Whether you are selling your home or designing your dream kitchen, you must first budget and plan for a DIY kitchen remodel. Here are a few steps to get you started.

Determine Your Essentials

The first step in remodeling your kitchen is determining your exact requirements. This, like looking for a house, will help you narrow down your options and develop a budget.

There may be an infinite number of kitchen options, so unless you have an unlimited budget, you must choose your actual needs.

• What products do you require more of?
• Do you require fewer of certain items?
• Are you planning to sell anytime soon?
• Which improvements will increase the value of your kitchen?

Create a Budget

Setting a reasonable budget is critical. In reality, your kitchen remodel should cost between 5% and 15% of the total value of your home.

The following suggestions will assist you in streamlining your budget and allocating funds.

Assume you have a $25,000 budget for your kitchen renovation. You would still have to divide the funds among the various areas.

According to HomeAdvisor and the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the following breakdown is appropriate:

• 29% for cabinetry and hardware
• 17% installation
• 10% for countertops
• 14% for appliances and ventilation
• 7% for flooring
• 5% for walls and ceilings
• 5% lighting
• 4% for doors and windows
• 4% for design costs
• 4% for faucets and plumbing
• 1% for others

It should be noted that these estimates may vary depending on the specific needs of the kitchen.

Visit Showrooms and Stores

Visiting hardware stores and showrooms will provide you with an idea of the materials available on the market as well as their prices.

For example, if you prefer natural stone for your kitchen floors but it is out of your price range, you can opt for a ceramic tile with a natural stone finish.

Consider Hiring a Professional

Electrical, plumbing, cabinet removal, and wall breaking are all part of the kitchen remodeling process. Instead of adding to your workload, consider hiring an expert within your budget.

Here’s an idea of how much a typical kitchen renovation expert will cost:

Designers: approximately 8-10% of renovation costs. This estimate is location dependent.

Contractors: Depending on location, most contractors charge between 10% and 20% of the total project cost.

Hiring a Contractor

You now know exactly what you want, as well as the cost and your budget. The actual renovation work will be handled by a contractor.

They will also source and supply all necessary materials, create a project timeline, and hire subcontractors to work on your renovation.

They’re primarily responsible for the project’s smooth operation and timely completion.

Employing a Kitchen Designer

Kitchen designers have nothing to do with the actual renovation work. They are the interior designers in charge of your kitchen’s design, style, layout, and material requirements.

Though hiring a private designer will cost extra money, a national home development agency offers free kitchen designers.

Demolition

You can finally start your renovation after all of your inquiries, planning, and budgeting. You would only need to worry about clearing out your cabinets and refrigerator if you hired a contractor.

However, if you are handling the demolition yourself, you must first consider the following points:

• Turn off the water and the gas.
• Turn off the power at your breaker unit.
• Remove all appliances and empty the cabinets.
• Save the floors that will not be renovated.

After you’ve prepared the space, you can begin your demo by removing the following items in the following order:

• Cabinets (including doors and drawers)
• Garbage disposal unit
• Sink
• Countertops
• Backsplash
• Dishwasher
• Fixtures for lighting
• Appliances that are smaller in size
• Drywall
• Flooring

Once you have prepared the space, your demo can begin by removing items in this order:

Update the Plumbing in Your Kitchen

After you’ve gutted your kitchen, you can begin working on its internal components, such as the plumbing. If you are handling this on your own, you should have some towels and buckets on hand to deal with any leaks.

During your remodeling, you may need to address some common plumbing issues, such as:

• Low water pressure
• Dishwasher, faucet, or sink leaks
• Updates to the shutoff valve
• Installing a gas line

Install Lighting and Electrical

Handling electrical installations yourself can be time-consuming, so it is usually best to leave it to the professionals.

If you hired a contractor, an electrician will be assigned to handle this aspect of the renovation. The following are examples of common electrical installations:

• Dishwasher lighting wiring
• Dimmer controls
• Installation of a new range and oven
• Increasing the number of receptacles on the countertop

Lighting Fashions

A bold pendant light or chandelier may be ideal for a more confident look. Glass bulbs will appear more modern, whereas a wooden beaded chandelier will appear more natural.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Hidden lighting under cabinets is a kitchen lighting trend that has gained popularity over the years due to its realistic nature and style.

