It may surprise you to learn that the average homeowner spends approximately $6,000 per year on home renovations. One of the most common is a kitchen remodel project, something that can add a substantial amount of value to a house. While it’s possible to complete a DIY kitchen remodel, it’s never recommended to do so due to the complications that can arise.
We’ve put together a brief guide that highlights areas of concern and alternatives you can take. Let’s explore the key information you need to know.
DIY Remodeling
As the name implies, this process involves doing everything yourself. You’ll need to handle the labor, and you’ll also need to purchase all the supplies/tools yourself.
Renovating a kitchen by yourself requires a substantial time commitment and diligence regarding project management. Even if you have the skills to handle DIY, you might not be able to plan the project correctly.
Unnecessary delays can impact your quality of life. You might not be able to use the kitchen in your home and cause your family inconvenience, for example.
It’s important to note that DIY projects come with substantial risks. Let’s explore this topic in detail below.
Dangers of DIY Remodeling
One of the most notable DIY risks is getting injured during your project. This can even occur during tasks that seem innocuous. For instance, removing tiles or changing light fixtures could cause bruises, cuts, or muscle strain.
Using a ladder is inherently risky, as well. Falling from a few feet or higher can result in major injury or death.
The risk of property damage is also substantial. If your remodeling project involves modifying plumbing or writing, it’s not unlikely for you to cause water damage, fire damage, or get electrocuted. It’s worth noting that DIY renovations tend to be of a much lower quality.
The appearance of your kitchen remodel will likely fall short of your expectations. Functionality is also a potential issue.
For example, imagine your kitchen renovation required the installation of new lights and a garbage disposal. Despite not having experience with either of these, you decide to attempt the renovation on your own.
Against all odds, you complete the project. However, the garbage disposal doesn’t function properly and there are issues with the wiring.
There’s a good chance you’d need to hire a professional to resolve these issues. You could avoid major problems by choosing professional installation in the first place.
Professional Remodeling
The primary deterrent for professional remodeling is the project budget. There’s a good chance you’ll spend more money hiring a contractor than you would if you only bought the supplies and handled the labor yourself.
However, there’s also a good chance you’ll invest much more time. Depending on your schedule, your project could take weeks or even months longer than you expected. If you don’t have an abundance of free time, you might not be able to feasibly handle your renovation.
By working with a professional, you can focus on other areas of your life, such as spending time with friends or family. Letting a contractor handle your kitchen renovation can also create extra time for you to renovate other areas of your home yourself. As previously mentioned, you should only do so if you’re able to do so quickly while avoiding mistakes.
Making Your Decision
In nearly every situation, choosing a professional is the superior choice. They have the tools and experience to help you streamline the project and avoid complications. DIY is only recommended for those who have substantial experience with kitchen remodeling, which is something most homeowners lack.
When hiring a professional, it’s crucial to budget appropriately. People who overlook this obligation could potentially pay far more than they want to.
Your decision will also be impacted by how soon you need the project completed. For instance, you might have a vacant rental property and plan to renovate the kitchen on your own without caring how quickly you complete it.
Finding a Professional
Not all kitchen remodel contractors are created equal, and it’s imperative to do your research before making a decision. Check their online reputation to see what other people have to say about their services.
There should be no shortage of positive feedback from previous clients. Pay close attention to how they handle criticism.
If they get defensive or aggressive, this is a sign you need to look elsewhere. It’s also important to keep an eye out for fake reviews. These are often posted in batches and contain many of the same keywords.
Their pricing structure is essential to assess, as well. This will help you avoid financial surprises. It’s best to avoid the cheapest options you encounter.
These tend to cut corners, making them likely to fall short of your goals. However, it’s not recommended to go with the most expensive service providers. There’s a point of diminishing returns regarding how much you budget for.
Somewhere in the middle of the price range can help you meet your goals without overspending. Do they have examples of their past projects on their website?
While inexperienced service providers won’t always fall short of your goals, you’re taking a risk by hiring them. Look for someone who’s been around for at least a decade and has no shortage of projects on their site.
This will give you the greatest chance of things going your way. How do they handle customer support?
Ask about their policy regarding scenarios where the customer is dissatisfied with the work completed. With enough vigilance, you shouldn’t have an issue finding the best option for your situation.
Don’t Attempt a DIY Kitchen Remodel
Pursuing a DIY kitchen remodel is never recommended and can lead to many complications. The information in this guide will help you understand the benefits of hiring a professional and allow you to find the best one.
NW Remodeling prides itself on providing high-quality renovations for our clients. We aim to exceed all expectations and deliver fast results without sacrificing quality. You’ll learn more about how we can help when you get a free quote today.
