OT: Anyone ever have a kitchen remodel done by Home Depot?

[Steveriknight]

We're starting to shop around for a kitchen remodel in the Westfield area.

We're hoping to stay under $15k, it's not a big kitchen. The rep at Home Depot thinks they can get it done for us with their current promos and decent materials. Not top of the line appliances or cabinets, but not crap either.

We read a lot of mixed reviews online for Home Depot kitchen installs, but we've had decent experience with Home Depot with other installation projects, though on a much smaller scale. They use "ACS" as the company they farm out all the work to.

We're going to get at least two other estimates from other contractors, but wanted to see if anyone here had anyone do their kitchen and if so, how it went.

 

[RUTGERZ_R00LZ]

We're starting to shop around for a kitchen remodel in the Westfield area.

We're hoping to stay under $15k, it's not a big kitchen. The rep at Home Depot thinks they can get it done for us with their current promos and decent materials. Not top of the line appliances or cabinets, but not crap either.

We read a lot of mixed reviews online for Home Depot kitchen installs, but we've had decent experience with Home Depot with other installation projects, though on a much smaller scale. They use "ACS" as the company they farm out all the work to.

We're going to get at least two other estimates from other contractors, but wanted to see if anyone here had anyone do their kitchen and if so, how it went.

We've had 3 large projects done thru Home Depot. The benefit to me is that you have a large company standing behind you, and that has saved us some real aggravation.

 

[Abro1975]

Here is where we are at. We ordered our cabinets , granite countertops from HD (my wife's brother has worked for them for years). We are 3 weeks in, cabinets arrived, a few 'flaws', HD replaced them in 3 days, told us to keep the originals to do what we want. We have our own installer who just completed our floor (laminated wood bought from HD, came out nice). We used the HD granite countertop company/installer from Bergen Cty, but ordered the grade/price through HD, no problems with selection, they are coming out to measure tomorrow since our installer just finished the floor and lower cabinets. They say the counters will be delivered and installed within a week when we say 'go' ( when our cabinet installer ). So, so far, so good. We bought medium grade price cabinets that they had a promo on, and same with the granite countertops and sink.

Our demo/installer guy (w 2 helpers) is also moving around a few appliances but we are using our current Refrig/DW/Oven/range since they were all with in 5 years old (we have very light/white colors for everything but floor which is a darker wood).

Installer /demo guy was a few days late getting started, but just about caught up now. Hoping to have everything done for my son's HS grad party second weekend in July.

Our kitchen is about 20 x16, w an island that we making smaller, moving refriger to where a closet was in the kitchen, moving oven/range from the island to the wall, and reducing in size our big islang.

So far , approx $10 K for cabinets, hardware, island w cabinet and granite countertops, and sink (no appliances, ours still very good)
approx $ 8,200 for demo, and installation. Dumpster about $400

All should be done within 2-3 weeks (we hope ! LOL)

 

[nick614]

They just use 3rd party contractors so the experience will vary wildly depending on who does it. As with everything like this, get all the details you want & expect in writing

 

[demauroj]

Home depot also uses cheaper grade materials than you would find from smaller supply shops. Sometes cheaper isn't better.

Be wary of what you are buying

 

[newell138]

I haven't had much success w/ HD but as stated, at least you have a large company standing behind their work, so you do have a way to get things resolved. My first home was a rancher and we had them do the kitchen. The countertop had the sinkhole in the wrong spot so we had to wait until they did it over but they did do it over. In my current home we used them to do carpeting and in the middle of the job the guy picked up and left said it was too hard for him. They sent another team to finish the job after about a week and he did an OK job but the quality of the carpet we have since discovered is crap and this was supposed to be one of their better lines. Again it was nice to have a big company doing the work. After much complaining they did come through with some cash/rebate to offset the inconvenience of the guy leaving us stranded.

Since the town I live in has an old school feel to it when it comes to the way of life, I have gone back to using the local stores including the hardware store and also using local contractors to do work. References from people is the best way to sort out the wheat from the chaff in regards to quality of workmanship. Those types of guys I have found to stand behind their work and make it right just as much as the HD has.

 

[PSU_Nut_rivals17625]

We're starting to shop around for a kitchen remodel in the Westfield area.

