Doing home renovation projects on your own is a fun and challenging choice. You’ll learn lots of techniques throughout the process. For some, it’s a matter of trial and error. However, you can also follow tips and tutorials you can find online.
A DIY (do-it-yourself) kitchen renovation costs less than hiring professionals. The only downside is it can be time-consuming. If you’re a first-timer, it can take a while before you can start a project. That’s why you need to find ways to save time and money without compromising the quality of the results.
1. Choose Modular Cabinets
If you plan to replace the cabinets, you have two options: built-in or modular. Building kitchen cabinets from scratch takes time and intermediate carpentry skills. It can also be a bit more expensive, depending on the materials. To save time and money, installing modular cabinets is an excellent choice.
Modular kitchen cabinets usually come in pieces with the manufacturer’s guide for assembly. However, not everyone has the time to assemble everything, especially if you’re doing it alone. As a solution, you could look for suppliers offering flatpack kitchens pre-assembled so you can immediately proceed with the installation. They’re affordable, simple, and very convenient.
2. Prepare A Detailed Plan
The lack of detailed planning is one factor that takes up too much time and money. Some homeowners proceed with breaking down and disassembling the kitchen before figuring out what to do next. Doing so can lead to excessive expenses and even slow down the project.
Preparing a detailed plan for your DIY kitchen renovation project involves budget, project specifics, and schedule. The limit of what you can renovate depends on how much money and time you’re willing to spend and how much change you want to achieve. For instance, refurbishing the cabinets with fresh paint only costs around USD$30 to USD$60 and can be done within a couple of days.
To create a detailed plan, you may do a quick research into material costs. Next, list down all the projects you want to do. Then, you can set a budget with a wiggle room of around 10% to ensure you won’t run out of money for materials. Finally, set a schedule or a realistic project timeline.
3. Purchase Materials In One Go
Going back and forth to the store takes excessive time, gas, money, and effort. It’s best to purchase all the materials in one go to avoid wasting your resources. Doing so will ensure you can finish your project on your target schedule.
Purchasing all the materials in one go requires a detailed list of everything you need. Before leaving and driving to the store, check your list twice. This way, you won’t be spending time standing between the aisles thinking about what you could have forgotten.
4. Use Reclaimed Materials
Using reclaimed materials for your DIY kitchen renovation is one of the best ways to save money and be sustainable. Materials like wood, ceramic tiles, bricks, window frames, and doors can be refurbished and repurposed in no time. All you need is a little creativity.
You can find reclaimed materials for free from newly-demolished or renovated residential and commercial buildings. Since they’ll be paying to get rid of all the junk, most simply give it away to save money. Most of these materials can be salvaged and reused in your renovation. Aside from saving a significant budget, using reclaimed bits and pieces can give your kitchen a unique character.
5. Take Advantage Of Sales
Your local construction supply stores may offer numerous sales throughout the year. Taking advantage of these can lower the cost of your materials. You can also maximize your budget and use high-quality materials without spending too much.
One good tip is to wait for clearance sales. The materials you’ll need for your kitchen renovation project might be marked at their lowest prices. Purchasing during this period enables you to spend less while purchasing more. After buying the essentials, you may still have an extra for furnishing and decoration to complete your kitchen makeover.
6. Invest In High-Quality Power Tools
Investing in high-quality power tools is one of the essential steps if you’re planning to do more DIY projects in the future. Power tools make the job faster, easier, and more efficient. You can easily cut and assemble materials alone without breaking a sweat. These are worth splurging on.
Some basic power tools for home DIY are a cordless drill, circular saw, jigsaw, miter saw, sander, and nail gun. These will equip you for basic woodworking, which is essential for your DIY kitchen renovation. When purchasing, check if they’re high quality to ensure you can use them multiple times, withstanding wear and tear.
Conclusion
Tackling your kitchen renovation on your own is challenging but possible. Once you’re equipped with a budget, time, and skills, you can transform any space with limited time and money. Add a splash of creativity, and your kitchen will look unique, vibrant, and elegant.
