Are you one of those people who just can’t seem to stop scrolling Pinterest and picking up different do-it-yourself projects or tackling home improvements in your free time? If that sounds like you, then a DIY kitchen remodel might be something you’ve considered before but haven’t committed to just yet, perhaps because of the intensity of the project.

Pshh. ✋ Wrong.

We’re here to tell you that you’re plenty capable of tackling a kitchen remodeling project. Just keep this helpful post on hand to get you through different aspects of the process that we’ll discuss below. Our guide for homeowners covers how to:

• Design your new kitchen 🧑‍🎨
• Create a budget 💰
• Source materials 🛍
• Save money 🤑
• Find ideas and inspiration 💡
• Start your DIY kitchen renovation 🛠
• Or get professional quotes for a major kitchen remodel 👷🏼‍♂️

Whether you’re ripping everything out and starting from scratch, or you only want to try your hand at a few simple DIY projects, this in-depth guide provides all of the information you need to get started on that dream kitchen right now. 🫵🏻

6 Simple Steps for Remodeling Your Kitchen

Renovating your old kitchen is relatively straightforward, regardless of if it’s a small space or a large room. As you would when you remodel any other part of your house, you’ll need to decide on a design, determine your budget, and complete a few other critical tasks before starting construction.

Follow these six straightforward steps to get the ball rolling towards a beautiful, newly renovated kitchen:

1.) Find Design Inspiration

If you answered yes to our earlier question about being an avid DIY-er, you probably already have a Pinterest board packed to the brim with inspiration for your upcoming kitchen design. For those people who are less prepared, you can also peruse other places for ideas, including:

• Magazines
• Blogs
• TV shows
• Manufacturer’s catalogs
• YouTube and TikTok videos
• Local showrooms
• Friends’ houses
• Your contractor’s online gallery

Start thinking about your desired color scheme, materials you like, your new kitchen’s layout, and any other fun features you might want to add, like a kitchen island or interesting lighting fixtures.

2.) Make a List of Must-Haves

Once you have a better idea of your dream design, you can whittle it down for a more achievable DIY kitchen remodel project. You should sit down and list out your must-haves as well as anything that might just be an added bonus.

This way, you can prioritize the tasks you 100 percent need to get done during your project and put the less important stuff on the back burner if you want.

3.) Set Your Budget

With your must-have list in hand, you can now start crafting your budget. According to HGTV, the average professional kitchen remodel cost can run you anywhere from $12,500 to $35,000 depending on the details like:

• Size of the space
• Materials used
• Labor costs

Other factors besides the ones listed above will also play a role, but you’ll find plenty of ways to save on your budget kitchen remodeling project when you DIY it.

You want to set a budget and do your best to stick to it, so understand the cost breakdown before diving into your DIY kitchen remodel. New cabinets, appliances, and countertops will take up most of your kitchen reno budget, as well as any major structural changes. At the same time, you might only need to allocate a little bit for more minor details such as your:

• Backsplash
• Lighting
• Plumbing fixtures
• Miscellaneous decor.

It’s also important to put aside at least 20 percent of your budget for unexpected costs because we all know those are bound to pop up during any construction project. If you’re only renovating your kitchen in order to sell your home, you should evaluate how much value the reno will actually add before determining the amount you’re willing to put into the project.

4.) Get Multiple Quotes

Even if you’re thinking about doing the job yourself, it’s still smart to get a couple of quotes from local contractors or home remodelers in your area. This will give you a better estimate of how much your kitchen reno should cost and ensures you have a backup plan if you get too busy or frustrated to finish the project. As you should with any other home renovation, compare quotes from multiple companies to see who will give you the best deals, warranties, and quality of work overall.

5.) Look for Ways to Save

Once you have an estimate of how much your kitchen remodel is going to cost, it’s time to start looking for ways to save money while you source your materials. If you’re determined to stick with your DIY plan, then this is where you’ll have to get a little creative.

You can try scouring salvage yards and antique stores for old cabinets or countertops, or you might be able to get a good deal on appliance bundles by shopping around during seasonal sales.

You can also try to find cheaper substitutes for some of the more expensive materials, like using laminate or butcher block instead of granite and marble. Laminate flooring and self-sticking backsplashes are some other inexpensive options to help you stay within your budget.

6.) Start Construction

After you’ve purchased all the materials for your DIY kitchen project, it’s time to gather your tools and start construction. You can try your hand at a few simple tasks or tackle the entire project yourself. Whatever you choose to do, there are tons of ways to get creative during your DIY kitchen remodel, which we’ll discuss further below.

Designing & Building a Dream Kitchen (All By Yourself)

Now that you know how to get your kitchen remodel started, we can discuss what you actually came here for: learning how to DIY different parts of your kitchen renovation. Take a look!

Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most important and costly aspects of any kitchen remodel is the cabinets. If you’re not planning on completely gutting your kitchen, you might get away with just painting or staining your existing cabinets to give them a fresh new look.

