We’ve all watched HGTV shows where the home flippers take a junky house and turn it into a stunning masterpiece of craftsmanship, but what they don’t tell you is that those people doing renovations themselves do it all the time (even if they make it seem like they do not). They probably also had a little help from the crew at the television station, but ultimately, they have the experience and resources needed to do it themselves.
So, if you're thinking about remodeling the kitchen, would it be better to leave it entirely to kitchen remodelers, or are there some things you can accomplish on your own? Check out this handy guide and find out should you DIY or call a pro.
Can I remodel my kitchen myself?
Renovating an area of your home on your own is a monumental feat, and it is not for the faint of heart. Let’s be honest... you may find mice behind your walls, mold in your ceilings, electrical that does not meet code, and the list goes on. If you are renovating a home, that means it has probably existed for a while, leaving room for quite a few mysteries behind the boards.
By the end of this article, you should have a promising idea of whether you are properly equipped to tackle that kitchen home improvement project yourself OR find a way to convince your spouse that outsourcing the work and hiring someone else to do it is the best choice. After all, you do not want them getting zapped by outlets that they have no idea how to rewire... so let’s dive right in!
Is it cheaper to remodel the kitchen yourself?
Well, the short answer is... that depends. If you already have the resources and the tools to complete the project, and the price of materials is low, then it may be cheaper to do it yourself. People with experience in this realm of things tend to collect the supplies needed to do so. But starting a remodel in the kitchen with little to no experience is not the best idea.
Another thing to consider that may not have monetary value, but is still extremely important to pay attention to, is your time. Time is something that we cannot make back, so think about this when you are considering taking on a DIY project. There will always be unforeseen problems that pop up, so having someone equipped to handle those situations is quicker and less stressful than dealing with them yourself. A rule of thumb (from experience): whatever your initial time estimate on your DIY project... double it.
What projects to DIY?
Simple projects are best for DIY, such as painting the walls, or even installing a backsplash if you are willing to spend some time at YouTube University! Depending on the scope of the project, some can be simple to complete on your own, but taking on cabinets, or complex surfaces such as countertops and flooring should most often be left to professionals - unless you possess the skills and knowledge to do so.
Do you have the right tools for the job?
Believe it or not, a lot of people who begin a DIY project do not realize how many tools and pieces of equipment they lack. What happens frequently is that people end up having to go purchase or rent tools that they are missing. If you’re a collector of tools like many dads tend to be, then this may not be too large a project for you. But if you have never tried completing a remodel yourself, we don’t recommend the kitchen as your first attempt.
Is the timeline of the project acceptable to you?
Tackling a home improvement will almost always take longer than hiring someone to do it for you. Another important factor is whether you have the time in your life to work on your renovation. If you work full time, you will likely not want to come home to a messy project and spend the rest of your spare time on it, especially your kitchen.
Consider this too: having your kitchen out of operation for a long time is inconvenient and frustrating. Kitchen renovations have many moving parts, and they typically take the most time to complete. This is especially true when you are doing the project on your own. It’s a battle of 1-2 people taking the project on versus a crew of people who work on these projects every single day.
Do you have experience with DIY?
If your answer to this question is “no”, a kitchen remodel definitely isn’t the right place to learn how to renovate a space. Kitchens are the largest undertaking for a home renovation, and they have the most moving parts of any room in your home. They include plumbing, electrical, appliances, and all the functional design aspects that also go into a remodel. Kitchen remodels are not as simple as a coat of paint and some new trim, unless you want a short-term solution in which case it can be that easy.
How do you decide what's best for you?
The answer to this question is based on multiple factors, and they are all left up to you. If, and that’s a strong if, you have the time, resources, and motivation to tackle a renovation yourself, especially in the kitchen, then go for it!
But make sure that you are well-educated and prepared for the frustrations and complexities that are accompanied by a DIY renovation. They inevitably have bottlenecks and sometimes require an expert’s knowledge to fix them, making a “quick and easy” solution more expensive and time-consuming.
Are you having trouble remodeling your own kitchen? Contact Kitchen Magic today!
Kitchen renovations often require professional assistance. In fact, most DIYers have become our customers because their kitchen projects took too long, grew too many arms and legs, and got completely out of hand.
So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy solution that doesn’t break the bank, give us a call at (866) 525-0012 so we can discuss your budget and timeline and make the job as quick and easy as possible. Schedule a free in-home design consultation and a quote today!
