Before and After a $162,000 Kitchen Remodel
When a contractor or designer sets out to remodel his own kitchen, he can be up for quite a challenge. After all, he isn't likely to settle for anything less than perfection and probably has an exceptionally specific idea of what he - and also, in this case, his wife - wants. Howard Robbins took on his own home and, after 9 months and $162,000, walked away with a National Association of the Remodeling Industry Award in his region for the "best residential kitchen over $100,000." His kitchen was "outdated, inefficient and oppressive" (picture after the jump), but simple aesthetics aside, there were a few major changes that had to be made, something to take into consideration if you are looking to remodel. The ceiling was raised by 3 feet, eliminating dropped, panel lights, and one wall was pushed out, providing a roomier area to start with. Once the room was opened up, new appliances, flooring and, of course, accessories were added. The kitchen now has Decor ovens and cooktop, a Subzero refrigerator, a Miele dishwasher and, to meld with his wife's love and collection of Asian decor, bamboo accents and Japanese shoji screens, from Shigoto Ya Inc., were added, as well.
[Images Muffy Kibbey, SF Gate]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 24)
kmhtkmhtkmht May 8th 2006 6:09PM
I like the "before" picture a lot more as I think he has severely overpaid... A kitchen is for cooking and the "equipment" he has is far from the best...
He's overpaid by about $100,000
Brian May 13th 2006 6:24AM
It looks wonderful but let's be realisitc, who would
spend that kind of cash on a kitchen remodel? Hmmm?
No one in their right mind. Oh....a contractor looking
to attract business and impress future clients. Did
this increase the home value significantly ? Truth be told if I've got the $162,000 to blow on a kitchen remodel it's time to play the Beverly Hillbillie theme
song and pack.....we moving Granny!!!!
Rose P. May 13th 2006 6:27AM
Looks very nice, but don't know if worth $162K. Very nice though.
Richard Crosdale May 13th 2006 6:28AM
Did get a kiss with his bill? He over paid by
169,000
Irene Sprinkle May 13th 2006 6:29AM
That kitchen is fabulous. Compared to the former nightmare. Plenty of room to move around in. The only thing the other kitchen was good for was holding the folder of take out menus. It wasn't a cooks kitchen. The new one is with plenty of places to hide clutter.
Suan May 13th 2006 6:30AM
That is beautiful! BUT!!!...162,000!!!! Why not add another 200,000 and build an entire new home??
Enjoy your work of art...I would
Susan
VAL SHIELDS May 13th 2006 6:33AM
A LITTLE TOO CONTEMERY FOR MY TASTE, BUT I LIKED THE HIGHER CEILING AND THE MODERN APPPLIANCES!
Kate May 13th 2006 6:47AM
For THAT kind of money, I could remodel my whole house and still have 100K left over! I could refurnish my whole house, and still have bunches of cash to take a nice vacation after the work was done!
donna May 13th 2006 6:54AM
'Before' kitchen looks intentionally crammed with clutter before taking pic. Ceiling is a drawback.
Like the contemporary feel of 'after' kitchen. Think I saw those cabinets at Ikea. Does the $162 include rewiring the entire house to bring it up to code?
My 2.
sal May 13th 2006 6:54AM
What in the world drove up the cost. The cabinets look like there worth 20,000.The flooring 10,000.I really hope those appliances are worth it.
Mike Pfeiffer May 13th 2006 6:56AM
Considering the old saying "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy", all I want to know after $162K is - well, IS she?
Vicki Ahl May 13th 2006 6:58AM
Had the kitchen in the before picture been cleaned and the mess cleared away, the difference would not seem so drastic. It looks like they spent days trashing the kitchen before taking the before picture.
Anthony May 13th 2006 7:01AM
Would be nice if they had both pics from same POV.
Yes, $162,000 is a lot of lettuce to spend on a new kitchen, but consider he is a contractor. This means even with the top of the line appliances, raising the ceiling, pushing out the back wall(again not seen in after photo), not to mention any electrical and plumbing changes that took place, he probably got a better deal on the work, prices, etc., than the average homeowner.
Last but by no means least, being that he is a contractor as well as the homeowner, he is getting a double impact for his investment in both resale value and for his business.
Just the way I see it...
Anthony
Sharon Gorrell May 13th 2006 7:04AM
I agree for that kind of money I could remodel my whole house and more. I'm single and divorced and have never been able to even repair the damages to the home the ex left. I would give anything for that kind of money just to repair.
Sharon Gorrell May 13th 2006 7:06AM
My kitchen looks as bad or worse. Yes I agree that kind of money would have remodeled my whole home.
Beth C. May 13th 2006 7:06AM
What a dramatic change! I think that $162,000 is a little pricey for that kitchen, but I do realize that there was ALOT of construction that goes unnoticed -- ceilings, walls, lighting. All that costs extra besides cabinets, countertops, and appliances. People do not realize how much is involved when doing renovations until it's their turn! Hope they enjoy their new kitchen!
Chuck May 13th 2006 7:08AM
Sounds like a government job. too much money for to little.
Diane Booth May 13th 2006 7:08AM
Was $162,000 his cost, or what he would have charged his clients? Either way, it was overpriced!
Clay Clark May 13th 2006 7:11AM
You've got to be KIDDING! $162,000 for that kitchen! I've got a bigger kitchen...granite counter tops..wood floors..cherry cabinets...etc....and my whole house..4500 sq ft on 1/2 acre+ wrought iron staircase..slate entry...upgraded everything..only cost 400,000!
mike iott May 13th 2006 7:13AM
The before picture shows warmth, personality, and livability. I can imagine many good times occurred there. The after is cold, dull and esthetically displeasing largely because of the corner on the left which shows unattractive mundane doors that dont fit the rest. 162000 dollars yet it falls short of the mark.