Remodeling your kitchen is a major investment, not just in cost, but in time, tools, and decision-making. And if you have construction experience, some tile work under your belt, and a working knowledge of drywall and electrical, the idea of taking it on yourself can be tempting.
Some parts of a kitchen remodel are very doable for skilled homeowners. Others are more layered, where coordination, precision, and permitting can make or break the outcome. At Custom Built, we’ve worked with plenty of homeowners who started down the DIY path before reaching out for help, and we get it: saving money and being hands-on are powerful motivators.
This article is here to help you weigh your options. We'll explore what parts of a kitchen remodel are DIY-friendly, what the biggest challenges tend to be, and what you might miss out on by not hiring a pro. Whether you choose to go it alone or bring in a design-build team, you’ll walk away knowing what’s involved and how to move forward with confidence:
- What Kitchen Projects Are DIY-Friendly?
- The Reality of DIY Kitchen Remodels
- What You Don’t Get with DIY
- DIY Kitchen Remodels: The Bottom Line
What Kitchen Projects Are DIY-Friendly?
If you’re a homeowner with solid construction experience, or even hold a license in plumbing, electrical, or similar trades, there are parts of a kitchen remodel you may be equipped to handle yourself.
With the right permits and planning, you could take on:
For Experienced DIYers (with construction or trade background):
- Installing new electrical circuits or outlets
- Running or relocating plumbing lines
- Framing new walls or adjusting the layout
- Installing under-cabinet lighting
- Building or modifying custom cabinetry
- Handling insulation and drywall work
- Installing tile flooring or backsplashes
If you’re less experienced or just looking to update your kitchen without taking on too much risk, there are still meaningful improvements you can make on your own:
For Beginner DIYers:
- Painting walls and ceilings
- Updating cabinet hardware
- Replacing light fixtures (without changing wiring)
- Installing a new faucet (no plumbing reroute)
- Assembling and installing pre-made cabinets
- Installing peel-and-stick backsplash
- Adding open shelving
When to Call a Full-Service Remodeling Company:
Even if you’re licensed in a trade or have years of hands-on experience, a full kitchen remodel can demand more than what one person can reasonably take on alone.
Once you start rerouting plumbing, updating electrical systems, working around gas lines, or adjusting structural elements, you’re juggling permits, inspections, and trade coordination.
Mistakes can result in serious safety hazards, insurance issues, and expensive repairs down the road.
Over the years, we’ve seen the value that full-service remodeling companies can provide. The project management, team coordination, and broad expertise bring everything together safely and efficiently. While this route is often the most expensive upfront, it will save you countless hours and energy expended.
The Reality of DIY Kitchen Remodels
TV and social media can make kitchen remodels seem deceptively simple. You see a space transform in 30 minutes and think, “I can do that.” But here’s what those shows don’t show you: the planning, logistics, and dozens of decisions that happen behind the scenes.
Here’s a breakdown of the real challenges most DIYers face:
1. Design Complexity
Laying out a kitchen is the most important design decision you will make. While each kitchen often has countless layout options, understanding clearance requirements for appliances, how workflow affects function, and where plumbing and electrical connections need to be will start to make the final layout come to light.
For this reason, we often recommend that homeowners work with a designer to find the best layout for their space. One small miscalculation can throw the whole plan off.
2. Material Logistics
Cabinets, tile, and countertops aren’t often in stock items. Many materials have lead times of 6-12 weeks, and damaged deliveries are more common than expected.
Having a spreadsheet or simplified system for tracking and managing all materials is necessary. Ordering the wrong size or forgetting an accessory can derail your progress.
3. Installation Demands
Cabinet installation is precise work. If one cabinet is off by even a quarter inch, your countertops may not sit right, or your fridge might not fit.
The same goes for backsplashes, flooring, and hardware. Each detail builds on the last, and poor installation shows in the final result.
4. Managing the Unexpected
Once walls come down, surprises pop up: old wiring, water damage, subfloor issues. Knowing how to address these without derailing the project takes experience.
DIY remodels can quickly go from exciting to exhausting. And if your project stalls mid-way, it can disrupt your entire household, especially if your kitchen is out of commission.
