Hey there DIYers and enthusiasts alike! You’ve found yourself on this page because A) you’re lost, or B) you got it in your head that you want to remodel your kitchen. So, you started where most people start, Google. You might be asking yourself, “can I really do this? Can I remodel my own kitchen?” The simple answer is yes, yes you can. Now for the harder part, the how…
The first place to start and the place you’ve been avoiding is the budget. I don’t want to lie to you folks but depending on your budget, your options could get limited. That is unless you plan to make this a drawn-out affair. You know, replace a sink here, tile a floor there. Spread the wealth as they say. But if you are looking to wrap this up in a week, or say a month, we need to have the conversation.
Kitchen Remodel Budget
So, how much does it cost to remodel a kitchen yourself? It depends on a lot of things. You can focus on the eye soar of a backsplash and that stained vinyl, thus deciding to stick with the current appliances. That’s one way to save money. Another tip? Do your research on the differences in product choices. You may find that some products look similar but their price tags are far different. For example, tile flooring can get very costly, but in most cases, you can find a similar-looking product in LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile). Most people can’t tell the difference and the cost is much more friendly to your overall budget. But you’re looking for a price, right? I can’t give you an exact price because your products and your ambition will determine that. Let’s just say that you could spend as little as a few thousand to as much as over $50,000. This can change based on the size of your kitchen as well. Some advice? I have plenty. Be smart and shop around! Spend near the holidays, even if your project start date isn’t for another six months. Your wallet will thank you later.
Plan your Kitchen Renovation
Now that we got that ugly budget business out of the way, let’s get to the fun stuff. This ladies and gentlemen are when we get to use our imagination and creativity (within reason). While keeping your budget in mind, start deciding what style of kitchen you want to create. Are you thinking of something more modern? Or perhaps, you like the feel of a farmhouse sink and country vibe. Whatever it is, allow yourself to indulge and let the mental images flow. This is important because the more ideas you get, the more options you will have.
Once you know the style, you can then make a list of priorities. In my opinion, there are two ways to do this. You can either start with the big stuff and work your way down, or vice versa. For instance, brand new cabinets can get a bit pricey. If you plan on buying them built and installing them yourself, you can save a little money. If you are crafty enough and have the tools, you can build them and install your kitchen cabinets. That saves a ton of money. You could even consider cabinet refacing as a less expensive alternative.
Make your list of projects, no matter how big or small, and then prioritize them. In my opinion, I would start with the small stuff. You can get a lot more done in less time and feel much more accomplished. Plus, you don’t want to change all the appliances and then you are left with the same ugly vinyl floor we talked about earlier. Pick and choose your battles wisely. When you have your list of projects or action items, you can start developing a schedule. Whether it takes a few weeks or few months is up to you. Do yourself a favor and don’t rush. It’s easy to slip up and forget something small that costs a lot once you realize it.
Get your supplies and equipment
Now that we have a budget, a vision, and a plan, we just need the materials. I hope you did your research and shopped around. Did you take my advice and buy early? No? Well if you don’t have the tools required, you can, sure enough, rent them from your local hardware store in most cases. You can even look into buying them second-hand via Craigslist or Facebook. I always recommend buying because if you are really considering taking on a kitchen yourself, you better believe you’ll be tempted to do the bathroom next. After all the daydreaming of subway tile and granite countertops, I would imagine you already have the prices for your products from several vendors. So, what are you waiting for? Go get started!
Some Advice
I just want to make a few points before you get any further on your project.
- Make sure you check your measurements and whenever ordering supplies, order 10% more just in case. Please believe me, you will thank me later.
- Practice safety at all times. The last thing you want is to explain to the guy finishing the job how you lost that pinky finger. Just kidding…
- Whenever dealing with anything electrical, turn off the power! Speaking of electrical, leave that one to the experts unless you really know what you are doing. They can get you all the permits you need and give you peace of mind when it comes to something that can be really dangerous.
- Don’t feel bad if you need to sub out some of the work to a professional. We’ve all done it. Even professionals need professionals. For instance, those cabinets again. While it can be expensive, you want to make sure the job is done right, especially if this is your first remodel. You can still take credit for the floors, countertops, and whatever else you can handle.
- Whenever you get stuck or just need a refresher, YouTube can really answer just about anything you can think of.
Need some help?
If you ever feel like you are over your head or just need a hand on some of the larger projects on your To-Do list, be sure to contact one of our professionals. We offer free design consultations and even if you already have your own products, we can help install them for you. The most important thing to us is that you love your kitchen.
Conclusion
I hope this checklist helps get you started on your kitchen remodel. It can be a big project and when complete, rewarding if done patiently and with well thought out planning. Don’t ever hesitate to get someone involved in your process as it can save you unnecessary expenses in the end. Contact Us
