn't mind sharing? I was hoping to build in our fridge and am now rethinking the design of those cabinets!</p> <p>@SugarplumsMom: good luck!! That's exciting! We're just in the planning stage and I'm overwhelmed. </p> <p>Curious: did anyone deal with a ducted vs non-ducted range hood (or microwave hood)? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2701060 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:46:31 +0000 snowjewelz 2701060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wish I did Ikea! I just love a lot of their innovative storage ideas that "regular" cabinet places don't have. Storage was fine when it was just us two and even DD1.. But now we just have so much stuff and I hate our counters being cluttered and wish there's more storage/built in storage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700957 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 03:50:47 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2700957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@atoz: Thank you for starting this thread. I have a design appointment at Ikea in a few days, but we've been too sick to bother. This is very helpful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700951 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 00:16:11 +0000 Corduroy 2700951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We didn't renovate but the last owner did. For the most part we're really happy with it. The most expensive issue we have is the refrigerator. The cabinets surround the fridge super tightly to make it look like a built in. But it isn't really and doesn't give the fridge enough room to circulate air. The first fridge only lasted 6 years. I expect our current one to die in similar timing because we replaced with the same size not realizing just because two people can technically wedge a fridge in a spot doesn't mean it belongs there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700849 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:04:14 +0000 pinkb 2700849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just did a diy IKEA kitchen. We have a small kitchen so it wasn't too bad. It became more indepth during the process which we knew could happen but didn't prepare properly for. Have a plumber and an electrician picked out incase you need them. We had neither picked and needed them. If you are changing anything like a sink or a light make sure you think it thru all the way. We went from a 2 basin sink to 1 and had to have the plumbing redone to accommodate that. Which included having to break into our cinder block wall to change more plumbing since no plumber would touch the job unless the original pipes were replaced. And since the sink it deeper the pipes hang lower and the pull out garbage under the sink had to be nixed.<br /> We removed a ceiling fan and wanted to replace the old florecent light above the sink. It was not anywhere near as simple as we had thought. turned into an issue that we need an electrician for.<br /> Definitely get the soft close drawers. We had bought all the under cabinet lighting but our kitchen is so small it doesn't really make sense. So we returned it all.<br /> If you are getting appliances make sure to pick them out first as others have said.<br /> Know that it will take longer than you think! Demo took 1 day. Then replacing the drywall and putting the cabinets together and getting them hung took another 3 days. Then it was another 3 weeks before we got the counters installed and then finally the sink and water!<br /> Definitely finish it! We still have to paint and do the backsplash close to 6 months later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700829 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:52:34 +0000 Mrs. Microscope 2700829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Get the pro IKEA installers. You can tell the difference! Also, get the slow close door for all doors. Get the under cabinet lighting too! Make sure you like the placement of your appliances, and you have enough clearance behind open dishwasher and oven doors for people to walk. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700827 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:47:28 +0000 oskarsmommy 2700827@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I opted to do a breakfast nook instead of bar seating at my island - majorly regret that.. I wish I would have done a space for built in desk / office space where the nook is, and had counter seating.</p> <p>I also got REALLY nice nickel hardware, and an VERY nice faucet.. I could have saved a LOT of $$$ and put that towards something else - the hardware is all baby proofed up (on the corners) and there are tons of more affordable faucets on the market. </p> <p>I also wish I would have figured out how to do a walk in pantry. And I wanted an induction stove, but ended up going gas - ugh! Induction would be so worth if for the ease of the clean up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700814 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:17:38 +0000 Kemma 2700814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did our kitchen awhile back but one of the best things we did was actually tape / measure out the new cabinetry in the existing kitchen so we knew it would work! I have a few friends who've done kitchens and their biggest problem is that even though the cabinetry fits in the space it's just not that user friendly (things like a big island not leaving enough space for the dining table to be 100% useable or not quite enough clearance for walking between parts of the kitchen).</p> <p>One thing I do wish we'd done is finish the whole kitchen at once! We got all the appliances and cabinetry etc in but we didn't actually finish the walls or floors for another 3-4 years!</p> <p>ETA - buy the best appliances you can afford! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700811 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:09:30 +0000 MaryM 2700811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: Such a good idea! </p> <p>I tried putting those plastic things you put on the backs of frames to keep them from scratching walls on our cabinet doors because DH is NOT capable of closing one without slamming it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700804 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 16:49:31 +0000 Foodnerd81 2700804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Haven't done a Reno, but when we do we are absolutely getting whisper close doors and drawers. Ours are so loud and janky. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700796 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 16:19:33 +0000 Cherrybee 2700796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did ours a year ago. If I could start again, I wouldn't put the dishwasher by the back door - the dishwasher door opens out across the back door so I can't empty it while E plays outside (I have to shut the dishwasher every time she wants to come in OVER AND OVER). I would also install under floor heating - it's so cold in there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700794 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 16:16:17 +0000 atoz 2700794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Banana330: this is really helpful...thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700733 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:59:38 +0000 Banana330 2700733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We literally are doing our kitchen right now. A few things we've had to change on the fly. Ensure you know the clearances for difference cabinets (we did pull out garbage under the sink and had to get the plumbing moved back further for it to fit.). We also switched some cabinets around last minute to fit the fridge away from the wall. The finishing panels make a HUGE difference as does the trim. We bought a spare door from ikea to take when picking samples for tile/counters etc. </p> <p>You need to know your appliances in advance so they should be picked early in process or you might be left with very few options of things that fit. I made about 6-7 different layout options in the ikea software before I narrowed it down to our final plan. Also consider the drawer depths, measure your pots/pans/appliances to see what will fit best where. </p> <p>We got a pro ikea installer to put ours in (i'm pregnant with a fractured foot) and they did it in two days and it looks WAY better than if we did it. </p> <p>Ours was part of a larger reno (taking down walls, moving plumbing/electrical etc.) so the cost of the ikea stuff was minimal compared to the rest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kitchen-renovation-what-would-you-do-differently#post-2700731 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:51:38 +0000 atoz 2700731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are planning on tackling our kitchen renovation soon! It'll be a mostly DIY job using IKEA kitchen cabinets. </p> <p>So, I'm curious to know...whether it has to do with planning, budgeting, layout, cabinets, color, flooring, timing, appliances, etc, what would you do differently in your kitchen renovation if you were to do it again? (Whether or not it's IKEA!