Griffin and Lauren’s kitchen renovation journey: making their house truly a home

Griff and Lauren had been living in their charming Rochester, NH, home for eight years. Initially, they saw it as a temporary place, so they held off on making any significant updates. But as time went on, it became clear—this was the place they wanted to call home. That’s when Lauren declared, “Enough is enough—it’s time to make this kitchen my own!”

Like many homeowners in the New Hampshire seacoast, the couple was feeling the strain of a kitchen that didn’t quite fit their needs. Sure, it worked, but it wasn’t the warm, inviting space they dreamed of. The dark cabinets felt heavy, the outdated laminate countertops were more of an eyesore than a feature, and storage? Let’s just say they were constantly battling to fit their collection of cooking gadgets.

Every time Lauren tried to whip up dinner, it felt like the kitchen was working against her. “I was always scrambling to find counter space or digging through cluttered drawers for that one elusive spatula,” Lauren shared. It was time to turn their kitchen into a space they could truly enjoy—one that reflected their style and worked with their lifestyle.

The problem: An outdated kitchen that just wasn’t working

Griff and Lauren had lived with the kitchen as it was for years, but once they decided to stay in their home long-term, they knew it was time for an upgrade.

• The dark cabinetry made the space feel cramped, blocking out the natural light they loved.

• The cheap laminate countertops weren’t holding up to their frequent cooking sessions.

• And storage? Forget about it! With limited cabinet space, they often found themselves improvising just to fit their kitchen essentials.

The turning point: How Griffin and Lauren found us

Griff and Lauren were excited to start their kitchen renovation journey, but they were having trouble finding a contractor who truly listened to their vision. After reaching out to a few local companies, they felt stuck—no one seemed to take the time to understand what they needed.

That’s when fate stepped in. Griff’s sister-in-law, who works at one of our trusted vendors, heard about their struggles and suggested they give us a call. Lauren reached out, and from that very first conversation, it was clear we were on the same page.

Lauren shared, “I think it was destiny that the other contractors never got back with me because I feel like Rothrock actually listened and gave me options instead of pushing me to remodel the whole kitchen.”

This is what sets Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling apart: we take the time to listen, understand, and craft solutions that fit our clients’ specific needs—without upselling or unnecessary pressure.

Our solution: Crafting a kitchen that feels like home

Once we understood Griff and Lauren’s vision, we got to work designing a kitchen that would be both functional and beautiful. Here’s how we brought their dream kitchen to life:

• Refinishing the existing cabinets: Instead of a costly full replacement, we professionally painted the cabinets, giving them a fresh, modern look. This not only saved money but also reduced waste—a win-win!

• Upgrading to quartz countertops: Out went the old laminate counters, replaced by elegant and durable quartz. This instantly brightened up the kitchen while providing a low-maintenance surface perfect for busy cooks.

• Adding a kitchen island for more storage and prep space: Storage had always been a challenge, so we introduced a semi-custom island with deep drawers, perfect for all of Lauren’s baking supplies and Griff’s favorite gadgets.

• Installing a new sink and faucet: Since Griff is the one tackling dish duty, we knew he needed a faucet that was both comfortable for his large hands and easy to use. We helped the couple select a sleek, high-quality faucet that not only met Griff’s practical needs but also reflected Lauren’s sense of style.

These updates turned their kitchen into a space that wasn’t just beautiful but also made daily tasks so much easier!

The renovation process: From planning to completion

A kitchen renovation can feel like a big undertaking, but we worked closely with Griff and Lauren to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here’s how it unfolded:

1. Design consultation: We spent time with Griff and Lauren to understand their style preferences and needs. From selecting the perfect quartz countertop to choosing a faucet Griff would love, every detail was carefully considered.

2. Prepping and refinishing: Once we had a plan in place, we removed the old countertops and prepped the cabinets for refinishing. The cabinet doors were taken to the shop for refinishing while we painted the cabinets on-site, instantly refreshing the space.

3. Countertop and sink installation: With the new quartz countertops ready, we installed them along with a sleek undermount sink and faucet, giving the kitchen a modern yet timeless look.

4. Adding the kitchen island: The custom island had a slightly longer lead time, so we scheduled its installation separately. When it arrived, it was the perfect finishing touch—giving them the extra storage and prep space they had always wanted.

How the renovation changed their lives

The transformation was incredible—what was once a cramped, outdated kitchen was now a bright, welcoming space that Griff and Lauren loved spending time in.

Lauren shared how it felt like a completely new room, one that made her excited to cook and entertain. “It feels like a completely different space,” she said. 

Their kitchen is now truly the heart of their home, a place where they can cook, entertain, and make new memories.

What if they hadn’t done the renovation?

If Griff and Lauren had kept their old kitchen, they would still be dealing with cramped storage and limited counter space. For them, this renovation was more than just an upgrade—it was about transforming their home to better fit their lives.

Many homeowners hesitate when it comes to renovating, unsure if the investment is worth it. But Griff and Lauren’s story shows that sometimes the biggest regret isn’t the cost—it’s not taking the leap to create a space you truly love.

How much did this kitchen renovation cost?

Initially, Griff and Lauren were considering a full remodel with new cabinets, appliances, backsplash, and under-cabinet lighting, which would have cost around $90,000 to $100,000.

Instead, by focusing on what mattered most—refinishing the existing cabinets, adding a semi-custom island, upgrading the countertops, sink, and faucet—we were able to complete their renovation for close to $30,000. For homeowners in New Hampshire considering a mid-range kitchen renovation, this shows that a significant transformation is possible without breaking the bank.

Thinking about your own kitchen renovation in New Hampshire?

Griff and Lauren’s story shows just how much a thoughtfully planned renovation can change the way you feel about your home. If your kitchen feels outdated or just doesn’t work for you, now might be the perfect time to explore your options.

At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, we’re here to listen, collaborate, and create a space that fits your needs and style. Whether it’s updating your countertops, refinishing cabinets, or adding extra storage, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Reach out today to start planning your kitchen renovation in New Hampshire, and let’s create the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of!