Upgrades to Circuit Breakers

Another thing you don’t have to worry about when working with a contractor. However, if you are doing it yourself, you must first determine the specifications for your kitchen additions.

Hang Drywall

After you’ve finished updating the plumbing and electrical, you’ll need to replace the drywall to seal up the walls. In comparison to the other renovation projects, this is a relatively simple task.

If you’re doing it yourself, make sure the temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit a few days ahead of time. This will help to reduce the humidity in the room.

Paint the Walls

You’ll need to paint your drywall as soon as it’s dry.

A kitchen designer will make color suggestions that are unique to you. If you do it yourself, you should think about these things.

Trends for Kitchen Paint

As far as interior design is concerned, neutral colors still rule. You can use neutral colors just about anywhere in your home, particularly the kitchen.

To create a distinctive kitchen wall with neutral colors, Hales recommends accenting with colored dishware or appealing textures.

Lay the Flooring

Flooring is the next thing right after painting. Your preferred kitchen flooring material will determine the extent of work needed.

Tile flooring, for example, requires time to lay and grout the tiles, whereas laminate or hardwood flooring does not require grouting.

Some common kitchen flooring options include:

Linoleum Flooring

This kind of flooring is budget-friendly and preferred by most renovators. They are available in various finishes such as wood, stone tiles or classic colored.

Pros

• Stain resistant
• Cheap
• Low maintenance
• Nonabsorbent

Cons

• Easily dents and scratches
• Not recommended for areas with high humidity
• Color may change is exposed to excess sunlight
• Lower resale value

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring comes with a lot of uncertainty in kitchen renovation. Most complaints are about its non-waterproof nature, but it doesn’t bother many since kitchen moisture can be checked.

Pros

• Very sturdy
• Low maintenance
• Close resemblance to stone or wood
• Easy installation

Cons

• Not waterproof
• Lower resale value
• Specific cleaner required

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood has a natural beauty which easily attracts homeowners and house hunters. If you’re in doubt, notice the way homeowners on HGTV talk about hardwood.

Pros

• Sturdy
• Beautiful and versatile
• Long-lasting, if properly maintained
• Higher resale value

Cons

• Costly
• High maintenance compared to others
• Requires sanding and refinishing every 10 years

Concrete Flooring

Concrete flooring is a more contemporary trend for kitchens which is very sturdy and functional.

Pros

• Does not scratch or dent
• Low maintenance
• Long-lasting
• All-around finishes
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Complex installation
• Very hard
• Some finished can be expensive
• Stains if unsealed

Ceramic Tile Flooring

Finally, ceramic tiles have served kitchens so well because of their lasting, durable and easy-to-clean features.

Pros

• Water resistant
• Low maintenance
• Several design options

Cons

• Can be cold
• Time-consuming and difficult installation

Install Cabinetry

Even if you are handling the renovation yourself, we recommend getting an expert to install your cabinets. If you aren’t using a kitchen designer, here are some cabinet style options you should know:

Shaker Style Cabinets

Shaker cabinets are classic and fit perfectly with many different styles. They consist mainly of the doors and a panel in-between separate from the trim around the edges.

Low Cabinets

High ceilings with cabinets that stretch all the way to the top may appeal to homeowners, but for many kitchens it’s not very practical.

Open Shelving

Homes in America seem to have a trend of floating and open shelves. This concept is also widely accepted by many designers since it allows the use of well-designed kitchenware as decor.

Besides showcasing your kitchen, this style can also open up the space visually.

Position the Countertops

You should monitor your timeline closely at this point, as many designers prefer to measure the countertops after their installation.

This is particularly important if you’re opting for fabricated countertops like quartz. Here are some countertop material options for you:

Granite Countertops

Recently, granite was the superior materials for countertops. And though it’s still very popular, other materials have upgrades that are more superior.

