Thinking of updating your kitchen on a budget? Many things you can actually do yourself!
Kitchens sell houses. That is kind of Real Estate 101 at this point.And with the industry thick in the blossom of DIY mania, it only stands to reason that the kitchen is the first place many home improvement enthusiasts will look when planning a project.
To give yourself the best chance at a functional and flowing space, keep reading as we walk you through a DIY guide for kitchen renovation success!
Budgeting Tips
Is the money there? It’s the crucial question to ask before drawing up your plans. Focus on several factors:
- Big ticket items – Appliances. Cabinets. Counters. Flooring. Price these out first, as they will compromise a huge chunk of the budget.
- Surprises – Plan for 15-20% extra in the event that something unforeseen occurs. Word to the wise: it always does.
- Help – Not every step of the renovation will be a one-person show. Budget for an extra set of hands as necessary. Is it likely you may need to enlist professional help at any point?
- Displacement – How much will the kitchen reno affect your daily routine? Will you need to eat out more until the project is complete? Don’t overlook this hidden cost.
Weigh the pros and cons of premier materials. There are places where it’s worth it to invest in top-end products. Other spots, you may be able to get by with strategic swaps and elbow grease.
Planning
Great kitchens start with a great plan. The first step is to map your workflow. Pay special attention to the “kitchen triangle.” This is the movement between the sink, refrigerator, and stove. If one or more of the aspects encumber the other, you’re going to have to shake things up.
Other facets to factor into your plans include door swings, walkways, and clearances. Building “dead space” into your plans is the quickest way to kill functionality before it ever has a chance.
Demolition
Your flowing kitchen must rise from the dust of demolition. Turn off all utilities before swinging the sledgehammer. Water. Gas. Electricity. You can never be too careful. If there are any aspects of the kitchen that will survive the remodel, protect them. Plastic drop covers. Tape. Old sheets. These are some favorite materials for insulating existing kitchens from the demolition that surrounds them.
Be methodical. Start from the top down (i.e. cabinets first, flooring last). Expect surprises such as hidden damage or dated wiring. Salvage and reuse what you can. Dispose of the waste responsibly. Clean the work area thoroughly.
Measuring
“Measure twice and cut once.” The mantra of the careful DIYer. Or professional, for that matter. Capture the room’s full dimensions. Length. Width. Ceiling height. Take note of windows, doors, and soffits. Observe any and every possible obstruction.
Be meticulous in recording appliance specs. Same with clearances. This guarantees that your layout supports true function and flow. Double-check cabinet runs and corner angles. Remember, small errors can compound quickly in tight spaces, so being scrupulous in your measurements will prevent expensive rework later.
Cutting
Precision, precision, precision. It’s all about cutting with purpose and not impulse. Choose the best circular saw blades for given materials. Clean cuts in laminate and hardwood, as well as stone counter materials, make installation smoother and safer.
Properly support long pieces to prevent tear out and splintering. This is doubly important on visible edges. Did we mention precision? Accuracy in cutting helps avoid frustration later in the remodeling process.
Installing Cabinets and Shelving
Install cabinets with a level head, literally. Start with a straight, level ledger board. This keeps upper cabinets aligned and your workflow uninterrupted. Anchor every box securely into studs. Check for plumb as you go so doors hang true and shelves sit square. Work from the corners outward, clamping and fastening cabinets together for a seamless run. Add shelving with intention. Place everyday items at arm’s reach to reinforce function and flow.
Updating Surfaces
Countertops promote the everyday use of the space. Choose materials that can handle spills, heavy heat, constant usage, and forceful impact without constant maintenance and repair. Quartz. Granite. Solid surface. Quartzite. These are some of the premier materials in kitchen surfaces.
Install countertops level and tight. Seal seams and edges to prevent stains. Select backsplashes that adequately complement the counters. This will be the heart and soul of the kitchen after the dust settles.
Improving Layout Efficiency
Layout is the quiet engine of a hardworking kitchen. Keep prep, cooking, and cleanup zones distinct but connected. This minimizes extra steps between tasks. Prioritize clear pathways—at least 36 inches wide—so traffic flows without bottlenecks. Position frequently paired elements (trash near prep, dishwasher near sink) to streamline routines.
DIY Mistakes to Avoid
Awareness is half the battle to problem solving. Look out for the following mistakes that commonly wreck DIY kitchen projects:
- Overestimating your abilities – a YouTube video watched does not a successful renovation make.
- There are no shortcuts – you’ll almost always pay for it later.
- Permits matter – getting the proper approvals protects your safety, pocketbook, and resale value. Same with inspections.
- Your eyeballs aren’t as accurate as they seem – small inaccuracies add up quickly. Use your tools.
- Tread lightly around appliances – moving gas and plumbing lines is best left to the professionals.
- Don’t get too cute – as the title of this piece states, it’s all about function and flow. Installing overly niche or exotic kitchen features will quickly become regrettable.
DIY the Right Way: Key Tips for Renovating Your Kitchen
Everyone can DIY. Not everyone can DIY well. From meticulous budgeting to improving layout efficiency, use our comprehensive guide to get a leg up on a functional and flowing kitchen renovation. For more of the latest trends in home and lifestyle, explore the content at Better Baking Bible for ideas and inspiration today!