New house questions on what to do first...

So.... DH and I just moved in to a new house and are trying to decide "where to start" with the changes we want to make...

We are looking to price out a couple of different things :

A- Finish the basement- We did this in our old house, so we know what it would $$ to do what we want but right now, we don't NEED THE SPACE

B- Change the kitchen- If anyone were to look at our kitchen now, they would probably say it is really nice...overall the layout is what we want, the cabinets are nice, but we want darker wood and the countertops would need to be changed...

C- Backyard- We are looking to build one of those built in bbqs with a bar and fire pit type of things but have never done anything like this and really are not sure as to where to start (regarding design,companies to use, etc)- Anyone ever do anything like this? any recommendations?

Any advice on where to start would be much appreciated it. Any ladies have the finish basement and the finished backyard? Would you recommend one over the other?

We can only afford to choose one of the options right now, and another in 2/3 yrs... but we are so torn as to where to begin...

Re: New house questions on what to do first...

IMHO I think that as long as you don't hate the kitchen I would start with the basement. I know you said you don't need the space, but if you do finish it and you would use that extra space then it would give you a great 'return' use-wise, if that makes sense.

I think that if you do your backyard and make it really nice you would also get great use out of that, but only for 3-4 months out of the year (assuming you live in NY).

Re: New house questions on what to do first...

We are starting with our Backyard. We moved in a year ago and did the basics, Paint, took down a wall, added moulding etc etc etc.

We want to

- Finish the basement

- Change the kitchen completely (but for now it functions perfectly fine as it - just old looking)

- New siding, roof and gutters

- New deck with outdoor speakers and shed

We are starting with the deck and shed because summer is approaching and would love to entertain out there. We don't NEED the basement space, we don't NEED the kitchen changed yet and def. don't NEED the siding and gutters (i just don't like the color) The only thing we can get use out of right away is the deck and shed.

With all that said lol I'd go with what you feel you NEED the most right now. That's the only way to decide

Re: New house questions on what to do first...

i'd do the one you would get most enjoyment out of right now. it sounds as though your kitchen is OK for now, so i'd do either the basement or backyard. if you don't need the space right now then i would do the backyard if you're going to be entertaining back there this summer.

Re: New house questions on what to do first...

Based on what you wrote, I would do the backyard first. Basement would be my second choice.

Re: New house questions on what to do first...

It sounds like the kitchen cabinets just need to be restained. Take the old clear coat off, stain them darker, then refinish them. That is no where near as expensive as new cabinets. You might get the biggest bang for you buck by updating the kitchen. After the cabinets are done, get a new countertop and new handles/knobs, and you've got an almost brand-new kitchen.

New house questions on what to do first...

If you need the space I would do the basement, then backyard, then kitchen. Our kitchen sounds the same as yours, people see it and like it, but I would love to redo it since it looks old to me. As long as things are functional they can wait, space is huge!!!

Re: New house questions on what to do first...

You are probably approaching a time where doing the outdoors would bring great enjoyment for the upcoming summer. The fall is a good time to do the basement or kitchen. Happy to help with all btw :)

Re: New house questions on what to do first...

We did a backyard kitchen. Pics in my album. I can't say enough good things abt who we used. He was absolutely amazing. Not sure where ur located but he does mainly Nassau.


Mike & Marcos
Tell him Jen recommended you
516-867-1830

New house questions on what to do first...

We moved into our house in September. I have always said that I hate ourkkitchen. But I am putting off redoing it because I want to use the space for a few years so I can really decide what I want the new layout to be.
In your situation I would start with yard and go from there.