So yeah. I had budgeted $5000 for a modest kitchen update-- really nice counters and a cooktop that is converted to gas. The budget is already blown, despite my best efforts.
The cooktop cost $777 after tax. That was expected.
What I didn't expect was that the $78/sq. ft. quartz counters including installation don't REALLY include installation.
Every little tiny thing costs extra. They're charging me $500 plus to take out and haul away my old countertops, charging me for the cutouts for my sink and cooktop, etc.... so I'm looking at $4300 for the counters, about $500 more than I had planned.
So, from the get go the budget is blown.
The bad news is, the expenses are already mounting. The counter guys came today to make the template and told me there is no way to reuse my current sink, which is from the 1950s, because of the way it mounts to the counters. Long story short, I need to go buy a new sink.
And, I just realized that I need to pay to have the electric cooktop unhooked and pay to install a three-prong plug. Shame on me for not remembering that even gas cooktops need an outlet. That one is my fault. Luckily, I have a great electrician, but I am probably still looking at $100 to $200.
I have thought of trying to save by doing some demo and stuff myself, but with two babies under 2, that just isn't possible right now. Plus, if I accidentally destroyed the cabinets, I would really be in trouble budget wise. So looks like I am just going to have to take this one on the chin.
Argh. Kitchen already over budget
March 3rd, 2010 at 05:53 pm
March 3rd, 2010 at 06:06 pm 1267639601
March 3rd, 2010 at 06:17 pm 1267640271
Oh and I agree, they should have detailed expenses.
March 3rd, 2010 at 06:45 pm 1267641934
March 3rd, 2010 at 06:52 pm 1267642371
We saved some money buying the sink from an online vendor. They were about 40% cheaper than any of our local folks.
We're facing something similar with the basement remodeling--I'm scared to start, worried that it'll be way over.
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:34 pm 1267655695