Thinking about a new look for your kitchen in 2020? If you are handy with tools or have a flair for design, you might think about making it a DIY project. So when does it makes sense to hire a contractor for kitchen remodeling services and when should you do it yourself? Well, it depends.
Installing hardware is a great DIY project
DIY Projects
Are you handy with tools and a paint brush? Try patching, sanding and painting walls yourself. Make sure all surfaces are clean before you start. In a kitchen, grease gets every where, even where you don’t suspect. Successful painting begins with careful preparation. If you can prep, you can paint. Just make sure the paint goes on the walls and not the cabinets, floors, and appliances.
If you have basic knowledge of wiring and are smart enough to cut the power before you start work, you can swap out light fixtures. Just make sure the next fixture is roughly the same size as the old fixture. Take care to make sure the light output is sufficient for the kitchen. It’s dangerous to work in a dark kitchen.
Swapping out cabinet hardware is almost child’s play. If you’ve got a screwdriver and are swapping knobs for knobs and pulls for pulls, you’ve got this one down cold. If your hardware change involves changing the type of hardware, you may need to drill additional holes or patch and stain existing holes. Avoid patching and staining. Use a drill for guide holes.
Hiring Kitchen Remodeling Services
So when should you hire a contractor for kitchen remodeling services? Well, if major structural changes are involved it’s best to get a contractor.
Does the job require a permit and inspections? It’s a hassle, but for your protection. Hire a pro for those jobs.
If the skills required to do the job stretch your current skill set, it’s time to bring in the pros. Do you really want to hone your woodworking skills on custom cabinetry? Probably not. The risk of failure is high as well as the cost.
If a change in the mechanical systems is involved, definitely hire those kitchen remodeling services out. You don’t want to be the one moving plumbing, gas lines, electrical conduit, or HVAC ductwork. These trades take years to learn and there’s a reason performing them requires a license. Screw up here and you put lives and structural integrity at risk. Saving a few bucks just isn’t work it.
Maybe a Blend is Right for You
If you’re itching to get your hands dirty, then maybe a blend is right for you. Hire a pro for the floors and cabinets and you can handle painting and installing the refrigerator.
Or maybe you want to remove the old, greasy wallpaper or tile backsplash before the pros come in. That might be the perfect plan.
Just because you hire a pro for your kitchen remodel doesn’t mean you can’t still be involved. When you interview and get estimates, talk to the contractor about your desire to get hands on. They may have suggestions of how you can help and where you need to back off.
Whether you want to do part of it yourself or rely totally on a pro, look to Inspired Remodels for all your remodeling needs. Custom cabinets, new floors, and open floor plans are just a few of the possibilities. Call (949) 716-1938 and let’s discuss your project. There’s no time like 2020 for the kitchen of your dreams.