\u201cCheap kitchen renovations\u201d sounds like an oxymoron, doesn\u2019t it? Typically, kitchen renovation is the most expensive home improvement short of adding square footage with an addition or a second story. Nevertheless, you can save a bunch of money by doing the work yourself. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A kitchen renovation isn\u2019t the most physically demanding home improvement project, but it also shouldn\u2019t be underestimated. You\u2019ll be bending, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders, reaching, carrying heavy and bulky objects, and holding cabinets in place near the ceiling as a partner secures them to the joists. If any of that sounds miserable or like torture to you, then you might want to check out our \u201cFind a Contractor<\/a>\u201d page, where we recommend reputable contractors in dozens of regions, who have experience installing our cabinets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, if you don\u2019t have<\/em> a partner who can help, at least a friend, you might want to think twice. Much of the work in a kitchen remodel requires two people. You might be able to get away with hiring a local handyman on the cheap, however, to lend a hand during critical phases like hanging wall cabinets, and installing countertops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it seems not-so-bad, and sounds like a good workout, then great! The skillset needed to do a minor DIY kitchen remodel (replacing cabinets, flooring, lighting\u2014anything shy of tearing open walls to move major appliances) isn\u2019t actually all that advanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RTA kitchen cabinets from RTA Cabinet Store are easy to assemble. All you need is a screwdriver to turn cam-locks, and optionally some wood glue for a slight increase in durability. If you\u2019ve ever put together a piece of Sauder or Ikea furniture, you can put together our cabinets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To install them, you\u2019ll need to know how to find joists, which you can do by sound, or by buying an inexpensive magnetic joist finder. You\u2019ll need familiarity with a level, some idea of how to use shims to level any uneven surfaces, and the ability to install pilot holes and drive in screws. That\u2019s about it, really.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDIY Kitchen Remodel Skillset<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
RTA Cabinet Assembly and Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flooring Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n