Part 1
Remodeling a kitchen isn’t the sort of thing where you can just “wing it.” It may not seem readily apparent, but there are several ways things can go wrong. But there’s something you can do.
Come along with us as we go into detail on six diy kitchen remodel steps you can follow to ensure your project goes right.
Don’t miss our diy kitchen remodel checklist available in the next post (see below for the link). In the meantime, check out the preliminary steps you need to take to start off on the right foot.
Step 1: Get the Big Picture
A remodel, especially a diy, is different from a new build. It’s important to identify what the whole reason is for the remodel. This will help everything that comes after go more smoothly.
For instance, if you want a remodel because you need more space, your priority should be an update to the layout. This will impact the budget, timeline, materials, and more so it’s good to think that through from the start.
Pro Tip: Once you have a number in mind, reduce it by 20%. If you then work with this 80% number during your planning, you’ll have some cushion in case things go wrong, like if you find water-damaged floorboards or walls under or behind your cabinets, which is the most common reason for a remodel to go over budget.
Pro Tip!
A great way to help you start to visualize the big picture is to look at the flaws of your kitchen. What do you absolutely hate about it? What can’t you live with another moment? That’s the stuff you should focus on for your remodel. Whether that means the ugly backsplash, linoleum flooring, or a too small size, let your big picture solve for those everyday problems.
Step 2: Determine Priorities
Unless you have an unlimited budget and all the time in the world, there will be things you’ll have to strike from your wish list. Diyers have to decide what’s the most important and make concessions on other items.
Your kitchen priorities will directly reflect your big picture. Once again, if increasing the kitchen’s footprint is the whole reason for your remodel, you’ll want to dedicate the most time and money to that purpose.
Pro Tip!
If a style update is what drives your remodel, you’ll want to put some effort into cabinets, countertops, and floors—the heaviest hitters in the kitchen for functionality and design. Traditionally cabinets are the most expensive investment in a kitchen remodel. If you go with ready-to-assemble cabinets, you’ll save some money that you can put toward another feature of the kitchen.
Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget
It’s far too common a pitfall for a kitchen remodeling project, or any DIY home improvement project. Running out of money means cutting corners and not being able to achieve your vision. In order to avoid that, first you need a realistic figure that you know you can afford to spend.
Come up with this figure based on your life goals and your domestic budget, not what you think a kitchen remodel will cost. If it turns out the most basic remodel you can put together later on in the process costs more than your budget, then you probably just shouldn’t do it, or scale it back to something much cheaper.
Pro Tip!
Once you have a number in mind, reduce it by 20%. If you then work with this 80% number during your planning, you’ll have some cushion in case things go wrong, like if you find water-damaged floorboards or walls under or behind your cabinets, which is the most common reason for a remodel to go over budget.
More steps coming soon! In the meantime, find out how to make the most of your kitchen remodel budget.
