DIY Kitchen vs Hiring a Kitchen Renovator: Which is better?
A beautiful and functional kitchen is of course a valuable asset to any home. And homeowners who are considering upgrading their kitchens are often met with the tough decision to either tackle the project on your own or to hire a professional kitchen renovator can be a tough one.
While a DIY kitchen renovation might seem like an exciting challenge, it’s worth considering the potential downsides. On the other hand, hiring a professional kitchen renovation company may seem like a more expensive option, but not without its long-term cost-saving benefits.
In this post, we’ll weigh up the pros and cons of both approaches to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
How much are new kitchens?
The cost of kitchen renovation can vary depending on the following factors:
- Labour costs
- Cost of materials
- Size of the kitchen
- Timeline of the project
- Your location
What determines the average cost of kitchen renovation would depend on the following kitchen elements:
- Kitchen cabinet sets
- Kitchen benchtop
- Layout
- Kitchen appliances
- Finishes
- Overall quality and aesthetic
Here’s a breakdown of kitchen prices:
DIY kitchen renovations: ballpark figures | Cost of kitchens done by professionals |
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While the difference in costs between a DIY kitchen and a professionally done one is obvious, the price is hardly the sole aspect to consider when choosing between the two.
Pros and cons of a DIY kitchen
While DIY projects can be a fun and rewarding way to tackle home improvement projects, renovating your kitchen on your own may not always be the best idea.
The kitchen is the heart of your home and a crucial area where you spend most of your time preparing meals, eating, and entertaining guests. Therefore, you want it to be functional, beautiful, and long-lasting.
Pros. No doubt, a DIY kitchen renovation can potentially lower the cost of the project, at least initially and assuming no follow-up work is required. You have a complete control over the design and the timeline. And if you or the person doing the project for you for free are skilled enough to take on this project, there is a sense of accomplishment derived from completing it — that’s the fun and rewarding bit.
Cons. However, kitchen renovation is a complex and time-consuming process that requires extensive knowledge of plumbing, electrical work, cabinetry, and other specialised skills. Not to mention, you will have to scour a plethora of kitchen companies to source the best materials and appliances yourself. If you don’t have the eye nor expertise to know which is which, you can easily burn money from buying incorrect or incompatible items.
Attempting to renovate your kitchen on your own can result in costly mistakes and safety hazards. Plus, DIY renovations may not be up to the same professional standards as those completed by an experienced contractor for kitchen renovation, which can hurt your home’s value if you plan to sell it in the future.
And let’s talk about the back-breaking labor. Moving heavy appliances, cabinets, and countertops can be a real workout, and it’s not uncommon for DIYers to experience some aches and pains during the renovation process.
There’s also the mental anguish. From making design decisions to dealing with unexpected issues, renovating a kitchen can be stressful and overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon for DIYers to feel a bit overwhelmed at times.
Lastly, let’s not forget about the potential for divorce. Obviously we’re joking, but it’s true that taking on a big renovation project with your partner can sometimes lead to tension and arguments, so it’s important to make sure you’re on the same page before diving in.
Pros and cons of a kitchen done by a kitchen renovator
Pros. When you hire a professional with a solid kitchen contractor team, you get:
- Access to professional expertise and experience in design and installation
- High-quality materials and workmanship that can last for many years
- Time-efficient completion of the project, as professionals have the necessary tools and knowledge to get the job done quickly and efficiently
- Support and advice throughout the process, from design to installation, as well as warranty and after-sales support
Cons. It is true that with a professional on board, you may not have complete control over the design and timeline. There is also the common belief that there will be little room for personal customisation as well as the kitchen renovator has to make sure that the project is up to code.
But here’s some good news: when you work with us, we will design and install a custom solution just for you. This means you get full control of the project, while we work our best to keep the project up to code!
And perhaps the biggest drawback of hiring a professional kitchen renovator is the extra cost. But we assure you, it is totally worth it! Renovating a kitchen involves a lot of moving parts, and a professional renovator has the experience to anticipate potential issues and address them before they become major problems, potentially saving you significant headaches and expenses in the long run.
Need a professional?
McColl Cabinet makers is a professional kitchen renovation company based in Queensland. We have the skills, experience, and equipment needed to complete your kitchen renovation project on time and on budget. We use high-quality materials and workmanship to ensure that your new kitchen is not only functional but also beautiful and long-lasting.
Get your dream kitchen with McColl! Contact us today to schedule a consultation. and see how we can help you transform your kitchen into the space of your dreams
Corey Cameron, Director of McColl Cabinetmakers, brings with him 25 years of experience in cabinetmaking and home renovations. This extensive exposure to hands-on work has ensured the highest standards in home and bathroom renovations.