A friend of mine asked if it is possible to remodel a small kitchen for $5,000. Curious, I searched on the internet (where else!) looking for: Kitchen Remodel Under $5,000. That search bought back a long list of $5,000 remodel projects, pictures and advice included.
These kitchens followed a very clear pattern. First, the kitchens were not just small, they were very small! Stoves blocked either windows or stuck into doorways, storage was near the ceiling and the appliances were special ordered in “size small.” Still, some were elegant, many of them were charming.
The second thing that these budget-minded kitchen remodel projects had in common was, without exception, the DIY (Do –It- Yourself) method. Since labor is one of the most expensive items on the remodel list DIY is a fine idea: if you have tools, skills, a strong back and a truck.
Investing your own labor – sweat-equity – is a very effective way to reduce costs. The next great money-saver is shopping for discounted materials, including (or especially) appliances. This was common across all of the $5,000 kitchens.
Challenged by the idea of creating a $5,000 kitchen, without the DIY plan, I asked one of the designers at Kitch-Encounters to create a $5,000 kitchen. The plan is intended to be typical of a small Tallahassee kitchen. I put no limits on the design other than the budget.
The result delivers granite countertops with 4” backsplash, a lazy-susan corner cabinet, 30” upper cabinets, two drawers and decorative hardware. The total for this 11-base cabinet, 7-upper cabinet kitchen as designed is $5,427.81 – including the kitchen sink! Okay, so it is a little “over-budget” but it is all new and all installed by professionals.
What’s missing? This assumes one DIY item. Tear-out and disposal of the existing kitchen is not included in the price above. That part of the project is well worth the $ 150.00 – $200.00 cost to add tear-out.
What else? This $5,000 kitchen assumes that the existing appliances and faucet will be used. You might also need to hire plumber or electrician to reconnect sink, faucet, ice-maker – or DIY.
What other money-saving ideas have been used for this kitchen? The cabinets are stained maple which costs less than a painted maple cabinet. The number of specialty items like a trash pull-out, roll-out shelves, wine and spice racks are not included in this budget kitchen.
If you need new appliances the budget-minded kitchen you can trim the cost by planning on white rather than black or stainless steel finishes.
Where to start? Take an unemotional look at your kitchen; focus on your bottom-line needs. Be careful, avoid being short-sighted by looking only at the budget! All of the parts of a kitchen must fit-together. Once you install cabinets and countertops you have fixed dimensions and future new appliances will be limited to sizes that fit. Although you can retro-fit some cabinet features – even DIY – the fit and function of these items can be a little tricky and might be best done by a professional.
$5,000 is not pocket change! Be sure to get value for your dollars. Don’t forget that this kitchen will last a very long time and “up-grades” added now might be worth the additional investment in the long run. 
Martha Fenner • Kitch-Encounters
2740 Capital Circle NE – Tallahassee FL – 850-386-6555
