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Post by Mac78 on Aug 2, 2013 17:12:14 GMT -8
The first guy I called for an estimate on countertops never got back with me, even after calling 3 times. The second guy did get back to me today, and wow oh wow. I had no idea it would be so much. My kitchen is not big. Here are the measurements. 122" piece with sink cut out and 45 cut. 27" with 45 cut. 15" piece with straight edges. I also priced a 8 ft section to put on the other wall. So, the estimate total was $1,628. And that does not include a new sink or faucets. The labor was $775.00. I called Menards and had them price out the countertop, and there is a difference in the price the guy quoted and Menards, not sure why. OMG, I can not see putting that much in my junky old kitchen. And to pay someone $775 for 1 days work, ahh, not here it won't happen. Seriously, what I am requesting is not a big job. Several years ago, a guy came and he told me he could replace the existing countertop in like 4 to 5 hours. He said it was not hard to do. I have to care for a child over 2 months at 9.5 hours + per day to make $775, I will not pay someone that amount for 1 day of work. So......now what. I guess I will just paint the cupboards and walls, put up a new valance and call it good. Maybe a nice 8 ft shelf on the wall. I still want to do my foyer area, and will probably end up doing that on my own. Why does everything have to be so expensive. Why oh why.  And after spending the evening looking up "How to refinish laminate countertops", I think I may just do that. For less than $75 I can change the look. My existing counter top is probably less than 6 feet, not that much room to mess up. |
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Post by Mac78 on Aug 3, 2013 4:18:56 GMT -8
So my brain is churning...... I have continued to read up on painting countertops. I found 3 different ideas and I am requesting help in which way you would choose. www.creativekristi.com/daichcoatings.com/catalog/images/store_logo.pnggianigranite.com/images/new-menubottom.jpgI think I am liking Kristi's method and the Giani method the best. I just like the overall look better than the sandstone. What are your thoughts. I am concerned about durability, but from what I am reading using common sense in what you do to the counter top, they will be fine. I think the biggest concern I have, is the final top coat clear finish, because I know working with those products the more layers that are put on the most chance for mess ups. And if this works.....I have 2 bathrooms that could use some sprucing up. Actually, maybe I should do those first, I wonder if hubby could put in a new sink and faucet. Looking forward to seeing what you all think......THANKS! |
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Post by allen820 on Aug 3, 2013 4:44:54 GMT -8
Marie, I am not sure exactly what you were bidding, but to tear out and replace your existing counter top with granite, or whatever, is obviously an expensive thing to do! There is a company in this area that advertises leaving your old counter tops in place and applying a thin layer of granite for "the same look and durability" as natural stone "for a fraction of the cost." Don't know anything about them and I haven't see their work, but it sounds interesting none-the-less. I assume this is a national company that would be available in your area. Next time I hear their ad, I'll try to get that info to you, should you want to check it out.
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Post by Mac78 on Aug 3, 2013 6:15:47 GMT -8
I was getting laminate from Menards. Labor cost quoted was $775 to replace the existing countertop, and then add an 8 ft section on other wall, kind of free standing counter to be used as an eating bar. A few years back was told it would take about 4/5 hours to replace the existing countertop, so add in another 4 hours for the 8ft section which should be fairly simple to do. I just think $775 for a days work is kind of pricey. No wonder there are so many do it yourselfers. lol The granite......that is a painting technique for painting laminate countertops to mimic granite. Hopes this explains better.  |
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Post by shabbychick on Aug 3, 2013 12:57:32 GMT -8
I've been looking at refinishing my countertops, too, after my sister did hers. She used the Rustoleum product from Home Depot and the results are excellent. Here is a link: countertops.rustoleumtransformations.com/You may have seen these already, but here are some DIY approaches I've been looking at: www.thriftyfun.com/tf999197.tip.htmlIt seems to me like painting or refinishing to give the countertops some extra life is a good option. And if you don't like the way it turns out, you can just paint over it again. |
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Post by Mac78 on Aug 3, 2013 17:50:55 GMT -8
Thanks Shabby! I did see those links when I was searching last night and this morning. I think some of those pictures look amazing. Did your sister say how well her counter tops were holding up? If only I could do half as good a job as the pictures.
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Post by shabbychick on Aug 3, 2013 18:21:44 GMT -8
Her countertops are holding up well. They had one little section on an edge where they knocked a bit off, but they were able to patch it easily with leftover product. As long as you use trivets and are careful about smacking it with pans and stuff, it holds up pretty well. It's not the marble look you can get with painting, and it only comes in two colors, but for less than 300 dollars, it's a good alternative to new laminate. I'd use it on mine if I liked the colors better.
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Post by Vintage Girl on Aug 6, 2013 10:52:23 GMT -8
Hubs and I replaced our laminate countertops ourselves before I put in granite. It is a bit of work,but can be done as a DYI project. We were lucky in that we do not have any curves, just one straight countertop. Did have to cut it, but that is easy if you have the tools. I saved up for granite because my family was so hard on the laminate (stains, chips, etc). Have had the granite for a few years now and love it. I did not get it from the big stores, but looked for a small independant contractor on Craigslist. Asked for referrals and pics of his work. When I first got estimates it started at $5000 and up. Waited a couple years, and got it for $900. Still a lot, but much less than when I first checked. If this had not worked out, hubs and I were going to do granite tile with a tight grout line. Very affordable and not that hard to do. Maybe you could check into having it done by a smaller contractor or handyman and see if that would work out. Normally the price changes dramatically. Painting the countertops is also a good option. I am not good at painting at all, so not for me, but certainly worth a try. Looking forward to what you decide on doing, and of course pictures |
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Post by rubyslippers on Sept 20, 2013 5:27:35 GMT -8
My kitchen needs a lot of love. We have been in our home almost four years and I have tackled every other room to an extent. However, I have NOT dealt with the kitchen. Finances are certainly part of the reason. Who wants new cabinets without new appliances, etc.? However, my area has been severely impacted by the housing market. Many would define my house as a little starter house. Realistically, the money required for our kitchen would go a significant way toward the next house down payment. So, there is just a fine line ... how do you spruce-up without ripping out? I don't think HGTV is magically going to show up on my doorstep and gut my kitchen for me. I'm probably going to have to quit dreaming that dream.
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