Hey everyone! I'm considering a kitchen remodel and can't decide whether to tackle some of it myself or hire professionals. I've done smaller projects before, like flooring and painting, but nothing as extensive as changing cabinets, countertops, or plumbing.
My main concerns are hidden costs if I mess up something while DIYing and possibly getting overcharged by contractors if I'm not familiar with what's reasonable. For those who've gone through kitchen remodels, how did you make your decision? Did you regret your choice or find it saved you time or money in the end? I'd love to hear your experiences and any tips to avoid making costly mistakes. Thanks a lot!
6 Answers
Hiring a company for cabinet refacing and island extension worked wonders for me! It cost around $20K compared to proposals that went over $100K for a full new kitchen. The transformation was incredible!
For simpler cosmetic changes like paint or backsplash, you're good to go with a DIY. But once plumbing and electrical work come into play, hire professionals. It'll save you a lot of headaches!
I’ve done a few kitchen remodels myself, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're pretty experienced. My first attempt didn't turn out great, but with practice, my second and third kitchens looked much better! You learn tons each time, so just be aware it's a learning process!
Just be ready for a longer timeline if you choose DIY. My partner and I took 1.5 years for a big gut renovation mostly by ourselves, and while it was definitely cheaper, it dragged on. If you've done other remodels before, you'll be better prepared for this one!
That sounds like a great project! It's cool that you took your time to get it right, but definitely, be honest about how much time you're willing to sacrifice!
If you're up for it, acting as your own general contractor could be a great compromise. When I remodeled my kitchen, I left the heavy lifting to the pros—mostly electricians, plumbers, and flooring guys—while I just handled painting. It ended up costing about $50K, and I received bids over $100K for the same work, so hiring out really brought the cost down!
The extent of your remodel will really guide your choice. If it’s a simple cabinet and countertop swap, you might manage it DIY. But if you're making structural changes, hiring help will be better unless you're patient with a long timeline. Just a heads-up though—countertops are tricky and probably best left to the pros!
Totally agree! Learning from your first DIY is super valuable. I think tackling kitchens can be rewarding with enough prep.