Before You Start a DIY Kitchen Renovation...
If you can, try living in your kitchen for a while and write down the pain points. Not just colors and the looks of it, but really layout your kitchen and see what is working well and what isn’t. For instance, the only access to our backyard was a door that was deep into the kitchen next to the sink. People would have to squeeze by anyone working in the kitchen and it was a true pain point. Another main pain point for us is the lack of counter space, but I think that is everyone’s issue! See some of our before pictures to see the akward layout of our original kitchen.
Plan
Once you decide the functionality of your kitchen and have a vision of your ideal space, it’s time for the fun part – Planning! Now, you will notice that you might think one way is the best way, but be sure to ask around.
For example, we thought having an entirely open concept would give the maximum amount of space for a kitchen island. However, after speaking with a friend, he suggested a peninsula and keeping the current hallway wall where it is to create privacy in the back rooms. This is especially important in our home because the front door has a straight view into our entire hallway and most private space. The peninsula then gave us more cabinetry and tons more counter space.
Another thing to consider is your list of MUST HAVES and WANTS. Yes, there is a difference as you may want a hide-away microwave because it looks nice, but you must have a pull out trash can cabinet because there is no where else to put one. Try thinking of things that you wish you had in your kitchen and then see if they are just a bonus or essential.
Quick Tips:
1 – The sink should be facing a window if possible
2 – The flow is very important. See more about The Triangle Zones.
3 – The stove needs at least 18 inches free on either side to be considered “safe”
4 – Always go with a “soft-close” cabinet options
5 – You need a kitchen outlet every 2 feet & they need to be GFI rated
6 – Consider your light switch placement. If you want multiple mood-settings, like under cabinet lighting, or pendant lights.
7 – You need a gas line to connect your stove and a water pipe to connect your sink and dishwasher
8 – Sink options include under-mount, drop-in, top-mount, or farmhouse.
9 – There are also many different types of sink materials like stainless steel, granite, porcelain, and copper to name a few!
10 – Standard-size sinks are 33 inches wide
11 – Standard dishwasher sizes are 24 inches wide
12 – Standard 5 burner stoves are 30 inches wide
13 – Standard base cabinets are 24 inches deep (something to consider with an island).
14 – Standard wall cabinets are 15 inches deep.
15 – A comfortable counter overhang for sitting is 12 inches, but 15 is ideal.
Planning Tools
If you are not sure where to start, there are free online planning apps you can look into. That way, once you are ready to take the plunge, you have a direction you are thinking of going in.
Here are some of the mockups I planned on paper, and with an app on Google Chrome known as RoomStyler 3D Planner. I also found Ikea’s Kitchen planner to be helpful because, at the time, I was certain we would build our kitchen with Ikea cabinets. Both of these apps are great because you can see a 3D rendering of what your space will look like.
Style
Planning and styling go hand-in-hand, but it’s good to plan out your personal space so you are aware of your limitations and can hone in on what will make your kitchen an ideal space for you. The first thing is looking at inspirational photos of the “perfect kitchen” and seeing what it is you like about each one. Is it the fixtures, the cabinet color, countertop look? As you look into more and more images, or even better – walking around the stores. You will start to really feel the style you are going for.
Most people already know this, but Pinterest is a great resource to start a collection of images to boost your interests. What people might not know is Instagram, or even Google are also hubs for lots of interesting finds as well.
Style Tips
1 – Tile: This is a big one! There are way too many options and the price varies dramatically.
2 – Cabinet Color: We chose a two-tone kitchen where we had dark cabinets on the bottom and light cabinets on top. We have a family and although an all-white kitchen seems beautiful, it just won’t stay pretty.
3 – Flooring: We went with a waterproof laminate flooring that looks like hardwood. It’s perfect for us because we have a dog and this floor is scratchproof.
4 – Cabinet Handles: There are so many styles to choose from, and they can change the look of your kitchen. Drew really likes gold (he’s Italian), so we went with gold cabinet handles. I really wish we went with minimalist black ones, but we can always change them later when he gets sick of them.
Mood Board
Once you know what your style is, you can create a “mood board” to make sure all the little things you love about each kitchen you see, will in-fact fit together cohesively. Grab images of the items you love and paste them onto a word doc or whatever program you are comfortable with.
Now, here is the important part… Look at it a week after you create the board. Is there anything that negatively stands out? Look into other options before you commit. Go to Ally’s Kitchen Renovation Pinterest Board to see all our inspirational images.
Set A Budget
You need to set a budget. Once you set a budget, you need to lessen it by 1/3 to account for unforeseen costs. For example, if you can afford a $30,000 kitchen renovation, you will need to budget for $20,000. I promise you will spend the full $30,000 either way. This is to hopefully ensure you won’t go over the $30,000. Mind you, there are a few things you won’t have to pay up-front, like the cabinets or appliances, so you can take that into consideration.
The Costs We Had To Consider
1 – DEMO: Even if you are planning on demoing yourself, you will need to account for the dump truck, any rentals like a jackhammer, and demo tools if you don’t already own them.
2 – CABINETS: You will want to shop around on this one, and certainly, ask for referrals from others who have already gone through this process! This option could save you thousands. You can save money by building the cabinets yourself.
3 – APPLIANCES: A huge expense if you are purchasing new appliances. I suggest going with all the same brand for a cohesive look.
