DIY VS. PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN REMODELING
DIY vs. Professional Kitchen Remodeling
There are two options for kitchen renovations: a DIY project or hiring a professional kitchen company. Each course of action has its pros and cons, and the choice will largely depend on the price you’re willing to pay and the amount of labor you’re willing to invest.
In this entry, we’ll break down the pros and cons of DIY and professional kitchen remodeling to help you make a decision.
What are the pros and cons of hiring a professional kitchen contractor?
Pros:
High-quality work
Many homeowners have a knack for small-scale renovations, but it’s usually not enough for a satisfactory kitchen remodeling. Conversely, certified kitchen contractors have years of experience under their belt that exceed anything an average person can do in their kitchen. As a result, professional kitchen contractors deliver higher quality.
Additionally, there are some tasks that only an expert should do. For instance, hiring an electrician to handle electrical wiring is far safer than doing it yourself. A fire, electrocution, or other accident resulting from electrical work that wasn’t performed by a certified electrician could even result in the refusal of the insurance carrier to pay the claim.
No elbow grease
With kitchen contractors handling all the work, all you have to do is pay for the kitchen renovation. In other words, there’s no need to slave away in the kitchen for many weeks or months.
Professional networks
Hiring a professional kitchen company to oversee the remodeling means that you don’t have to hire more people or buy additional equipment. Hiring a professional kitchen renovation contractor will allow you to access many subcontractors who meet strict deadlines and bring all the tools and equipment an average homeowner can’t obtain.
Cons:
Strangers and noise
Most people don’t like the idea of having strangers in their home. This can get especially annoying if the works are prolonged. Furthermore, noise can make daily lives much more complex and disrupt everyday routines.
Higher prices
Apart from the standard kitchen renovation costs, some other expenses may come into play. For instance, some pets can’t handle all the commotion, meaning that paying for their accommodation is necessary.
Potential contingencies
There have been many cases where a kitchen renovation contractor went over their budget, schedule, or caused considerable damage to people’s houses. To prevent that, make sure to inspect the background of prospective contractors thoroughly before hiring them.
What are the pros and cons of DIY kitchen remodeling?
Pros:
Cost-efficiency
You can save about 30% of the total renovation cost if you perform the remodel without kitchen professionals. This way, additional funds are available for appliances, cabinets, etc.
Rewarding feeling
If you complete a kitchen remodeling project without professional help, the final product will produce an immensely rewarding feeling.
Working at your own pace
While working on a DIY kitchen remodeling, people can make any adjustments as they see fit. For instance, homeowners can decide to keep some materials during demolition that would otherwise be discarded.
Cons:
Money loss and health hazards
Performing a DIY project might lead to higher costs in the future due to improper demolition or installation. For example, improper asbestos abatement may cause costly damage in the future and compromise health.
Time-consuming
Before opting for the DIY approach, make sure that you’re ready to sacrifice precious time with family members and friends.
Lack of skill
As previously mentioned, average homeowners typically don’t possess the skill set necessary for all kitchen renovation jobs. The jobs include structural changes, installing new gas lines, plumbing, etc.
Make a choice
Knowing the consequences of both kitchen remodeling methods can help you decide which one is a better fit before making plans for the kitchen renovations.