We're hoping to stay under $15k, it's not a big kitchen. The rep at Home Depot thinks they can get it done for us with their current promos and decent materials. Not top of the line appliances or cabinets, but not crap either.

We read a lot of mixed reviews online for Home Depot kitchen installs, but we've had decent experience with Home Depot with other installation projects, though on a much smaller scale. They use "ACS" as the company they farm out all the work to.

We're going to get at least two other estimates from other contractors, but wanted to see if anyone here had anyone do their kitchen and if so, how it went.

It one thing to use them for mundane things like installing a water heater or siding. I would never use them for a full remodel. Getting advice from others is completely useless because they use independent contractors. It is like bidding for a hotel on Priceline. You may get a Four Seasons or you may get a Econolodge. There no way to know the quality of workmanship you will get.

 

[RU206]

Under $15k for a kitchen is nearly impossible. Decent cabinets will cost you $10k and appliances will cost $5k. Add in flooring, demo, etc, etc. also build in 10% for overages. If you are going down to the studs you may find other issues.

 

[Knight Shift]

Under $15k for a kitchen is nearly impossible. Decent cabinets will cost you $10k and appliances will cost $5k. Add in flooring, demo, etc, etc. also build in 10% for overages. If you are going down to the studs you may find other issues.

I wish I had gotten out on appliances for $5K. My fridge alone was more than that, but we were replacing a mammoth Sub Zero fridge. I was amused that a Viking Stove does not have a clock on it, but a $500 stove does.

I agree with what others have said about HD. Find a reliable local contractor and you will get better work. Many local hardware stores have excellent cabinet lines. We have used Wellborn cabinets on several projects, and they are excellent quality. Go to Jaeger Lumber in Union. They have a kitchen division, and they can handle installation too. We have used Jaeger in Belmar for purchasing cabinets and they have been great. We have not used their installation services.
http://www.jaegerlumber.com/

 

[demauroj]

If you are really looking for advise here my suggestion would be to look for a cabinet direct place, and sign up for Angie's List.

Home Depot is good if you are doing a little job here or there, but if you are doing a major Renovation. You should use other suppliers who get the non- home Depot'ed version of the product.

Home Depot buys much of there stuff by Weight. The more units a company can get into the weight the more profit. so everything is thinner and cheaper.

 

[RUBigFrank]

we used Home Depot to purchase cabinets and granite
we used a separate contractor fro the installation except for the granite. Home depot outsources the granite installation (it involves three separate contractors).

Am very happy with how this played out - and - the cabinets were Decora brand so very good quality.

What separates Home Depot from the rest:
1. able to offer some nice program discounts (25% off both the cabinets and granite)
2. as some one else stated - large company to back up any faux pas by the contractors.

 

[ag67]

We had our kitchen remodeled by HD 6 or 7 years ago.

We were tearing our hair out. It took 6 months. We kept receiving damaged cabinets, which meant we had to wait for replacements. We ended up with a "life's supply" of wrong-size and damaged cabinets in our garage, to do with whatever we wanted. We had at least 3 contractors come in, and some did not seem to be much more competent than I am. The biggest goof was installing the kitchen sink and counter. As you might expect, the sinks were supposed to be centered under the windows. When it was all finished it was 3 or 4 inches off center. The contractor hadn't noticed a small section on the plans that had to be filled in. Needless to say, the whole thing had to be taken out and re-done.

In the end the kitchen has held up well, but the process seemed to be never-ending at the time.

 

[RUevolution36]

I had my 10x10 townhouse kitchen redone, maple cabinets with all wood boxes, granite, brand new appliances, undermount sink and faucet for around $10k. Home Depot quoted me $20k for the same grade materials.

 

[Steveriknight]

The mixed reviews here are consistent with what I've read on the web. Seems to really depend on the contractor your area HD uses. It seems a little risky to trust home depot with a project as large as a kitchen, but if their promos can save me $3-5k then I may consider them.

Has anyone had HD completely botch a big project like this? Does anyone live in the Westfield area with a good contractor recommendation with decent prices?

 

[Abro1975]

We've been using a friend of my wife's family, Kevin Zehnder in Bloomfield, has a crew of 2 other guys. They aren't done yet, but so far looks good. We used Caeser at HD kitchens, in Clifton, he's been there 20 years doing there kitchen work ups, came recommended. We liked working with him.

