Thinking of giving your kitchen a makeover? While it can be a great investment, anyone who has done any DIY renovation before knows that it can be a major hassle. There are many visible changes you might wish to make: counters, cabinets, sink, etc. And other changes not visible, but very necessary like a new garbage disposal or new electrical wiring. However, you can make it easier if you follow this kitchen renovation checklist that has worked over and over again. Here is our battle-tested checklist of things you should do when prepping for a DIY kitchen makeover.
Kitchen Renovation Checklist
1. Agree on Your Budget
Budgeting is usually a sensitive topic, but when planning a project like this, you have to quickly decide your spending limits. You don’t want a situation where halfway through, you are out of money.
Set down the money you are comfortable spending and also keep aside a portion of that for unexpected costs. Those will definitely come knocking.
2. Design a Layout You Love
Kitchens are some of the coziest places in a home, but you have to design a layout that achieves that purpose. Depending on your lifestyle, there are various kitchen layouts you can consider. You can go for a rustic, farmhouse style or transform it into an Italian or Gothic kitchen. The options are limitless.
It really is your call— just make sure you and the family are comfortable with whatever choices you make.
3. Identify What Needs to be Refurbished or Upgraded
Identifying what needs to be upgraded or refurbished ties into your budget. This step is crucial to the success of your project. To make these decisions, ask yourself the following:
- Do you plan to add a kitchen island?
- Are your appliances still in good condition, or do you need to upgrade and replace them?
- Do you need to refurbish or change the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems?
- Do you plan to add a Drywall?
Establishing the amount of work you need to do here also can help you decide if you need additional help from an expert. While it’s a DIY project, you really should consider calling in the experts if there are sections of the project you have no expertise at handling. It’s not just for your safety but also to ensure that the work is done properly. A drywall contractor, for example, knows more than just the actual installation of the drywall. They understand your space, and its limitations, and can take your ideas and show you how it may be possible. They can also tell you why it may not be a good idea to do it one way but may be a great idea with some tweaks. They can be invaluable in your project and are the professionals who can make sure everything works like clockwork.
4. Gather the Right Tools
Gathering the right tools for the job is the first indicator that you plan to get this project right. Some essential tools include:
- Hammers
- Mig welder or soldering machine
- Screwdrivers
- Paint gun
- Utility knife
- Knife sharpener
- Crowbar
- Cordless drill and bits
- Tape measure
- Basic level
- Saws
- Flashlights
- Various types of tape for plumbing and electrical work
If you need do to any heavy-duty renovation work, such as welding aluminum, make sure to check reviews before purchasing your equipment to ensure you get the best tool for the job. For example, if you are using MIG welder for heavy renovation, make sure you are using a Welding helmet for the safety. You can check best welding helmets before buying. Getting in all the tools can make the difference in both the major and tiny details of your kitchen remodeling. While they might seem a lot, each serves its purpose.
5. Choose Your Renovation Season
Renovating your kitchen can sometimes mean that you need to cook elsewhere temporarily, usually outside the home. You don’t want to be caught cooking outside in a rainstorm—that’s an unimaginable disaster. To forestall issues like this, carefully pick the right season to renovate your kitchen.
You also need to ensure this renovation doesn’t happen during the busy times of the year for the family. You don’t want to be caught squat in renovation during the holiday seasons with kids running all over the place.
The Bottomline
Peeling counter-tops and broken cabinet doors do not inspire family time or gourmet cooking. Turning your kitchen into a beautiful space to prepare and eat meals can improve your family time. However, do your best to stick to the plan and budget.