4 – COUNTERTOPS: Another big chunk of our budget went towards quartz countertops. A cheaper option to marble or granite. You can also go with an extremely cheap option of laminate or linoleum, but I highly advise against that for resale value’s sake. Kitchens sell houses.
5 – ELECTRICAL / PLUMBING: With a full kitchen renovation, you will need an electrician and a plumber. The materials can also add up such as GFI outlets, light switches or dimmers, and Romex.
6 – WINDOWS / DOORS: We purchased a new window, french doors, front door, and pantry door all from the same company. Even though we installed these ourselves (with the exception of the front door), we still had to pay for someone to stucco the outside. Another type of item you want to shop around for. Small shops tend to be cheaper.
7 – BUILDING MATERIALS – This includes insulation, drywall, drywall screws, 2x4s, plywood, flashing (for windows & doors), crown molding, backsplash tile, grout, flooring, Mud, and paint. All seem cheap on their own, but they add up.
8 – FIXTURES: Cabinet handles, kitchen sink faucet.
9 – LIGHTING: Pendant lights, puck lights, and under-cabinet lights
Schedule a Realistic Timeline
In order for your kitchen renovation to be as quick as possible with everything lining up, you will want a timeline schedule.
Our Kitchen Renovation Timeline:
1 – ORDER WINDOWS / DOORS / CABINETS / FLOORING / COUNTERTOPS: Once you have a plan, you should order everything you will need to install your kitchen as soon as possible. Some items, like the doors and windows, can take up to five weeks to be available for install. Get that part out of the way first, so they are ready ahead of time and you can pick them up at your leisure.
2 – DEMO: Who will be doing the demo? Do you have the proper equipment? How will you get rid of the waste? If you are renting a dump truck from the city, you will need to get permits etc.
3 – ELECTRICAL / PLUMBING: After the demo, you will want to install your electrical and plumbing while the walls are still open. You will need a timeline from your electrician and plumber as to when they can start and finish their job, and what they need from you.
4 – WINDOWS / DOORS: If you are getting these professionally installed, it is easiest for them when you are down to the studs. When they don’t have to retrofit it will be a whole lot easier.
5 – INSULATE / DRYWALL / MUD / PAINT: We hired someone for the mudding and paint part. This is an art, and to get smooth ceilings, you need a pro. But, you need to be on the schedule and allow at least a week for them to finish mudding, and paint. You can wait to paint after you install your cabinets, but we wanted that part done in one shot.
6 – BUILD & INSTALL CABINETS: Some people choose to install their flooring before they install cabinets, and to me, that is a personal preference. We wanted to drill the base cabinets directly into the floor. Drew also wanted to install receptacles into the peninsula cabinets. It is a lot easier to do without the flooring already in place.
7: APPLIANCES: Your stove will need to be hooked up to your gas line, so your plumber will have to come back out to connect that for you. Also, ask your plumber to connect your dishwasher to the correct pipe as well. In most cases, you will not be able to install your sink until your countertops are in place, so he will need to come back out a third time to complete that part.
8 – FLOORING: – Once the base cabinets are in you can install your flooring.
9 – COUNTERTOPS / KITCHEN SINK / LIGHTING / CROWN MOLDING / BASEBOARDS. Since these items are all separate from each other, you can schedule them at the same time.
10 – BACKSPLASH: You can’t install your backsplash without first installing your countertops. It is a whole lot easier to install the tile on top of the counters.
11 – OUTLET COVER PLATES: Once your tile is installed, your electrician can complete his job by putting the cover plates at the correct depth, which depends on your backsplash.
Demo
Now is the moment of truth! You have your dream kitchen all mapped out, the plans are printed, cabinets are selected, and the orders have been placed! Time to transform your kitchen. When you demo, you will want to block off any part of your house that will not be torn down. The demo is so messy and you will be living in the dust until the walls are sealed back up.
Remove the wall
Reroute gas lines / Electrical
Replace Doors / Windows
Insulation & Drywall
You need green waterproof drywall in your kitchen area by the sink and dishwasher.
Mudding and Paint
Cabinets
You can see we used a 2×4 to place the wall cabinets on. That way, you just need to ensure the 2×4 is level and at the right height away from the ceiling then just place each cabinet on top of it! We found this time-saving tip and many other kitchen renovation ideas on the Home RenoVision DIY Youtube Channel. Base cabinets are tricky. You want to be level front to back and along the width of each. You also want to screw both the wall cabinets and base cabinets to each other for a tighter fit!.
Flooring
Fixtures
Counter tops
Backsplash
Final Look
Shop our Kitchen
Shop our Kitchen Appliances
Our Local Vendors
Final Thoughts
This kitchen is so beautiful and spacious! I enjoy cooking in this kitchen because everything has a place. Due to the fact that we took so long to meticulously plan every square inch to maximum capacity, it really shows in the final look. The key for us was to envision a space that would work for everyday use and entertaining. For example, we don’t have room for a dedicated dining space, so a peninsula with no obstacles like a sink or stove is essential to utilize the square footage.
We also want the style to be timeless. Since we know we will not be staying in this house forever, we chose colors and styles we feel the average buyer would love. Keep in mind, Kitchens sell houses! If you are questioning your own personal DIY kitchen renovation style or layout choices, don’t be afraid to ask for help! You never know what ideas you might find.
