Sheyla Reyes, a Cuban content creator known on TikTok as @sheyreyes032, recently posted a video detailing her experience of remodeling her kitchen in Cuba. The project has set her back a hefty one thousand U.S. dollars. "Though it's not finished yet, I want to share what I've purchased," she begins, providing a clear view of the materials she acquired and some of the hurdles she faced along the way.
The most significant expense was the tiles, which accounted for nearly half of her entire budget. Additionally, she purchased cement, stone powder, white cement, a sink, faucets, and outlets. Some funds were lost on purchases that proved unnecessary, such as a faucet that had to be replaced. "A piece of advice if you're planning to build: don't buy the exact amount of materials, because you'll end up needing more," she warns.
Her budget also included rebar, tile edges, and trims essential for expanding the countertop. On top of that, she had to construct the kitchen ceiling, further adding to the costs. A unique expense that is often overlooked in construction budgets elsewhere was the gasoline needed to power a generator, crucial for the construction worker to continue working amid frequent power outages. "The generator had to be running almost the entire day," she explained.
The total cost encompassed the labor for the bricklayer as well. Despite the high expenses, Sheyla expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, “Every effort has its rewards.” She encouraged her followers to share their opinions on whether one thousand dollars is a fair or excessive price for such a renovation amid Cuba's severe economic crisis. Her story highlights the immense sacrifices many families endure to improve basic living conditions.
FAQs on Kitchen Remodeling Costs in Cuba
Why did Sheyla Reyes spend so much on tiles?
Tiles were the most substantial part of her budget, making up nearly half of the total cost due to their necessity and quality requirements for the kitchen remodel.
What additional costs did Sheyla face in her kitchen renovation?
Besides materials, Sheyla's renovation costs increased due to constructing the kitchen ceiling and powering a generator to cope with frequent power outages.
How did Sheyla advise others planning similar renovations?
Sheyla advised not to purchase the exact amount of materials initially, as unforeseen needs often arise, requiring additional purchases.