Pros

• Variety of colors and styles
• Sturdy
• Visually appealing

Cons

• Permeable, requiring regular resealing
• More expensive

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is very durable. When mixed with resin, it creates countertops that are stain resistant, easy to clean and nonporous.

Pros

• Nonporous
• Sturdy
• Easy to clean
• Versatile, with several shapes, styles, colors and textures

Cons

• Can be damaged by chemicals such as bleach
• Non-resistant to heat
• Expensive

Laminate Countertops

Although laminate countertops are not a very quality option, they are very cheap and budget-friendly.

Pros

• Cheapest option for countertops
• Numerous colors and finishes
• Easy installation

Cons

• Damages easily
• Does not last long
• Little resale value

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops are a new home renovation trend which is fast becoming popular.

Pros

• Industrial feel
• Versatile, as it can be pigmented and stained to any pattern and color.
• Sturdy
• Heat resistant

Cons

• Stains easily
• Porous

Butcher Block Countertops

This option is ideal for farmhouse style kitchens.

Pros

• Brings warmth to a space
• Stylish

Cons

• Easily scratches
• High maintenance
• Not waterproof

Hang Backsplash

Getting closer to the end of your renovation, it’s time to install your kitchen backsplash.

One of the most popular backsplash options so far is the typical white subway tile. It has a simple natural color palette that is easy to maintain, offering the perfect backdrop.

Bring In Appliances

As the final part of your renovation, you’ll need to bring back all your appliances.

If you’re looking for an appliance upgrade, you should consider the June Oven, Samsung Family Hub Smart Refrigerator, Samsung Chef Collection Cooktop, and the Behmor Connected Coffee Maker.

Enjoy Your New Kitchen

Although your kitchen renovation might go through a lengthy process, in the end it’s definitely worth it.

Whether you’re building the kitchen of your dreams or planning to sell, you deserve to rest and enjoy it after the work is done.

FAQs in Relation to Diy Kitchen Remodel

Can you DIY a kitchen remodel?

Yes, a kitchen remodel is something that can be done as a DIY project. However, it requires advanced knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems, an understanding of building codes, and specialized tools. Professional plumbers are experienced in installing new fixtures such as sinks and dishwashers while also being able to diagnose any potential issues with existing pipes or wiring. Moreover, they possess the necessary safety apparatus to accomplish the task securely and expeditiously. For these reasons it is best to hire a professional for your kitchen remodel rather than attempting it yourself.

How long does it take to remodel a kitchen?

The duration of a DIY kitchen remodel is contingent on the area’s dimensions, the intricacy of the job, and accessibility to supplies. Generally speaking, small projects such as replacing fixtures or updating cabinetry can be completed in just a few days. Bigger renovations necessitating structural alterations can take weeks or even months, contingent on the amount of labor required.

What I wish I knew before remodeling my kitchen?

Before beginning a kitchen remodel, it is important to plan ahead. Consider the layout of your space and create a budget that will allow for all desired materials and labor costs. Research local plumbing companies to ensure you are getting quality workmanship at an affordable price. Inquire about any guarantees or warranties they may have on their products/services. Have an understanding of what type of permits may be needed for the project before starting construction. Before making a decision, ensure you review customer feedback to get an accurate picture of the plumber’s capabilities.

What is the biggest expense in a kitchen remodel?

The biggest expense in a kitchen remodel is typically the labor costs. Professional plumbers are required to complete many tasks, such as replacing pipes and fixtures, installing new appliances, and even moving walls or other structural components. Expenses for the job may amount to a substantial sum, depending on its intricacy. Additionally, materials such as cabinets and countertops may also be expensive depending on quality and style chosen by the homeowner. It is important to factor in all potential expenses before beginning any kitchen remodeling project.

Conclusion

A DIY kitchen remodel is an excellent way to upgrade the look and feel of your home, with careful planning and quality materials. With careful planning, quality materials, professional installation services from local local plumbing companies like Clovis Plumbing Services, and creative finishing touches you can create a unique diy kitchen remodel that will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. Don’t forget that when it comes to electrical or plumbing work, hiring an experienced contractor is essential for ensuring safety in your newly-remodeled space.