Kitchen Remodeling – Should I hire a professional or DIY?

Planning a kitchen remodel is no small feat. You’ve taken charge and nailed down a budget, inspiration, and layout. You may have already picked out what appliances you want.

At that point, you feel you practically have a degree in kitchen remodeling. “Should I hire a professional or DIY the whole thing myself?” is an understandable and common question.

Today, we’re weighing the pros and cons of kitchen remodeling: professional vs. DIY. Stay tuned as we compare the costs, the level of effort, and, of course, the results.

Kitchen remodeling: Professional vs DIY

“If it were easy, everyone would do it.” DIY kitchen remodeling isn’t for everyone, but is it for you? Here are the biggest advantages and drawbacks of professional vs DIY kitchen remodeling.

Pros and cons of DIY kitchen remodeling

PRO: You might save money on labor.

You can cut costs on some tasks by doing them yourself. For instance, it may be highly appealing to save hundreds by spending a day or two removing old flooring yourself.

CON: You may make expensive mistakes.

You went all out on cabinets and installed them yourself. But you did it before adding new appliances, and now they don’t fit. This is just one of many frustrating, costly mistakes DIY remodelers make.

You also probably still need to hire skilled professionals like plumbers, HVAC techs, and electricians. A mistake in these areas can devastate your entire home.

PRO: You’ll have complete control.

You won’t have to worry about the influence and input of others. The freedom that comes with DIY kitchen remodeling is just another point of pride in pulling off the job.

CON: You lack the professional experience to execute your vision.

Choosing a material is one thing. Finding it (and finding it at the best price) is another challenge. Professional remodelers spend their entire careers building relationships with suppliers to bring your vision to life.

They also have more experience with permits and code compliance – one of the biggest headaches DIYers face.

PRO: The schedule is very flexible.

Don’t want contractors making a ton of noise first thing in the morning? When you DIY, everything is carried out on your terms. You can even adjust your plan on the fly.

CON: You’re running out of time.

Remodeling your own kitchen is a physically rigorous, time-consuming task. It’s common to fall behind on your own schedule, leaving you without the critical functions of a working kitchen.

Not to mention, you’re taking this on in addition to your usual responsibilities, increasing the risk of burnout.

Pros and cons of professional kitchen remodeling

PRO: Professionals have the experience and knowledge.

Contractors and design professionals know how to execute complex remodels. They know how to locate what’s needed and can anticipate what the biggest challenges will be.

CON: Their experience and knowledge come at a price.

Chances are, you’re considering going DIY because you know how expensive a professional can be. You will ultimately have to choose between increasing the odds of a great remodel and keeping costs as low as possible.

PRO: Contractors can get kitchen remodels done faster.

You won’t have to sacrifice any of your free time. Many professionals have employees to help them complete tasks in less than half of the time it would take you to do it yourself.

CON: Their timeline may not align with yours.

Many professionals are working on different phases of multiple projects at a time. You don’t get to decide which days they’re available. You also don’t always have control over when they carry out the most disruptive tasks.

PRO: Insurance and warranties reduce risks.

Contractors carry liability insurance and offer warranties. If someone gets hurt or something breaks, there’s a decent chance that you won’t need to worry about the costs associated with that.

CON: There are challenges and surprises on every remodeling job.

Surprise expenses should be a part of your budget because they almost always occur. Material prices increase, deliveries experience delays, and humans make mistakes. Hiring a professional does not guarantee 100% smooth sailing.

Professional kitchen remodeling cost vs DIY

DIY kitchen remodeling can cost approximately 20% less than hiring a professional. Labor accounts for most of these cost savings. A $30,000 remodel handled by a professional can potentially cost $24,000 if you DIY it.

Remember that you will be exchanging your time, effort, and liability for those savings.

BONUS: DIY kitchen remodeling tips

If you’re determined to go your own way, keep these DIY kitchen remodeling tips in mind:

• Spend more time planning than you think you need to. Do not start demolishing your existing kitchen on a whim. It’s tempting to take action when inspiration strikes, but a carefully laid plan is the best way to save money on your DIY remodel.
• Do not cut corners on utilities. Plumbing, electrical, and ventilation are a few essentials you need professional expertise for. Knowing what you can reasonably take on is crucial to a successful result.
• Research, read, and never neglect regulations. Before you do something you’ve never done before, check multiple sources to see how to complete it. Follow instructions as closely as possible. And don’t forget to check local codes to meet all legal requirements.
• Choose durability and quality over appearance. For the larger investments, choose function over fashion. A certain color, material, or finish may be on-trend this year, but what matters is how long it will last and how it performs in your kitchen.
• Accept that it’s a learning experience. Stay flexible and realistic with expectations. You’ll gain valuable new skills, but disappointments are inevitable as well. It’s rarely too late to reach out to a pro who can pitch in.

Need more insight? The Designery can help.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, the decision between professional and DIY isn’t clear-cut. Many homeowners elect to do both, handling smaller tasks they know they’re equipped for and outsourcing the rest.

The biggest factor in success is knowing what you’re getting into. If you want a better idea of what to expect when remodeling, we can help. Contact The Designery today for your free design consultation. We have the inspiration and proven expertise to help you take the next step in your kitchen remodel.

FAQ

Is it cheaper to remodel a kitchen yourself?

Remodeling a kitchen yourself can save you an average of 20% on labor costs. However, these savings can be eliminated by common mistakes and unforeseen expenses associated with DIY remodels.

How hard is it to remodel a kitchen yourself?

Remodeling a kitchen yourself is one of the most difficult DIY jobs a homeowner can take on. The precise level of difficulty is dependent on:

• Prior experience
• Size of the kitchen
• Complexity of the remodel
• Your available time
• Your physical capabilities

What are the benefits of hiring a kitchen remodeler?

The biggest benefits of hiring a professional kitchen remodeler include experience, time, and risk reduction. Professional remodelers know how to locate and install the materials and appliances you want. They complete jobs faster than most DIYers and are less likely to make costly mistakes.