Started as just replacing cabinets. Opened up the walls and found old plumbing issues we had to fix. Electrical needed updating. Found mold in the soffit. It's been 8 weeks and I'm finishing the backsplash tonight. The kitchen looks amazing but I've spent way more than budgeted and my body hurts. Never again. Well, maybe. But not soon.
Oh man, the classic kitchen reno that spirals. At least you found the mold and plumbing issues now instead of later, but yeah that wallet hit is real. Hang in there.
Every time someone says it's just cabinets, that's when the walls start talking. Sounds like you at least tackled it instead of letting it sit though, so props for the effort even if you're broke.
This is the classic kitchen reno story right here. You think you're doing one thing and suddenly you're knee deep in plumbing codes and four figures deeper. Did you at least get new cabinets in before the money ran out?
Broke and exhausted is basically my brand after every home project. But look, you're fixing things the right way. Your family's going to use that kitchen for years. Worth it in the end.
Pro tip for next time: get all your inspections done and quoted BEFORE you open the walls. Old plumbing issues are budget killers. But hey, at least it's fixed now.
The broker and exhausted part is so real. But also at least you did it yourself instead of getting hit with contractor rates. Your kitchen is going to look amazing though.
This is why I always tell people to set aside a 'discovery budget' when opening walls. Glad you found the plumbing and fixed it. Future you will thank present you for that one.
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Every kitchen reno ever. You start thinking it's a weekend project and suddenly you're learning about structural beams and calling contractors. Been there. At least you caught the plumbing issues before they got worse.