I need some guidance on a DIY kitchen remodel. About 15 years ago, my dad helped us with some home improvements, but since then, we haven't done much ourselves, mainly due to busy work schedules and the fact that my husband isn't very handy. We're facing high quotes for our kitchen remodel and, having recently taken out a loan for a bathroom remodel, I want to avoid more debt. My house, built in 1916, still has the original cabinets – the top ones are solid wood, but the bottom ones are rusty metal and need to go. While I've considered refacing the tops, I'm eager to remove and replace the bottom cabinets. I'm concerned about the complexity of the task since we have a unique 10x10 L-shaped layout with the stove across from the sink. I've been watching a lot of YouTube tutorials, but they make it seem easier than I anticipate. I'm okay with living without a kitchen for a few months if necessary, but I worry about starting this project and then realizing we can't finish it. Any advice would be appreciated – and no judgment, please!
3 Answers
Tackling a kitchen remodel by yourself? That's a big job! Kitchen renovations involve a lot of different skills: plumbing, electrical work, cabinetry, and flooring. Given that your husband isn’t super handy and you both have busy schedules, I’d cautiously say this might be more complicated than you expect. Once you start demo, your place will basically become a construction zone for months, making it hard to cook or even clean, which can add stress to your lives. Just think about how long it took you to do the attic – a kitchen will likely take even longer since you'll be living with it day in and out, plus not having a functional cooking area. Take your time to consider it before diving in. Good luck!
You can share your kitchen pics via Imgur and link them here if you want feedback on your space! As for doing it yourself, if you keep it simple and just focus on the cabinets, it shouldn't be too hard. Just remember, plumbing and electrical can get messy if you need to redo those. Start by measuring everything and drawing it out, marking where appliances will go. This way, you'll have a clearer picture of what cabinets to buy. You can often send this drawing to RTA cabinet suppliers to help with planning. Happy remodeling!
If you were in a newer home, I’d say go for it, but with a house that’s over a century old, you might run into more issues with plumbing and electrical systems than you think. The tricky part is, you won’t know what’s lurking behind those cabinets until you start ripping things out! My advice: do the demo yourself, pick budget-friendly materials like IKEA cabinets, and have a contingency budget ready for those unexpected surprises. You might still save some money compared to hiring a whole crew!