Tips Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

Are you ready to remodel? Before plunging into a project, you should form a clear idea of the sequence of steps necessary to complete the job, obtain any necessary permits from your local building department, and evaluate your own ability to perform each of the tasks. To do the work yourself, you'll also need to provide yourself with the proper materials and tools.

After you have a clear understanding of what's involved, you're ready to begin.

Can I do the work myself?

The level of skill required to remodel your kitchen depends on the scale of the improvements. Surface treatments—such as painting, wallpapering, replacing light fixtures, hanging cabinets, or laying resilient flooring—are within the realm of any homeowner with the rudiments of do-it-yourself ability. Some projects may require a few specialized tools, generally available from a building supply or home improvement center.

If you're still hesitant about your talents, register for some of the "how-to" classes often available through adult education programs. In such classes you'll learn basic techniques and acquire practical experience without making a costly mistake on your home.

Complex remodeling tasks—such as moving bearing walls, running new drain and vent pipes, or wiring new electrical circuits and service panels—are often best handled by professionals. Many smaller jobs within the structural, plumbing, and electrical areas, though, are within the skills of a homeowner with basic experience.

Planning your attack

As the scale of your remodeling project increases, the need for careful planning becomes more critical. Before the work begins, doublecheck the priorities listed below.

• Establish the sequence of jobs to be performed, and estimate the time required to complete each one.

• If you're getting professional assistance, make sure you have firm contracts and schedules with contractors, subcontractors, or other hired workers. 

Obtain all required building permits.

Arrange for delivery of materials; be sure you have all the necessary tools on hand.

• If electricity, gas, or water must be shut off by the utility company, arrange for it before work is scheduled to begin.

• Find out where you can dispose of refuse. and secure any necessary dumping permits.

• Be sure there is a storage area available for temporarily relocating fixtures or appliances.

• Measure fixtures and appliances for clearance through doorways and up and down staircases.

Your goal is to maintain an operating kitchen during as much of the time as possible. With careful scheduling and planning, the remodeling siege can be relatively comfortable for the entire family.