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DIY Kitchen Remodel: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

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Professional contractor holding a power drill in a white shaker kitchen while wearing a tool belt.Professional contractor holding a power drill in a white shaker kitchen while wearing a tool belt.
Professional contractor holding a power drill in a white shaker kitchen while wearing a tool belt.

As you consider a kitchen remodeling project, one of the first decisions to make is whether you will hire a professional or make it a DIY project. Construction and installation are large budget line items, so remodelers can save a significant amount of money tackling projects themselves. Keeping costs low is a common reason to take on DIY projects, but many homeowners also enjoy the satisfaction of completing the work themselves.

Kitchen remodeling may not be as quick and easy as it looks on television, but many homeowners successfully and enjoyably remodel their own kitchens. There is pride in remodeling your own kitchen and installing it yourself. Choosing every finish, cabinet size and paint color and saving money can be very exciting.

If you are considering a DIY kitchen renovation, here are the top 4 things you need to have before you get started.

 

1. Time

Projects often take longer due to work schedules and skill levels. Homeowners who want to manage their own projects need to be prepped for a potentially longer remodeling timeline. It’s possible for DIYers to get the work done more quickly if they enlist the help of friends and family.

 

2. Tools

A DIY remodel will require many tools and not every remodeler has drills, saws, and sledgehammers in their garage. Luckily, DIYers often have friends or family members they can borrow from. For those who don’t want to buy every tool necessary, there are also rental centers and tool libraries with large selections. Keep in mind that renting tools will be an expense to plan for but is generally very affordable.

Along with tools, remodeling resources are important to have in any DIYer’s belt. Talking with coworkers and friends who have remodeled can be a great way to get firsthand advice. There is endless information online and watching how-to videos can be quite helpful. Another great resource is the staff at local stores. Some locations even have classes teaching skills like tile installation.

 

3. Skill

Construction experience isn’t needed for a successful DIY project. Often, DIYers just have a willingness to learn and the grit to see the project through. It’s also helpful to identify early in the renovation what projects may be better to hire out.

For many homeowners, hiring out detailed projects like plumbing and electrical work makes sense. Any project that requires a permit needs to meet certain requirements, and paying to have those projects done right saves time and money.

Hiring a contractor is also helpful for finding other pros for those types of projects. Many DIYers choose to hire a Pro for projects that are above their skill level.

 

4. Design

DIYers often have an eye for design or a vision of what they want from their renovation efforts. With online resources like Pinterest and Houzz, gathering ideas is easy. Photos featuring beautifully designed kitchen islands, stainless steel appliances, trendy cabinets, and countertops are plentiful on these platforms. However, kitchens can be especially challenging rooms to layout due to windows, doorways, and utility lines.

Working with a CliqStudios’ kitchen designer is recommended for a DIY kitchen. Designers can see spaces in a whole new way and maximize them with new layouts and specialty cabinets.

CliqStudios design packet rendering of a white shaker inset kitchen design with an olive-green island and marble countertops.

3D Rendering

3D renderings of the kitchen design let you see what your new kitchen will look like.
 CliqStudios after photo of a white shaker inset kitchen design with an olive-green island and marble countertops.

After

The design comes to life with hard work and finishing details.

 

Step-by-Step Guidance for DIY Kitchen Remodeling

Starting a kitchen remodel includes many different steps. Make sure you are prepared by keeping a checklist of what to do and when, so your project stays on track. It’s a well-known fact in the home improvement industry that lead times and installation dates are constantly changing.  

The earlier you start, the more flexible you can be on the project completion date. With that said, give yourself a few extra weeks and everyone will be much happier throughout the remodel. Here is a kitchen remodeling checklist and timeline to guide you. 

 

Kitchen Remodeling Checklist

Kitchen Preparation

  • Dream and set realistic goals
  • Create a budget 
  • Research DIY kitchen installation 

Plan Your Kitchen Remodel | Few Weeks to 3 Months

  • Measure your space
  • Order cabinet sample
  • Talk with a kitchen designer
  • Apply for building permits
  • Finalize your plans

Order Your Products | 1 - 2 Months

  • Order appliances 
  • Order cabinets 
  • Order other complimentary products
  • Inspect new products
  • Create temporary kitchen
  • Pack up existing kitchen before demo

Rough Construction | 1 –6 Weeks

  • Demolish your kitchen (1 week)
  • Make structural changes (2 – 4 weeks)
  • Rough-in plumbing, mechanical and electrical (3 – 5 days)
  • Install drywall and paint (1 week)
  • Install flooring (2 – 3 days)

Finish Construction | 1 – 2 Months

  • Install cabinets (3 – 5 days)
  • Template and install countertops (2 – 4 weeks)
  • Install appliances and fixtures (1 – 5 days)
  • Finishing details and hardware (1 – 2 weeks)
  • Install tile backsplash (2 – 3 days)
  • Clean the construction zone (1 – 2 days)

Each element of this kitchen remodeling timeline can change based on the homeowner's decision-making process, work ethic and product lead times. This is just an average for kitchen remodels across the country and can timing can fluctuate.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a DIY Kitchen?

DIY kitchen remodels are generally the same as other remodels except for labor. There are many benefits to hiring professional contractors, but for some, saving money is a higher priority. HomeAdvisor says the average kitchen remodel in 2024 costs between $14,617 and $41,418. Minus the average cost of labor (13%), the average DIY kitchen remodel cost would be $12,717 - $36,033.

 

DIY Kitchen Remodeling Challenges With Practical Solutions

Missing Tools?

Are you lacking all the necessary tools for a DIY kitchen remodel? Check your surrounding areas ahead of time to find rental centers and compare tool rental costs. Reserve or rent these items ahead of time to guarantee they are available when you are ready to get started. Sometimes homeowners find they are missing a tool last minute and it’s not available at a rental center. Check with your close friends and offer them some pizza or cash for borrowing their tools.

