While some kitchen renos make good DIY projects, there are some jobs that need a professional’s knowledge to do safely.
Before You Begin
Consider these questions before you decide to move on with your DIY kitchen renovation project:
- Do you have construction skills and the tools needed for the job?
If you have learned what you know from home reno shows on tv and only own a hammer, you should carefully consider whether or not you want to invest in tools and learn on an expensive project like a kitchen reno.
- Do you have time?
Make sure you have enough time and energy to commit to the project or you’ll be living with a demolished kitchen for longer than you want to.
- Does it really save money?
In some cases, a professional contractor can save you money. Get a quote before you commit to your DIY project.
Not All Projects are Created Equal
There are many aspects to a kitchen renovation. If you are excited to attempt some renovations on your own, you might want to pick and choose which parts of the project you want to do yourself.
- Wall Removal
A wall might not look like much from the outside, but they do more than just separate the rooms. Some walls are load bearing, which means they are helping to hold up the roof. They also often contain important components like air ducts, water pipes, electrical wiring, and vent lines. It is very important that you get professional advice before demolishing any walls in your home.
- New Countertops
Replacing your countertops is probably a DIY project that you can take on yourself, but you’ll need another set of muscles to help you do it right. The most important factor to remember is that you need extremely precise measurements.
- Under Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting is extremely useful and looks fantastic. If you’re new to DIY home renovation projects, you should call in an electrician to wire any type of lighting. In most cases, you’ll need a new electrical box and cables run through the walls. If you don’t know what you’re doing, this can turn into a very dangerous job.
- New Plumbing
New plumbing is another job that most people should outsource to a professional. Things can easily go wrong and the damage can be very costly to repair.
When in doubt, get a professional opinion. It doesn’t hurt to consult with a contractor to get a quote, consider your options and choose which parts you want to do yourself and which parts are best left to the professionals.