You can also try to find cheap used cabinets at garage sales or salvage yards, or you can buy new cabinets at a discount by shopping during seasonal sales. Just make sure you measure the space before making any purchase, so you know exactly what will fit.

If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can try building kitchen cabinets from scratch. This is definitely a more complicated task, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. You’ll have custom cabinets to perfectly fit your kitchen and your personal style.

Video Tutorial: How to Paint Cabinets – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeIT8gTwAP8 

Countertops & Tile

Like kitchen cabinets, countertops and backsplash tile are also major focal points in any kitchen, so you’ll want to choose something that fits both your needs and your style. Laminate or butcher block counters are affordable alternatives you can install alone, but you’ll need professional help if you plan to have heavy materials like marble, granite, or quartz in your kitchen.

Installing your backsplash is easy, too, since they even sell peel-and-stick tiles at many major home improvement stores. Otherwise, you can always go the classic grout route, which is a pretty straightforward project as well.

Video Tutorial: Tiling a Backsplash – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lRBvYsono4 

Flooring

Installing new flooring is another great way to update your kitchen without breaking the bank. Many DIYers choose laminate or vinyl plank because it’s cheap and easy to install, but there are plenty of other options out there too. If you’re feeling ambitious, then you can try your hand at tile floors too, but we recommend staying away from hardwood in the kitchen.

Genuine Hardwood vs. Laminate Flooring or Tile

Although hardwood floors offer timeless beauty, they can get scuffed and scratched up quite easily. You don’t want to install something that shows a lot of wear in a high-traffic room like the kitchen. That’s why so many people choose to put laminate floors, natural stone, or porcelain tile in the kitchen.

Video Tutorial: How to Install Laminate Flooring – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP7B9B7WX1E 

Paint or Wallpaper

One of the quickest and easiest ways to change the look of your kitchen is to give the walls a fresh coat of paint or hang some new wallpaper. If you’re not sure what color to choose, then you can always go with a classic white or cream, then compliment it with vibrant decor. Or, if you want something bolder, try a bright accent wall or textured removable wallpaper.

Video Tutorial: How to Use Peel & Stick Wallpaper – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2wRziAE1n0 

Lighting

Whether you’re looking for some under-cabinet task lighting or just want to install a new ceiling fan, adding or changing the lighting in your kitchen is a quick and easy project that makes a big difference. You can find all kinds of fixtures at your local home improvement store or buy them online. Just make sure you know how to install them before you start!

Video Tutorial: Installing Under-Cabinet Lighting – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyxeVhGRdB4 

Faucets & Sinks

If your kitchen sink looks a little worse for wear, you might want to consider replacing it. This is a pretty easy project that you can do yourself, and it’s a great way to update the look of your kitchen. You can find all kinds of different styles and materials for kitchen sinks, so take your time to find one that you love.

As for faucets, there are tons of different styles and finishes to choose from. You can even get ones with built-in water filters, which is great if you’re on city water. Just make sure you get one that’s the right size for your sink!

Video Tutorial: Replacing a Kitchen Sink – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBXJ_9Yh__U 

Appliances

Although appliances aren’t something that most people think of as being “DIY,” there are quite a few things you can do to them to update their look. For instance, you can buy new appliance pulls and handles or even paint them with special appliance paint. You can also refinish your cabinets to match your new appliances. In addition, you can also DIY the installation of any new appliances you purchase.

Video Tutorial: Installing New Appliances – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97EdR_w5jM4 

Home Decor & Other DIY Projects

Once you’ve tackled the big projects, it’s time to start thinking about the smaller details. This is where you can really let your personality shine through in your kitchen. You can add basic home decor, like a vase of fresh flowers or a beautiful painting. You can also DIY some fun kitchen accessories, like a spice rack or a utensil holder.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to kitchen decor, so have fun with it and let your creativity really come through!

Video Tutorial: DIY Spice Rack – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1IqYHKHaHc 

Structural Changes

Some aspects of a kitchen renovation are complicated, labor-intensive, require you to meet specific codes, or are even too dangerous to do on your own. For example, you don’t want to blindly take down a load-bearing wall or install a window that won’t meet local building codes. Some things are better off left to the professionals, like:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Demolition
• Installation of other features (windows, doors, etc.)

Moving electrical wiring and plumbing lines are some of the most difficult things to do, so if you’re thinking of switching up your layout, you’ll need to hire a licensed home remodeler to achieve your finished kitchen.

You Don’t Need to Do It All

Even though it can be incredibly fun and rewarding to do your own kitchen remodeling project, you probably don’t have all the necessary tools and skills to tackle every aspect of the job. And that’s okay! If that weren’t a common experience, everyone would be running their own home remodeling company.

For the parts of your kitchen renovation that you just can’t finish yourself, put your trust in an experienced remodeling team like Homeworx instead. We have the expertise to elevate your DIY kitchen remodel design and create the kitchen of your dreams with ease.

So, when you’ve exhausted all of your own efforts, and you’re ready to throw in the towel and call this DIY project done, get in touch! Contact our team to start your kitchen redo today.