Replace or Reface? - Granite Transformations

TRANSFORM|KITCHEN
before
Replace or Reface?
A tired kitchen gets an economical facelift.
B Y J I L L I A N J E F F E R Y | P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y N AT H A N I E L A N D E R S O N
When Christine Weyman moved into her
townhouse in Oakville, she loved everything about her
new space except for its cramped, inefficient kitchen.
Since a completely new kitchen was financially out of
her reach, Weyman created her cooking oasis by modifying and updating the existing kitchen.
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SPRING 2005 | RENOVATION & DECOR
31
TRANSFORM|KITCHEN
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS: Stone tiles for the backsplash, a
new sink and faucet, and some interesting knobs for the
cabinet doors add essential charm and individual style.
1
PROBLEM: How to economically
update cabinets.
SOLUTION:
Reface rather than replace. The exterior
surfaces of existing cabinets are
re-laminated, and doors and drawer fronts
replaced. New hardware and crown
moulding are also added. The change in
layout means that additional cabinets are
needed; they are ordered from the refacing
company. There is minimal disruption and,
for Christine, a savings of approximately
half the cost of new cabinets.
Budget Breakdown
Cabinet Refacing: $8,500
Countertops: $4,200
Contractor: $2,000
Decor: $2,000
TOTAL: $16,700
Gently used second-hand appliances offer value and
function, saving renovation dollars for decorative details.
3
PROBLEM:
Laminated countertops that no longer fit the new layout.
SOLUTION:
Christine opts for an engineered stone product from Granite
Transformations which can be installed directly over existing laminated countertops. The engineered stone combines the texture, lustre and
organic beauty of natural granite with the durability of a solid-surface
countertop. (Engineered stone is approximately 40 per cent less
expensive than natural granite and comes with a ten-year warranty.)
32 RENOVATION & DECOR | SPRING 2005
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2
PROBLEM:
Dated decor.
SOLUTION:
A certified electrician is hired to
install pot lights and additional electrical outlets for improved function.
Christine recruits the help of a friend
to paint the walls a bold brick red,
and install a new ceramic-tile floor.
The decision to replace or reface?
The following points can help you decide if your
kitchen cabinets are “facelift” candidates. For more
information, consult a company that specializes in
refacing.
1You like your existing layout 2Cabinets are in good
condition 3 Budget is a concern 4You don’t plan to
stay in the home long term, or you’re sprucing it up
for resale
The finished result is an amazing transformation. A new layout, ample countertops, additional storage, task lighting and efficient access to the sink and
appliances have added thousands of dollars of value to her home.
SINK, TUMBLED MARBLE BACKSPLASH, PRICE PFISTER FAUCET, ALL HOME DEPOT | CABINET KNOBS IN MATTE NICKEL FINISH, SUMMERHILL HARDWARE | KETTLE, THE BAY |
REFRIGERATOR, WHIRLPOOL | DISHWASHER, KITCHENAID | VASE TRIO, HOME OUTFITTERS | RANGE, JENN-AIR | CUP PULLS IN ANTIQUE PEWTER FINISH, SUMMERHILL HARDWARE
| COFFEE MAKER, CANADIAN TIRE | ARTIFICIAL HERBS, THE BAY | APOTHECARY JARS, KITCHEN STUFF PLUS | STAINLESS STEEL CANISTERS, KITCHEN STUFF PLUS.
TRANSFORM|KITCHEN
The Specs
GOAL: To enlarge the kitchen, improve efficiency and
update the look.
BUDGET: $15,000 to $20,000
COLOUR PALETTE: White, natural stone and brick red
PRODUCTS USED: COUNTERTOPS; Rocksolid Granit™
in Karra Oro, Granite Transformations 905-847-3554
granitetransformations.com
REFACING; Kitchen Innovations 905-847-8964
kitcheninnovations.ca
before
4
PROBLEM: Inefficient
layout. The eat-in kitchen
robbed the cooking area
of valuable space and
provided only a cramped
nook for a small table
and chairs.
SOLUTION: Open up the area
by partially removing the
wall between the kitchen and
living room. Replace the
dinette with a breakfast bar to
free up space and expand the
work area.
after
Before you renovate
1 Know what’s available. 2 Visit kitchen showrooms to check out classic offerings, the latest products and finishes, and other kitchen options. Even if everything is out of your price range, you’ll get the opportunity to see what’s
out there and have access to knowledgeable staff. 3 Create a wish book.
4 For inspiration, clip appealing photos from magazines and product
brochures; they’re a great way to get ideas for layouts and the small details
that add impact. 5 Visit home shows. 6Take advantage of access to professional kitchen designers who may be available to answer questions and
provide suggestions.
34 RENOVATION & DECOR | SPRING 2005
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