We went to a big granite place in Hackensack to pick our granite, they are actually coming in 30 minutes to measure , and said they would have it ready in 7-10 days to install.

So far so good.

The mixed reviews here are consistent with what I've read on the web. Seems to really depend on the contractor your area HD uses. It seems a little risky to trust home depot with a project as large as a kitchen, but if their promos can save me $3-5k then I may consider them.

Has anyone had HD completely botch a big project like this? Does anyone live in the Westfield area with a good contractor recommendation with decent prices?

 

[Lions8286]

I worked for HD for several years (not in the stores, but I know the NJ stores very well). As other posters have said, I would never use them for a contracting job like a complete kitchen.

 

[demauroj]

I worked for HD for several years (not in the stores, but I know the NJ stores very well). As other posters have said, I would never use them for a contracting job like a complete kitchen.

IF this doesn't ring a bell then nothing will

 

[Knightmoves]

I worked for HD for several years (not in the stores, but I know the NJ stores very well). As other posters have said, I would never use them for a contracting job like a complete kitchen.

This is the most important post in the thread. Home Depot is notorious for buying cheap, thin Chinese cabinets that in many cases will split when a nail or screw enters it. If you want to sell your house at some point in the future do not risk your kitchen job on HD because it may devalue the selling price of your home.

Westfield real estate and Home Depot do not mix.

Buy a standalone tub, a toilet, faucet or sink from HD but never contract a kitchen from them. I'm redoing 2 baths and a kitchen in the next few months and HD is not on the Approved Vendor List for anything more than component items. Shop around and get personal recommendations from friends or acquaintances who have had success with quality contractors. You will sleep better at night if you do.

 

[VirtualKnight]

We used HD to do a bathroom in our Brick home. It was a disaster. Just about everything showed up either damaged or with missing parts and all were late. We got so frustrated with the contractor they provided, we ended up using a local contractor to finish the job. Original estimate was $7,000, we landed just north of $10,000

 

[RU206]

I should have added to my earlier post. I am in the process of getting quotes to redo my kitchen. Demo, new Sheetrock, cabinets, granite, plumbing, electric, installing appliances, install floor and back splash is around $25K. The cost of the appliances, tile floor and backsplash will depend on what I buy. Plus a painter. Let's say that is another $8k. A few thousand for overages of unexpected issues. We are talking 35 to 40k. I'm not in Westfield. The Westfield real estate market calls for 40 to 50k kitchens.

 

[Knightmoves]

I should have added to my earlier post. I am in the process of getting quotes to redo my kitchen. Demo, new Sheetrock, cabinets, granite, plumbing, electric, installing appliances, install floor and back splash is around $25K. The cost of the appliances, tile floor and backsplash will depend on what I buy. Plus a painter. Let's say that is another $8k. A few thousand for overages of unexpected issues. We are talking 35 to 40k. I'm not in Westfield. The Westfield real estate market calls for 40 to 50k kitchens.

Instead of granite countertops you may want to consider engineered stone as an alternative. There is an engineered quartz product from Cambria that is more durable and less porous than granite. We are redoing a kitchen and two baths and have decided to go that way. Good luck.

 

[RU206]

Instead of granite countertops you may want to consider engineered stone as an alternative. There is an engineered quartz product from Cambria that is more durable and less porous than granite. We are redoing a kitchen and two baths and have decided to go that way. Good luck.

Is that countertop comparable in price?

 

[Purple-Ed]

They don't call it "Home Cheapo" for nothing.

 

[Abro1975]

We had our own contractor , who we knew. Just used HD for cabinets & wood laminate floor, got our granite countertops from a big place in Hackensack. We have a center island as well. Cabinets arrived fine (medium grade, on sale), granite arrived on time. Contractor and his countertop guy had the entire kitche done in 4 weeks once the cabinets arrived. Did such a good job we used him to paint our entire downstairs.
Our kitchen is approx 18 x 12. We did not need to buy new appliances. Total cost with having the downstairs painted was approx 20,000.

 

[e5fdny]

Instead of granite countertops you may want to consider engineered stone as an alternative. There is an engineered quartz product from Cambria that is more durable and less porous than granite. We are redoing a kitchen and two baths and have decided to go that way. Good luck.

