With the rise of social media renovation experts, DIY-ing a home improvement project like a kitchen remodel or bathroom upgrade seems more attainable to the average homeowner.
However, social media doesn’t always portray an accurate depiction of renovation realities. There are some projects that are easy to do yourself, while some should be left to the pros. Let’s dive in.
Pros and Cons of DIY-ing
Many homeowners want to DIY a project to save expenses. It’s true — a kitchen remodel is not necessarily cheap. And doing it yourself will save money, but at the expense of your time. If you can’t take off a week or more of work, you might be looking at 2 months without any free weekends and a half-baked kitchen that you can’t use.
Another reason homeowners choose to DIY is because they want the sense of accomplishment that comes with designing and completing a project. The good news is that many contractors approach your project as a partner to guide and advise you on the best choices. You can still play an active role in designing your kitchen, while still benefiting from professional expertise.
Finally, many people choose to DIY because it looks easy. Installing a set of open shelving may seem effortless on Instagram Stories. Even if you have the knowledge, without proper equipment, it can take an entire day and multiple trips to the hardware store!
We aren’t here to talk you out of making home improvements on your own. But if you want an efficient kitchen remodel with beautiful, durable results, here’s why you should trust a professional:
Why Choose a Kitchen Remodel Professional?
Kitchen remodeling companies do a lot more than order cabinets and install countertops. When you work with a contractor, you can expect these five benefits:
1. Design Perspective
Whether you have a strong vision or need guidance to choose the right finishes, a professional can encourage you in the right direction. For instance, you may love the farmhouse look and want white cabinets, soapstone countertops, and a white porcelain sink. However, a good contractor will make sure you understand that those surfaces will be high maintenance — soapstone needs regular oiling, and you can’t drain a boiling pot into porcelain. If your priority is ease of maintenance, a kitchen contractor can help you find that same look with lower-maintenance products.
2. No-Sweat Permitting
Of course, a kitchen renovation requires permits. And while you can file yourself in the Lacey, Washington metropolitan area, it helps to have an expert who knows exactly what paperwork to file and who to contact for inspection. Permitting is a headache, and doing it incorrectly can lead to extra fees and delays.
3. Quality Builds
DIY-ing makes the building process seem like the fun part! And it certainly can be, but professional contractors and their teams come equipped with the right tools to get tasks done quickly, cleanly, and with a polished result. You may remove a pony wall in your kitchen, only to leave a hole in the chair rail that can’t be easily matched. A professional knows how to get things done right the first time, no hard lessons required!
4. Connections for Sourcing
Professionals have connections to wholesalers and vendors, meaning you can get quality materials at a lower cost, and sometimes with shorter lead times. We even offer wholesale cabinets, giving you access to an extensive collection of stylish, quality cabinetry without having to place a special order (or worse, navigate the maze at your local IKEA.)
5. Specialized Expertise
The landscape of general contractors means you can find any specialty if you look hard enough. Have a historic home and want to pay close attention to the traditional details? There’s a kitchen contractor out there that only works on century homes. Our team has deep knowledge and experience restoring homes after damage, which gives us insight into complicated projects and the best way to make your kitchen long-lasting and durable. When you work with a professional, you can tap into their experience, which leads to better results.
How to Choose a Kitchen Remodel Company
Ready to hire some help for your upcoming project, rather than take the DIY route? The first step is to do some research in your area. Find a few contractors that service your locality, and review their websites, focusing on expertise and project photos. If you like what you see, get in touch for a free consultation!
10 Day Kitchens specializes in high-quality, efficient kitchen remodels. We prioritize communication and guarantee a stress-free and professional experience with results you can enjoy for years to come. Learn more about our projects and get inspired for your kitchen remodel.