What You Don’t Get with DIY
Managing your own remodel also means taking on full responsibility for the process and results. When you choose the DIY route, here’s what you miss:
1. No Workmanship Warranty
If something goes wrong after the remodel, like a faucet leak or cabinet shifting, you’re on the hook. Professionals will typically offer a labor warranty, ensuring that you’re not held responsible for their work.
For instance, as part of every kitchen project, we offer workmanship warranties that give you long-term peace of mind.
2. No Design Guidance
As we’ve discussed, your layout is crucial to achieving a kitchen that enhances your daily satisfaction. From cabinet placement to island shape, designing your space requires professional insights developed from impactful project experience.
Without a designer, you risk investing in a layout that feels cramped or difficult to navigate, no matter what your lifestyle goals are.
3. Project Coordination
Someone needs to keep the schedule moving, ensure trades show up, track material orders, and handle inspections. If you are managing a remodel while working a full-time job, there will be gaps in communication and possible delays. Having a dedicated team to manage your project can help minimize those gaps and changes.
4. Responsibility and Trade Accountability
Even if you have construction experience or have managed trades before, the ultimate responsibility still falls on you as the homeowner. Independent contractors operate on their schedules, and keeping everyone aligned requires time, knowledge, and consistent oversight.
Without full accountability from a dedicated team, it can be challenging to ensure the work meets quality standards and stays on track.
5. No Stress Buffer
With DIY, every success and problem falls on your shoulders. When you DIY a project, you are committing to be the go-to contact who helps manage every problem and communicates clearly so no one is left wondering what’s next.
DIY Kitchen Remodels: The Bottom Line
DIY kitchen remodels are a great way to save money upfront, especially for handy homeowners. But what often gets overlooked is the time, coordination, and risk involved.
Most kitchen projects require 6-8 trades, from plumbers and electricians to tilers and cabinet installers. Managing and coordinating your work alongside other trades means juggling schedules, sourcing materials, and making sure everything’s done right.
Even small mistakes can lead to costly fixes or safety issues down the road. And if you're changing the layout or touching mechanical systems, you'll need permits and inspections handled correctly.
DIY kitchens are possible. With determination, creativity, and a solid plan, you can bring your vision to life. But be prepared: it will take more time, energy, and patience than you expect.
Challenges will arise that weren’t part of your original plan, and the process often feels less straightforward than imagined. To set yourself up for success:
- Finalize your layout
- Select all materials in advance
- Create clear, detailed plans
- Set up tools to manage the project (think checklists, calendars, and spreadsheets)
- Track logistics for every material and delivery
- Have a trusted construction advisor or friend you can call for help or second opinions
- Build in more time and flexibility than you think you’ll need
The journey will be bumpy, but with the right prep, it’s achievable.
If you're starting with swapping out hardware or painting cabinets, DIY can be a great way to get simpler projects done quickly and cost-effectively.
Next Steps to Remodeling Your Kitchen
DIY kitchen remodels, while doable, will come with costly surprises, stress, and time than expected.
If you:
- Have construction experience and/or are ready to learn
- Your goal is to save money
- You are okay investing an immense amount of time into your project
DIY could be the route for you!
If you’re looking for:
- Quality results without the headaches and hours of investment
Working with a professional team is often the better, more efficient choice.
At Custom Built, we help Michigan homeowners create beautiful, functional kitchens, with clear communication and expert support from start to finish.
Ready to get started? Reach out to our team, we would love to help you reimagine your kitchen! If you’d like to learn more, we’ve created hours of content for you: explore our YouTube channel, Blueprints Podcast, and Design & Remodeling Show for more tips.
Now that you know more about whether or not you should DIY your kitchen remodel, let’s explore how to improve your kitchen remodeling experience, how much your project will cost, and how long it’ll take to finish with Custom Built:
- 10 Ways to Improve Your Kitchen Remodeling Experience - Discover effective strategies to make your kitchen renovation a more satisfying journey.
- How Much Does a Luxury Kitchen Remodel Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - Explore cost estimates, a budget breakdown, and factors that affect the cost of your luxury kitchen remodel.
- How Long Does a Luxury Kitchen Remodel Take to Get Finished with Custom Built? - A high-level overview of how long your project will take to complete during Custom Built’s Proven Process.