+1

If you guys really cook, have kids and entertain a lot (friends, family, holidays, etc.) whIch will be putting the kitchen to work, what @Knightmoves said is not a bad alternative. That’s what we did and it looks great still.

 

[Upstream]

Can't speak to Home Depot, but the "big company" aspect might not be a benefit.

A few years ago, we hired another "big company" to do some bathroom work for us. The sales rep was very convincing, but he was out of the picture by the time the actual work was done. Then we had to deal with someone in the regional office. It took forever to get the job scheduled. They screwed up the plumbing inspection (and tried to blame the town). It was a lot of effort to get problems fixed, and at some point my wife and I decided that it was "good enough".

At the end, they offered us a $1500 discount for our trouble. That might be viewed as a win by someone with more time than money. But I viewed it as a loss because I wasted a lot of time, and ultimately "good enough" wasn't what i thought I was buying.

 

[Bagarocks]

Local Contractor GPHI Contractors out of Vernon 35 yrs. in Business.

Just redid our Kitchen. Demo down to studs. Plumbing, Electrical, building permits.
Pantry built with 4, 20" deep 44" wide shelves, light that turns on when door opened.
Kitchen doorway from Living room moved 10" and widened to 32" from 30"
Merrilat semi custom cabinets, Looked at Kraftmaid but decided to save about $3000 to use elsewhere in Kitchen. Granite Counter top from All Granite and Marble Co. Ridgefield Pk.
They have thousands of slabs of Granite on 2 acres of property.
Backsplash subway tile.
Kitchen floor was kept and not replaced.
Plumbing: hookup new kitch sink dishwasher fridge.
Electrical: #5, 6" high hats plus 6" above sink on separate switch. LED lighting under cabinets on one switch. New stove and Microwave with vent installed going out roof.
Job took 4 weeks, weather over winter added time to job or would have been done in 3.
Job cost about $2500 over estimates with xtra work not covered under contract. If ya hve an old house like me you will have extra work.
Job total $28,000.00
Good luck

 

[LevaosLectures]

We had our kitchen remodeled by HD 6 or 7 years ago.

We were tearing our hair out. It took 6 months. We kept receiving damaged cabinets, which meant we had to wait for replacements. We ended up with a "life's supply" of wrong-size and damaged cabinets in our garage, to do with whatever we wanted. We had at least 3 contractors come in, and some did not seem to be much more competent than I am. The biggest goof was installing the kitchen sink and counter. As you might expect, the sinks were supposed to be centered under the windows. When it was all finished it was 3 or 4 inches off center. The contractor hadn't noticed a small section on the plans that had to be filled in. Needless to say, the whole thing had to be taken out and re-done.

In the end the kitchen has held up well, but the process seemed to be never-ending at the time.

In fairness this seems to be the story with almost any big project. Longer, more aggravating, and more $$ than expected.

 

[Knightmoves]

Is that countertop comparable in price?

Yes, engineered quartz price is similar to granite and has multiple price groups like granite.

We had custom cabinets made in town and had the cabinet maker GC the job. It worked out great as any cabinet issue was solved nearby.

Per a previous comment about subway tile for a backsplash, living in FL when we looked at subway tile when remodeling our kitchen the subway tiles reminded us of riding on the NYC Subway or driving thru the Lincoln Tunnel from our NJ days. It was ruled out immediately, ha.

 

[1873]

Angie's List is crap. Girlfriend who is a big shot lawyer used them for a tiny fence project. Fence company delayed for larger projects, finally showed up and told her they were there for a half day, half assed finishing details of install, and when she wouldn't sign off on their ****** level of completion or pay more walked. Angie's List was a paid subscription back then so they politely listened to her and then finally told her all they do is collect bad review as fence company said they completed project to THEIR satisfaction.

 

[falofe]

We're starting to shop around for a kitchen remodel in the Westfield area.

We're hoping to stay under $15k, it's not a big kitchen. The rep at Home Depot thinks they can get it done for us with their current promos and decent materials. Not top of the line appliances or cabinets, but not crap either.

We read a lot of mixed reviews online for Home Depot kitchen installs, but we've had decent experience with Home Depot with other installation projects, though on a much smaller scale. They use "ACS" as the company they farm out all the work to.

