DIWM Kitchen Remodel: Remodeling Your Kitchen as Your Own Contractor

What Skills Do You Need to Manage a Kitchen Renovation by Yourself?

• Vision – You have an overarching and specific vision for your future kitchen, and the ability to articulate that vision to others.
• Organization – You’re skilled at planning ahead. You can organize information (receipts, contracts, schedules), people (suppliers, subcontractors), and objects (products, materials). Logistical missteps equal costly delays.
• Communication – They say a project manager spends 90% of their time communicating the job to be done. You are great at communicating the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of each step of the process. Not only are you good at in-person communication on the job site, but you’re also effective at calling and emailing them to coordinate lead times and schedules.
• Patience – “An episode of HGTV – that’s 30 minutes,” says veteran contractor and kitchen designer Carl. “But a kitchen remodel takes months. During that time, the only thing you can be certain of is that something will surprise you.” When construction plans go awry, or a subcontractor falls ill, you have the composure and patience to press on.
• Purchasing – As your own GC, you will have to supply the building materials and products to be installed. While subcontractors will arrange to purchase the basics (2 x 4’s, electrical wire), you will have to select the flooring, the sink, paint, etc. This can be time-consuming and requires pre-planning on your part.

Do-It-With-Me Checklist

Every project needs preparation. The most important thing you can do before making any moves is outline your budget and set realistic goals. Find inspiration on Pinterest or Houzz and narrow down your top necessities for kitchen improvements. By doing this, you will set the tone for a seamless project and make it easier to attain your remodeling goals. Follow this step-by-step remodeling checklist for a successful kitchen remodel.

Phase 1: Planning (0 - 2 Months)

1. Measure your space
2. Order cabinet samples
3. Talk with a kitchen designer
4. Apply for building permits
5. Finalize your remodeling plans

Phase 2: Order Your Products (1 – 2 Months)

1. Order appliances
2. Order cabinets (2 – 12 weeks)
3. Order complimentary products
4. Inspect and store new products
5. Establish temporary kitchen
6. Pack up your kitchen

Phase 3: Rough Construction (1 – 6 Weeks)

1. Demolish your existing cabinets and kitchen (1 week)
2. Make structural changes (2 – 4 weeks)
3. Rough-in plumbing, mechanical and electrical (3 – 5 days)
4. Install drywall and paint (1 week)
5. Install flooring (2 – 3 days)

Phase 4: Finish Construction (1 – 2 Months)

1. Install cabinets (3 – 5 days)
2. Measure, fabricate and install countertops (2 – 4 weeks)
3. Install appliances and fixtures (1 – 5 days)
4. Finishing details and cabinet hardware (1 – 2 weeks)
5. Install tile backsplash (2 – 3 days)
6. Clean the construction zone (1 – 2 days)

Finally unpack and enjoy your new kitchen remodel!

Average Costs of Do-It-With-Me Remodels

During the planning process of your kitchen remodel, it’s important to do your research on average remodeling costs to create a budget. Most cabinet companies along with other online resources will have articles and guides on average remodeling budgets.

Costs will vary depending on the size of your remodel, the types of materials you are using, upgrades and any customizations you choose. For a general guideline, most kitchen remodeling budgets tend to breakdown to the following percentages:

1. Cabinets: 29%
2. Appliances: 17%
3. Install: 13%
4. Countertop: 11%
5. Lighting & Electrical: 10%
6. Plumbing: 6%
7. Flooring: 5%
8. Backsplash: 5%
9. Miscellaneous: 4%

Before finalizing your budget and any home improvement loans, get estimates on cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring and any trade work that needs to be done. By doing this, you will get the most accurate financial picture for your budget.

Common DIWM Mistakes to Avoid

Missing Kitchen Triangle

At first glance, it might not seem like an issue, but forgetting or foregoing the kitchen work triangle will have repercussions. Some see the concept as outdated, but the concept of a kitchen triangle is to make the kitchen safe and efficient. There are three “legs” of the kitchen triangle that connect the cooktop to the refrigerator and sink.

Each leg needs to be a minimum of 4 feet in length and a maximum of 9 feet, with the total of all legs adding up to no more than 27 feet. Connecting these three main workspaces of the kitchen will benefit the homeowner in more ways than one. Not only will this layout make cooking and food prep easier, but putting away groceries and cleaning up the kitchen will be easier too.

Ignoring the kitchen work triangle can make the kitchen inefficient and awkward. Any time someone lacks kitchen design or space planning experience, typical priorities like the work triangle are lost. For example, this might mean the layout is oversized and the homeowner moves the refrigerator across the room from the main work area.

In some instances, the refrigerator has been placed in another room altogether. This type of layout is not sustainable and will end up causing frustration over time. To avoid layout issues, talk to a CliqStudios designer for free design help.

Lack of Proper Planning

One of the biggest issues during Do-It-With-Me remodels is a lack of proper planning. It’s easy to overlook the details because as your own general contractor (GC), your focus is on the big picture. However, in a kitchen remodel, the details matter.

Delivery & Storage

As your project gets started, don’t forget to plan for deliveries and how they will be stored. Kitchen remodels involve large puzzle pieces like cabinets and appliances. Make sure you coordinate timing and have enough space prepared well in advance. Keep in mind, some products like kitchen cabinets need to be in a temperature-regulated space.

Lead Times

One of the many important tasks that GC’s take care of is coordinating product lead times. In the remodeling industry, there’s always a chance that tile, cabinets, appliances or flooring will have longer lead times. Before making final decisions on your design, consider all the lead times or backorders for each material so you know what to expect when it’s time to coordinate installation.

Underestimating Costs

If it’s your first time remodeling, it’s normal to underestimate costs. Most people don’t have a reference for how much cabinets, countertops and installation will cost. To stay ahead of costs before they cause a budget problem, take some time gathering quotes and estimates. In addition to gathering this information, leave around 10 percent of your budget for ‘extra expenses’ or surprises. Try not to use this as ‘fun money’, but more as a safeguard against going over the pre-set budget.

Buying Cabinets Before Finalizing Appliances

There are a few reasons why buying cabinets before appliances can end badly. Even though most appliances are standard sizes, sometimes homeowners prefer a different model that needs more room or a different size of cabinet. Choosing cabinets and appliances at the same time will prevent this from happening and guarantee your layout works perfectly.

In addition to the floor plan, it’s easy to go overboard with the cabinet budget leaving next to nothing for appliances. If you know you love upgrades, leave some extra money for nicer appliances so you’re not stuck with basic options.

Think you have the skills? If you’re serious about being your own general contractor, then be prepared to plan, research, and learn a lot! To navigate through the major steps of a kitchen remodeling project, read our in-depth article on the kitchen remodeling process to start planning for your new kitchen today!

Learn more about being your own contractor:

1. Should you be your own contractor? – The Spruce
2. Being Your Own General Contractor – Bob Vila