The kitchen is the most expensive room in the home to renovate and while you might want to do it yourself, you may need to enlist the services of certain professionals. For example, a tiler will do more than tile – they'll ensure the layout and design make sense from a critical perspective, cut, set, and install your tiles properly. While many charge between $45 and $100 an hour, the cost of a tiler all depends on the layout.
Whatever renovation plans you have, the key is to ensure the upgrades you make serve the function of your family! So, as a passionate DIYer, we want to guide you through the tasks you can complete yourself and recommend the right professionals for other tasks (like calling a qualified electrician for electrical work). If you're not quite sure where to start, that's okay! We have plenty of kitchen design ideas to get you started.
Inspiration: DIY Kitchen Renovation Ideas
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Whether you're a highly skilled tradie looking to utilise your skills in other realms or just passionate about DIY work, there are plenty of renovation ideas you can do without the help or services of a professional. Here's our big five ideas to help you get started.
1. Instead of Installing Kitchen Cabinets: Make Them Over
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If your cabinets are in relatively good condition, you might want to make them over rather than replace them. Brand new kitchen cabinetry can be an expensive purchase. However, before you start the makeover process and settle on a colour and track down the right paint, ensure the hinges, handles, and locks are in good condition. Of course, you can replace these if they are damaged or unsightly.
If there are cracks, chips, or holes in your cabinetry, don't worry about that! It's easy enough to fill these in with putty or filler, just be sure you sand them down before you paint or varnish them.
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When To Choose New Cabinet Installation
Cabinets are one of the most expensive home fixtures, but you may find you can't avoid replacing your old cabinets. The best way to save money here is by opting for flat pack cabinets. Yes, you'll need to build them first, but it's a great DIY project! Not only do they come with full installation instructions, but you can find something to perfectly suit any colour scheme and style.
2. Kitchen Design and Cooking Style: Tile Backsplash
Many people slap a fresh coat of paint on the walls and call it a day, which can be a great cost effective update, but if you want a new kitchen, there's a better way to do it. A tile backsplash isn't just a passing trend, it's a practical choice. It's much easier to wipe spaghetti sauce, oil, and grease from tiles than it is from a wall and in the long run, tiles look better, cleaner, and more stylish.
If you have existing tiles, you could look into tile paint for a freshening up. It's a budget step that can transform the room.
3. Dream Kitchen Styles: Classic White
If you want to create a timeless kitchen, then there's only one way to do it and it isn't just with a great design. White never goes out of fashion, which is why it's a great choice for your new kitchen. From the floor and doors to sink, appliances, microwave, oven, fridge, and the rest of your accessories, white makes for a clean, stylish kitchen.
4. Cheaper Option: Hanging Pots and Pans
Storage space is often a huge issue in kitchens, so a cheaper option is to limit the cabinet space and utilise hanging space for your pots and pans. You can hang yours above the cooking space or use a wall to attach a rack, whatever style or layout you prefer.
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5. Cheaper Option: Laminate Benchtops
You may love the idea of transforming your space with marble benchtops or stone benchtops, maybe you have visions of granite transformations. Those materials come with a large price tag and if you want to save money by doing it yourself, the cheaper option is laminate benchtops and the installation is something you can handle on your own. As long as you have the necessary tools, the instructions should carry you through to transform your old kitchen layout into something truly spectacular. Maybe you can finally get that corner cabinet you want for extra storage.
Pre-Renovation Considerations
You won't suddenly become a master chef, but cooking will certainly be more fun in your newly renovated kitchen. Before you decide to start renovating, think practically. Yes, you want to create your dream kitchen, but think about what's realistic in terms of your budget and what is appropriate for your level of skill. There's no shame in using professionals for certain parts of the renovation.
Think about how long the renovation will take and how you plan to prepare meals in the meantime. Will you be able to access the pantry, can you move the microwave elsewhere, or do you need to stay with friends for a few weeks? What are the most important parts of the kitchen to you and how will your renovation respect those components?
Whatever you do! Don't forget about lighting and windows! Whether you need to install blinds or spotlights, lighting impacts function.
Always use a professional for crucial tasks like electrical work, tiling, and plumbing. Get quotes from high quality professionals now.
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