Where would I typically find asbestos tile? under the current plaster, or current ceramic tile floor? I think I'm keeping most plumbing as is, may need to move some electric boxes, I plan to work around the current air vents and there's a fan to push smoke outside, wasn't planning to move it.

Agree that for a 50s house, you have to be prepared for the possibilities of having to replace the subfloor, finding asbestos tile or mold, etc. That's not a reason not to do it. Just eyes open.

Ikea had a great 20% off sale in the spring. They usually do it in the fall too but they just delayed it because they're still having trouble catching up with their back orders from the spring sale.

We're in the middle of our spring sale install and are very happy with it.

NP - does anyone know when IKEA typically has their kitchen sales?

That budget should be fine - as long as you don't run into issues, which you will in a house of that vintage (asbestos tile, lead paint, inadequate electrical, inadequate space - especially depth - for modern appliances,...). That's a really small kitchen; you might consider opening up the space up.

I am in the process of a kitchen re-do. Its a fairly small space and we are doing just base cabinets, no uppers. This keeps the room feeling more spacious. Its 5 new ikea cabinets with ikea wood counters. New undermount double bowl sink and faucet - not from ikea. We are keeping the existing appliances. Cost for materials is around $2000. Cost for install is $1600.

More than one real estate agent has said that people invest far too much in the kitchen. Take heart in that as well.

I heard Ikea has great kitchen deals.

Please let us all know how it goes!

Yes, but don't forget to factor in possible plumbing and electrical work. Change orders can hurt.

Nice ikea for that or less on their kitchen sale (with quartz counters). This assuming you are not moving a lot if plumbing and electric.

7k for counters and cabinets from ikea
4 k appliances
500 backsplash tile
1500 flooring
1k light fixtures, hardware, faucet.

The rest is labor

Agree about Habitat and Community Forklife and even freecycle. Even if you find things like faucets, cabinet handles and knobs, light fixtures, tile, you will save money.Ask appliance stores if they have any scratch and ding appliances -- if the side of a dishwasher or stove or a kickplate is dented, it won't matter. Let someone like Home Depot supply the big ticket cabinets and scrounge for others things.

PP here- hit reply too soon. For a little legwork, you could hit up Habitat or Community Forklift and pick up some great granite or tile slabs for $50-$200 and have them cut down and polished for you. It's actually a lot less expensive than you think - and the same person installing the tile could most likely do it for you. Also, there are some restaurant resale stores around here that have great appliances and things like apron sinks, lighting fixtures, etc for a fraction of the price. It's all about where you look.

Anonymous wrote:with mid-range Home Depot/Lowes units for 25K with labor?
I don't want granite countertops, maybe fake stone or butcherblock, no island, just new cabinets around the walls, probably a new tile floor, new stove, new dishwasher...I don't want to go in to the store and find I'm unreasonable

Yes, definitely. With a little bit of planning you could make it very efficient as well.

Even lower range mid level cabinets for a 10 x 10 at the big box will run ~ $12K: if purchased on good store and manufacturer sale you can get a few extra features and/or cabinet (like sink base). Labor ~6K. Flooring say minimum $1000 (pure guess) plus install. Package Appliances are least expensive (same brand throughout). Butcher block btw is not cheap. Maybe. Do you plan on stove ventilation?

Always best to hit Lowes or HD when they have a good kitchen sale. Late fall/winter are when their kitchen volume is lower.

Yes.

with mid-range Home Depot/Lowes units for 25K with labor?
I don't want granite countertops, maybe fake stone or butcherblock, no island, just new cabinets around the walls, probably a new tile floor, new stove, new dishwasher...I don't want to go in to the store and find I'm unreasonable