As a kitchen designer, I get to see the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to DIY kitchen renovations. Even though there are plenty of guides out there for homeowners who want to do their own kitchen renovation, it’s not always as simple as following step-by-step instructions from start to finish. While it may seem like you’ll save money by doing the work yourself, this isn’t always true. Here are some of the reasons you shouldn’t choose DIY when it comes to your next kitchen renovation and how you can avoid them instead!
The Permits
In order to renovate your kitchen, there are a few permits you will need. Firstly, you will need building permits. Secondly, you may also need electrical permits. Thirdly, if the renovation involves plumbing or gas pipes, you will also require a plumber’s permit and a gas fitter’s permit respectively. Fourthly, some renovations may involve the demolition of the old kitchen so if it does you will be required to have a demolition permit which is issued by the local council.
The Wiring
There are a lot of reasons to choose professional contractors for your kitchen renovations. The first is the wiring. When you install new appliances, the wiring needs to be updated and secured properly. Doing it yourself can take hours and you could even end up re-wiring something that was already working correctly. Start Over (two sentences using the words: ): Here are some more reasons why you shouldn’t try doing it yourself when renovating your kitchen.
The Inspections
It would help if you were sure that your kitchen will pass inspection. The main things you should check are the water supply, drainage, and flooring. If you’re doing a major renovation, there may also be electrical work or structural changes that need to be completed before approval. It’s worth taking an extra day or two for inspections because it can save time and money in the long run.
A lot of homeowners decide to take on DIY projects themselves because they don’t have time for it; this is not always a good idea. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to let professionals do all of the hard work instead of trying to do it yourself – plus they know what they’re doing!
The Tools
DIY kitchen renovations can seem like a good idea at first, but there are certain tools you’ll need to do the job right. These tools include:
-An electric drill -a countertop saw -a tile cutter (if you’re installing new tiles)
-A pry bar (for removing old flooring) -sanding blocks (to help with finishing the wood on your cabinets) -circular and jigsaw blades (both for cutting out damaged drywall) -paint brushes and rollers for touch-ups
-Sealant for when you’ve finished up your work
-Duct tape is always handy in case of an emergency
-You’ll also want to have some basic hand tools: a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, etc.
The Time
When you think about the time commitment needed to do a kitchen renovation, it’s easy to understand why so many people choose to go with a professional. The average kitchen remodel takes at least three months of labor, not even counting the time it will take to order materials and wait for them to arrive. If you’re on a tight schedule or if you simply don’t have the skillset necessary, then hiring a professional can seem like an attractive option.
Also Read: WHY CHOOSE ALUMINIUM DOORS & WINDOWS?