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1693026 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 11:10:32 +0000 PurplePumps 1693026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If I were planning to move soon, I don't think I'd bother doing anything to the house, especially if it wouldn't really help resale value. If you put 10-15k more into it, could you sell for that much more? I'm not from TX, but my opinion of any work being done is that it's such a huge percentage of the homes cost, that it's not really a good idea to do it unless it's purely for your own enjoyment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692937 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 10:35:17 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1692937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bookish: it's not even that they're upgrading to their own tastes... I should send you links to homes for sale in our neighborhood!</p> <p>We live in a great housing plan. It's like Pleasantville up in here. I promise you there is nothing spectacular or brag worthy about our home. We've put in a new sink in our upstairs bathroom, painted our kitchen cabinets and put in all new flooring. Other minor things, too, but honestly.. Nothing drool worthy or expensive. </p> <p>A lot of the houses here have had the same owner for 20+ years and hasn't been upgraded. Were talking original windows, dated 80s kitchens, old appliances.</p> <p>Those houses are selling for $60,000 more than what *we* paid in 2009.</p> <p>I WANT a new kitchen and bathroom, but no way in hell am I paying for those upgrades when the not-so-nice houses are flying off the market with those kinds of prices. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692927 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 10:32:12 +0000 Bookish 1692927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Leialou: I would actually really appreciate that! We picked our last one because she was a friend of a friend, and she was just useless. I did all the darn research! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692925 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 10:31:37 +0000 avivoca 1692925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely talk to a realtor in the area. We are thinking about moving in the next two or so years, so I need to take my own advice. Things that are on the definite list are changing the floors (the carpet is in really bad condition) and changing out the tile in the bathrooms (also in really bad condition). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692920 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 10:29:52 +0000 Bookish 1692920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like talking to a realtor is the way to go! That's a pretty clear solution, so I have no idea why I didn't think of that..... :silly: </p> <p>@Cole: @Smurfette: I'd definitely understand a lower price or concession if we didn't replace it, so I suppose either way we'd be out the money.</p> <p>@Mrs. Jump Rope: Hah, that's our current thinking. The house *could* have new floors, new counter tops, etc, but from what we see, people are buying in our neighborhood, and then upgrading to their own tastes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692885 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 10:10:57 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1692885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A master bath update isn't really a necessity. You could do some fresh paint and accessories and make it work. </p> <p>Replacing the AC would be good for resale. At the very least you could have it serviced. </p> <p>Talking to a realtor in your area is a good idea. I'd be happy to help you find one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692873 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 10:07:02 +0000 Smurfette 1692873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it depends on the area. But knowing I wouldn't have to replace the AC would be nice. If it needed replacing we would offer a lower price. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692872 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 10:06:53 +0000 Cole 1692872@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We live in Michigan where AC is not a need, but our house has an older unit that will likely need to be replaced in the next few years and we still bought it. We took it into consideration but like I said, even if it broke we would be fine. Our hot water heater is also ancient but evidently the type we have is easy to fix and could outlast a new one, plus they aren't that expensive so we really didn't mind.</p> <p>So my thought is, be prepared to offer a concession but I wouldn't worry about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692866 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 10:05:48 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1692866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bookish: I would talk to your real estate agent. </p> <p>We are on the fence about when to move. I won't bore you with details, but we did have a chat with our agent about the current market, the homes in our area, and the renovations we had in mind. </p> <p>She told us to let all the updates be someone else's problem, and that includes the French drain we wanted to have put in.</p> <p>She even advised against putting in the new flooring ("let them be the buyers problem") but we did it anyway for personal needs (allergies). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692809 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:50:18 +0000 alohaorchid 1692809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that it would be a good idea to check with a realtor to see what their opinion is, they would have a good idea of what buyers are looking for in your area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692757 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:34:34 +0000 Bookish 1692757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Willow: I'm in TX, it's a pretty big necessity! Luckily the roof is in good shape, the hot water heater is a good idea to replace, and that wouldn't be terribly expensive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692753 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:32:57 +0000 Willow 1692753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess it would depend now big of a necessity A/C is in your area? It wouldn't be a deal breaker for us where we live.<br /> We just bought a house and things that we looked for being updated were the roof, hot water tank, and furnace. Other 'cosmetic' updates like the bathroom and kitchen are obviously nice, but were lower on our priority list. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692726 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:26:24 +0000 Bookish 1692726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MaryM: Well, we didn't like the realtor we used last time, so won't ask her, but that's not a bad idea to pull a realtor in for some advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-home-repair-timelineplans#post-1692719 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:25:08 +0000 MaryM 1692719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have a realtor you've worked with that you could ask? I usually defer to mine before planning to spend significant money. </p> <p>I feel like a new AC unit or shower would be a nice bonus to buying a house, but I'm not sure I'd buy one over another just because of either of those. Especially if it came down to one being significantly more expensive than the other. </p>