Cabinets with a vintage feel. The flooring is filthy. Storage is a problem. Appliances that are out of date.
Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash
If your kitchen sounds like this, a renovation is undoubtedly on your wish list. But what precisely goes into a kitchen renovation? To be honest, it might be a massive task. The key is to understand the procedure before you begin since your success is dependent on following the stages in the correct order.
Considerations for Safety
Turning off the water and electricity before beginning the demo, wearing protective clothing (such as gloves, heavy-duty shoes, and eye protection), and using the correct tools are all important safety precautions. Following municipal code standards and consulting specialists for jobs that are above your ability level will also assist to safeguard your safety.
Failure to adhere to safety guidelines, according to Barton, can result in a slew of issues with your project, including bodily harm.
Make a Strategy
Even if you’re ready to get started, wait until you’ve drawn up a thorough kitchen makeover plan before removing that filthy old sink or ordering a new smart refrigerator. This comprehensive plan helps you to marry your vision with your budget, as well as assess if you can complete the job on your own or whether you should seek the advice of remodeling pros.
The scope, also known as the extent, can range from a simple aesthetic update to a “complete gut,” which most likely means ripping down walls and reorganizing your plan. (Some of this work may need permits.) It’s common to fall somewhere in the middle, but it all relies on the goals you’ve set for your kitchen.
Demolition and/or Preparation of Your Kitchen
It’s time for the demo now that you have a plan and understand your scope.
At this point, you may pull up your dingy oak cabinets from 1985, remove that unsightly, deteriorating range hood, and rip up your ancient vinyl flooring. (If your project is small, you may only need to prepare the walls for painting or remove the existing backsplash.) For all of your building garbage, Lovato suggests renting a huge dumpster so you can throw it out as soon as you’re done.
According to Barton, when you finish the demo, you may prepare for the rest of the project by beginning any necessary framing or foundation work.
Install Drywall
Double-check your measurements (you’ll need enough drywall to cover all of the walls and ceiling) and make sure you have all of the essential tools and supplies before you start drywalling.
For this project, you’ll need a 48-inch T-square.
- Knives with tape
- Tape for drywall
- Screws Screwdriver
- Saw for drywall
- Pole for sanding
- Paddle for mixing
- Mask to protect against dust
Remember to leave time for clean-up during this step, since drywall dust is relentless. Before going on, you’ll want to get rid of it (a shop vacuum is your best bet for this job).
Repaint the Walls
Painting is the stage at which you can finally see your vision come to life. Furthermore, painting is a rather simple task. (You may choose your paint colors and complete the painting on the same day.)
TIP: Consider the color and design of the cabinets you plan to install, as well as the overall mood you want to achieve when choosing a paint color.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your options? Take a few paint samples and understand that painting is more of a trial-and-error procedure. And if you need assistance, get it from a professional. Many designers provide color consultations, which allows you to enlist the help of a professional without breaking the bank. You should be careful with the paint. The paint should go along with the other elements of the kitchen, such as tables or other elements such as a custom range hood.
Cabinets and flooring
Some experts advise that cabinets be installed first, while others advise that flooring be installed first. In the end, it’s up to you. Because she loves the clean look of cabinetry over the look of carpeting.
When it comes to function, though, laying the flooring down first is appropriate. Just keep in mind that delivery might take weeks, if not months, depending on the cabinets you purchase, so plan.
Place an order for countertops and have them installed.
After your cabinets are installed, you may begin measuring for new countertops. This stage happens after the cabinet installation because of the high level of precision required in measurement. Make sure your sink is available throughout this period.
Be prepared for a little pause while the countertops are being delivered. This is an excellent moment, according to Lovato, to purchase any last-minute things like backsplash materials, hardware, decorative lighting, and barstools.
The manner of installation is highly dependent on the material you choose. While certain materials, like laminate, are easy to install, others, such as granite, are more difficult, so keep this in mind when making your decision.
When to Hire a Professional
Most of the chores outlined above, like painting and adding a backsplash, may be handled by an experienced DIYer for smaller remodels. Consult a contractor for major work, such as plumbing and electrical, to guarantee safety and correct completion of the makeover. The last thing you want to do is jeopardize the structural and functional integrity of your kitchen.