Are Your Cabinets Arriving Early?

The unique thing about DIY kitchen remodels is that they can go longer than originally planned. If preparation is taking longer than expected and your cabinets are showing up soon, talk to the final mile carrier. In some cases, they might be willing to store your kitchen cabinets for a few days to a few weeks for a fee. This will help you wrap up your drywall, plumbing, and electrical before your space is full of cabinet boxes.

Did You Overestimate Your Skills?

In a world of HGTV shows and DIY remodelers on Instagram, it’s easy to think we can take it all on. But when time comes to test your electrical or plumbing skills, things can take a turn. If you find yourself questioning whether you should work on something potentially dangerous, it’s time to find a pro. There is no shame in getting a quote from a professional. You are still saving money on the rest of the project, and it’s a wise homeowner who makes the call when they realize they need help.

Having Communication Issues?

Before you start swinging sledgehammers and tearing the house apart, talk with your spouse and make sure everyone is on the same page. Issues usually start coming up when communication is minimal, or one person starts changing the plans. Get together each night to talk about the game plan for the following day. This will prevent a lot of stress and pressure and provide a clear path to completing your project.

Is the Project Looking Less Than Perfect?

Drywall not looking great? Cabinets not level? Keep a cool head and remember that everything can be fixed. The positive side is you are going at your own pace, so take your time and fix the problem. Don’t rush through jobs that you are less experienced with. Do some research ahead of time, watch a few videos from experts and give it another try.

 

How Can CliqStudios Designers Help You With a DIY Kitchen Remodel?

Kitchen designers have many skillsets that can benefit you. Most people think that designers only think about colors and trends, but they do so much more. One of the biggest benefits to a designer is their ability to keep you within budget. Since they are well versed in cabinet lines, they will discuss all your design preferences with you and recommend the line that best suits you.

In addition to budget, designers are educated in kitchen guidelines that provide a safe workspace with plenty of storage. This includes the kitchen work triangle used to optimize your route from the cooktop to the sink and refrigerator. Landing areas for groceries and workspace for food prep are also top of mind when a designer is working with you.

After all the guidelines and codes, sometimes homeowners still have trouble choosing colors. With the number of projects each designer works on every year, they are aware of current trends and color palettes. This means they can guide you on what’s popular and what’s timeless.

With CliqStudios you receive free design assistance from our professional designers. Together, they have over 100+ years of experience and have completed more than 50,000 projects. Make an appointment with your CliqStudios designer today!

 

Are You Ready to Commit to a DIY Kitchen Project?

Before you commit to a DIY kitchen project, it may be helpful to answer these questions. If you answer most of these questions with a ‘yes’, then you’re probably ready to start a DIYing!

  • Do you like to research projects and learn new things?
  • Do you have the time? If the project takes longer, are you comfortable spending your time remodeling?
  • Do you have the installation skills for cabinets, floors, appliances, and more? Or are you willing to learn?
  • Do you have the tools to complete your remodel? If not, are you willing to buy, borrow, or rent them?
  • Do you enjoy physical labor? Are you comfortable getting dirty?
  • Do you have the patience and determination to complete a kitchen remodel?
  • Do you have the planning skills to stay on track? Or are you willing to hire a general contractor to help?

FAQs – DIY Kitchen Project

What permits do I need to remodel my kitchen? 

Although assuming your kitchen remodel will need a permit is good, that’s not always the case. Permits are only necessary for specific projects with plumbing, electrical, HVAC or structural changes. For everyday kitchen updates like painting, and replacing existing features like windows, cabinets, lights, new appliances or flooring, permits are not needed. If you are not sure whether you need a permit, call your local municipality and talk about your project. They will be able to tell you whether you need one.

What safety precautions should I take when remodeling my kitchen? 

Everyone can agree that safety precautions should be taken while remodeling. There are power tools, heavy lifting, and potentially sharp debris all over the ground if you’re not careful. Stay safe during your kitchen remodel by always wearing tennis shoes or work boots with good tread. This will protect your feet from potentially dangerous items on the ground.

It’s also commonplace to wear eye protection and masks for painting and sanding. Lastly, always lift with your legs and keep your fingers away from sharp objects like bandsaws and miter saws. The more precautions you take, the more pleasant your DIY kitchen renovation experience will be.

How can I save money on my DIY kitchen remodel? 

The biggest benefit of a DIY kitchen remodel apart from learning is saving on installation. Outside of that, there are many ways to save. First, start by using all the free resources available to you. For example, CliqStudios offers free design assistance from our expert kitchen designers. They can help you in many ways from space planning and improved storage to kitchen safety and budget.

Our designers are educated on all our cabinet lines, which means they know which lines will fit into your budget and how to creatively provide less expensive options to help you get the same look. Other ways you can save are by looking at appliance scratch and dent floor models. Usually, the appliance barely has any visible damage, and the price drop can be significant.

Big box and paint stores will also keep ‘oops paint’ on hand for a lower price. This just means the original paint was mis-tinted by mistake, so they put it back on the shelf for less. There are plenty of ways to save money on your DIY kitchen remodel, just be open-minded and you will find more options than you expected.

How can I make my DIY kitchen remodel more sustainable? 

Creating a sustainable DIY kitchen remodel is all about the materials you use. While you are selecting products, look for anything that says energy efficient, eco-friendly or green. These fixtures usually use less water and power.

This includes energy efficient windows, lighting, appliances and flooring. To continue making a sustainable impact, look for paint finishes and other coatings that are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). By searching out these products, your remodel will have a smaller footprint and a positive impact.