We're going to get at least two other estimates from other contractors, but wanted to see if anyone here had anyone do their kitchen and if so, how it went. i ofund this site really good experience in these services here is the link check this out https://mayflowerva.com/

Contemplating a total kitchen remodel this year. It’s on the honey-do list now. Anyone have a good experience with a contractor and/or designer you can recommend? We’re planning on going to the remodeling expo this weekend to get started on the process.

 

[RUBigFrank]

Used the home Depot designer in west long branch - she was the best.

Highly recommend.

The design and installation of granite countertop was amazing!

 

[kupuna133]

Ordered kitchen cabinets from Home Depot, closer to high grade than lower, for a rental property and more than 1/2 were damaged upon delivery. Can’t say it was good experience getting the problem rectified. Would never use for primary residence.


Recent addition to house with kitchen and used wood haven point pleasant for layout and cabinets. Very good experience.


Much has changed with lead time over the past 2-3 years. Some high end appliances you are looking at anywhere from 6-12 month lead time on delivery.

 

[rufan3860]

Contemplating a total kitchen remodel this year. It’s on the honey-do list now. Anyone have a good experience with a contractor and/or designer you can recommend? We’re planning on going to the remodeling expo this weekend to get started on the process.

where is the expo?

 

[Steveriknight]

Wow... this was revived from eight years ago. FWIW, the kitchen gut reno cost me $85k when all was said and done. Used Knock on Woody... very happy with the work.

 

[koleszar]

Wow... this was revived from eight years ago. FWIW, the kitchen gut reno cost me $85k when all was said and done. Used Knock on Woody... very happy with the work.

Your kitchen cost $85k? That seems really high, for that price you damn well better be happy with his work.

 

[tru2ru1]

You originally wanted to spend 15k for the job but spent 85k & you are happy, what changed to make the cost go up so much? My son & DIL are in the middle off a kitchen gut & Reno, so just wondering if major problems came up

 

[Steveriknight]

Different house actually. But very similar size and scope of work.

Labor to do all the work was about $35k. Labor to demo the old kitchen, gut down to the studs, re-insulate, install cabinets and counters, drywall, trimwork, refinish the wood floors on the whole first floor to match the wood that was underneath 5 layers of vinyl flooring. Took down a load-bearing wall and installed a new structural beam in the ceiling... architects cost extra to design, needed a new lolly column in the basement to support new structural load point. Install appliances. Also closed an old doorway from the stairwell.. so framework cost.

Materials:
Cabinets and counters $15k

Prime and paint. Did myself

Architect for wall removal work $800

Eighteen recessed lights plus electrician labor $4k

Permits. $653

Appliances cost $6k.

Sink and faucet and all cabinet hardware another $2k.

Plumber was $1,500. There was tomfoolery going on in the ceiling plumbing that needed to be brought up to code. Same with electric.

Tile was $500

Garbage removal $350

That's all I have from my notes, totals to roughly $65k. Thought it was closer to $85k... I had the contractors do some other stuff too that was not related to the kitchen that brought my total spend up.

 

[yesrutgers01]

I wish I had gotten out on appliances for $5K. My fridge alone was more than that, but we were replacing a mammoth Sub Zero fridge. I was amused that a Viking Stove does not have a clock on it, but a $500 stove does.

I agree with what others have said about HD. Find a reliable local contractor and you will get better work. Many local hardware stores have excellent cabinet lines. We have used Wellborn cabinets on several projects, and they are excellent quality. Go to Jaeger Lumber in Union. They have a kitchen division, and they can handle installation too. We have used Jaeger in Belmar for purchasing cabinets and they have been great. We have not used their installation services.
http://www.jaegerlumber.com/

laughing as I can't see 5k on appliances either. But...on the other hand- it can be done and you can be happy with them. But once you ever upgrade to the level of SubZero or similar or Viking/Wolf - you find it very hard to ever go back. Top of the line refrigerators will keep food for so much longer, it isnt even funny.

As for HD on a large install- agree with many, you are at the mercy of the 3rd party they use in your area and since the 3rd party most likely won the contract on a low ball bid...well, you get what you pay for.

 

[MoreCowbellRU]

Shop around and get personal recommendations from friends or acquaintances who have had success with quality contractors. You will sleep better at night if you do.

This