Sunday shout out: What tips and advice can you share with other readers who want to continue their projects during these economic times? Projects to prioritize… ways to economize… DIY or save for the pro’s?…(fill in the blank)…how are you keeping your projects moving along?
Reader Interactions
35 comments
Pat d says
It seems like most people on here are used to renovating on a budget – like we’ve always been in a recession! But that actually gives us an advantage as we have been using craigslist, antique stores, thrift stores, etc. already. I’m going to echo Glamorlux Nancy about patience. There is usually no good way to renovate quickly on a budget. If you don’t have the money, quick usually means sacrificing quality or style. And another advantage to being patient – sometimes you change your mind. When I first moved into my house I hated the white and green paneling in one of the rooms, but didn’t have the money to change it. Well now I actually really like it. I just needed time to appreciate it. So remember to live with something for a bit before you decide.
I also have done most of the renovation work myself. In addition to websites for how-to info, be sure to check if your neighborhood has an association or community center, etc. Many local places have advice, books, a tool library/rental or sometimes even classes that you can take. Also see if you know anyone who is also working on their house and share tools, truck rentals, leftover tile, etc. And don’t forget about painting parties! Renovating should be fun.
Glamorlux Nancy says
Elvis – Where did you get the thin metal edging and inside cove pieces? Thanks!
Mid Mod Pam says
Glamorlux, I am pretty sure that NY Metals also has these styles. I’ve been meaning to research it but….too many items on my list right at this moment. And – you can also check your local lumber store.
Carla says
It MIGHT be overkill if you use the boomerang pattern. I might use that for the counter tops, and the same tone but solid for the backsplash, or vice versa. Only because its a pattern though. I have an aqua backsplash with metal trim and a white speckled counter top (not sure if the counter is original, but it looks good with the blue.)
I agree with Glamorlux Nancy! Everything I have came from the salvage centre, Kijiji, thrift shops, garage sales, antique shows and my parents and their friends. And trust me, I’m broke. I have a rattan living room set brought over from Indonesia in 1952, it has boomerang armrests and red sprung cushions. 2 chairs, sofa and two tables. Cost me $100 CAD. I also got a brown teak sofa for $15 from the same guy. You have to be willing to search, and take things that aren’t 100% perfect. Sometimes imperfections just ad to the piece, sometimes they are easily fixed. If you can get out of big cities and go to small local towns, especially for weekend garage and estate sales, it will increase your chances! There’s a lot of elderly people out in those towns.
Brenny says
Good idea Elvis! What did ya’ll use for your laminate? Did ya’ll get the boomerang or do a solid?
I had thought about continuing with the same laminate as my countertop but wasn’t sure if it would be overkill. Glad you like yours!
Elvis says
Brenny, for your backsplash, consider the same laminate as you use for the countertops. Not the thick laminate-covered plywood type you probably have now, but just a single layer of laminate. It’s one of the most inexpensive options and looks authentic if you use the thin metal edging and inside cove pieces to join them. We did this and are so happy with the result.
As for saving money on renovations, shop craigslist, ebay, resale stores and yard sales. Takes time, but is the best way to get something unique and satisfying!
Mid Mod Pam says
Elvis, did you just install new laminate over old?
Glamorlux Nancy says
On renovating on a budget: In a recession or not, I’ve always been a cheapskate! One of the great things about being into vintage stuff, is that you can make a big statement with your furnishings and decor without having to spend a lot of money. For instance, buying a rattan family room set at an estate sale will cost you a lot less than furnishing the same room with new “run-of-the-mill” furniture. And, your vintage pieces will only go up in value, instead of going out of style in 10 years. However, you have to be patient and do a fair amount of leg work to find these cool old items… Sometimes, you’ll be disappointed when you miss out. But, when you do acquire that perfect retro item, you will really appreciate it and always remember the story that went along with getting it!
When it comes to remodeling, you’d be surprised at all the projects you can do yourself. the Internet is an amazing tool for getting step-by-step instructions for almost any household project. Just take your time, get the right tools and follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish! My husband and I have used this approach to install countertops, a sink, faucets, a garbage disposal, light fixtures, light switches, patch walls, hang wallpaper, install shoe-molding, put up a picket fence, lay VCT tiles, etc… Bottom-line, unless it is a big project that requires expensive specialized tools, try and do it yourself. It will take longer, but you’ll save money, and have “bragging rights” for as long as you own the home!
Brenny says
Thanks for the head’s up on the scoring. Yes, my laminate is solid and square. Not one inch of lifting….darnit. But that might work to my advantage.
I’ve been checking out the countertop options. I love the boomerang, but am still undecided as to whether or not I want the aqua or the blue. I guess I need to view all of them again and then decide what vct tiles I want and go from there. I am leaning toward the Azrock Autumn Haze or the Azrock Sunburst because of their warmth in color.
My kitchen is not very big, so the laminate should not be expensive. But I definitely want the steel or aluminum banding.
Thanks again atomic friends!
Brenny
Glamorlux Nancy says
We thought about going over our old laminate, too, but our attached backsplash is warped from moisture, so we’ve decided to start from scratch. If your old countertops are solid and “square”, I don’t see why you couldn’t just go over them… Be sure to score (scratch up) the old surface so that the adhesive has something to “grab” on to.
Missouri Michael says
The only reason that I can think of that you might not want to put laminate over existing laminate would be if the adhesive on the old is not in good shape. The laminate in my bathroom is in decent shape but the glue under it has long ago given up and the laminate is bubbling up, it will have to come off before anything else can be done.
Brenny says
OK! Boy could I fill this thread up…..lol
My kitchen is nothing special. I desperately want to spice up ala 50’s atomic. My 50’s ranch was “renovated” when I bought it in 02′. There are enough elements left (thank goodness), that you can see in your mind what it once was (magnificent!). It is going to be my job tolove this house enough to bring back it’s original glory. The kitchen countertops are absolutely nothing special……some sort of muted plum (?) laminate. The cabinets are nice & painted white.
Because I don’t have the money to replace the cabinets right now, I was thinking that it might not be a bad idea to laminate OVER the existing countertops with the aqua boomerang and add the steel edging.
2 questions:
1. Are there any reasons why one should never laminate over existing laminate?
2. Since the backsplash is also the same plum colored laminate, how/what should I do with that and it not cost me my first born?
Thank you all in advance! You rock!
Brenny
beatrice jarrett says
Hi Brenny, I am also renovating my 1950’s kitchen on a shoestring budget. I had awesome original 50’s cabinets but sadly, the contractor said they were too far gone to save ( his words “You can give a 90 year old a face-lift but they’re still falling apart!”) Anyway, i’m a firm believer in “ask & ye shall recieve”, so I posted on craigslist that I needed kitchen cabinets in nice condition for FREE. A contractor gave me great cabinets, many more than my galley kitchen needed (he was doing an upgrade on a model home & the cabinets he gave me were only 6 months old!) and even loaded them all in my truck for me! Didn’t cost me a dime. You might give that a try. You can always add embellishments, etc. to make cabinets look more retro.