Remodeling any area of your home is a huge undertaking — and an expensive one, no matter the space. And, when it comes to your kitchen, that’s usually the biggest ticket. In fact, some surmise that kitchen remodels can cost upwards of $30,000, especially if you choose the most high-end items or the best kitchen cabinets. However, if you’re anything like most homeowners, you probably don’t have $30k lying around. And, even if you do, you probably don’t want to spend it all on your kitchen remodel. Here are some tips and tricks to remodeling your kitchen — yourself! — that will save you some dough.
Source: PIC SNIPE/Shutterstock.com
Why DIY?
DIY-ing a project, especially a kitchen remodel, is a huge risk. But, with the right tools, you can do it successfully. Of course, it helps to have a close friend or even a family member who is a professional contractor or tradesman to help ensure you can cut costs the correct way. They can also supervise you and lend a hand if needed, like helping to install your RTA cabinets. But, overall, DIY-ing your renovation is a very common way for homeowners to spruce up their spaces these days. With the expanse of the internet and YouTube, you can easily find a how-to guide for all the construction projects, as well as a video to follow along with.
Where to Start
One of the first things you should do when you choose to DIY is decide on your budget. This shouldn’t waiver, especially if you don’t have much in the way of funds to start with. Not setting a budget can cause some serious issues in the long run, especially if you run into structural issues or other emergencies that can potentially cause you to spend money.
Starting with a budget will help you to determine which areas of your kitchen remodel need the most attention or will require the most DIY. Since DIY-ing is a huge way to curb labor costs, if you decide to install all your appliances yourself, you’re going to want to have someone with you who can help you do the heavy lifting — and it might take all day! It takes time to ask friends and family to help you out, especially with big tasks such as a remodel.
Source: ungvar/Shutterstock.com
Additionally, you should make a plan for which parts of the remodel you’re going to tackle first. Most professional contractors and construction workers have a set method they go with, and it usually starts with demolition. Demolition is a great way for you to evaluate what you currently have and whether or not you can repurpose it for something later on. Of course, a demo can also create more problems if you’re not careful. Rookie mistakes, such as forgetting to turn off the water lines or accidentally sticking a metal hammer into an electrical socket, can not only delay your project but can also cause you to have a huge health and safety hazard on your hands. What’s the point of DIY if you can’t even do the work because you hurt yourself at the beginning of the project?
Who to Help You
As previously mentioned, it’s best to choose people who have some insider knowledge of the process, but you should also choose people you trust. This is your home we’re talking about, and it’s important that you bring in people who care about it and the work they’re doing to ensure you only get the most quality and top-notch products. For many homeowners, they feel asking their friends and family should be an easy task. And, while you might have friends and family lining up to help you, there’s also a chance that they’re inexperienced, too, and more of a probability that they’ll mess up the project. Mistakes equal money, and usually, it’s money you don’t have in your budget.
Don’t Decide the Design, Decor, and Accents Early on
In all honesty, this should be the last thing you do. Of course, an overall design and vision should be done early on in your planning stages, but you should also avoid choosing any minor accents or details until after you address any structural issues your kitchen has. These structural issues are usually budget busters, and if you pre-spend all your budget on decor, then you won’t have any funds for those structural issues. And, unless those structural issues get fixed, then you’ll end up wasting money. You might not even get to finish the project!
Source: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com
Focus on Practicality and Functionality
When you’re on a budget, your priority should be choosing things that are functional and practical. Not only will this save you money, but it will ensure that you have a kitchen that’s filled with items you can actually use. And, when you’re focused on saving funds, items that have multiple uses are the way to go. As a homeowner, you have a lot of other responsibilities — and expenses — to deal with, both before, during, and after the project. From regular utilities to not-so-regular expenses, being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities, and finding functional items for your kitchen will go a long way in ensuring that you have the funds and time to take care of all those other aspects of your homeownership.
Get Creative with Your Buying
Instead of visiting your local appliance stores, consider getting used products for your kitchen remodel. Of course, if your current appliances are functioning well, you don’t need to get rid of them. Instead, just take them out for the rest of the space to get remodeled and reinstall them at the appropriate time. However, if your current appliances are no longer functional, but you really don’t have the thousands of dollars to purchase an entirely new kitchen set, get creative with where you buy your higher-ticket items. Instead of visiting an appliance store, visit thrift stores, yard sales, and even estate sales to find the items that you can really use. People who are moving sometimes also sell their appliances, which can really help you out if you’re looking to stick to a budget!
