Do It Yourself Kitchen Remodel: Consumer Reports

In this report: Overview; $5,000: Do it yourself; $15,000: Some assembly required; $50,000: Let the pros do it; Can these cabinets be saved?; Common remodeling gripes

$15,000: Some assembly required

Last reviewed: August 2010

This article appeared in
August 2010 Consumer Reports Magazine.

To make this budget work, you'll need to hire the various contractors and manage the project yourself and stay within the existing footprint. You may be able afford a kitchen designer, many of whom work on retainer, but forget about hiring an architect or general contractor to change the layout. Our budget leaves room for one small-scale construction project, say, removing a non-load-bearing wall to open the kitchen up to an adjacent space (about $1,000), adding a built-in island ($1,000 and up), putting in a pantry ($500), or framing out a new window ($1,000).

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Appliances $3,450

This budget guarantees you the option of stainless steel. Since it looks similar from manufacturer to manufacturer, you can mix and match brands to find the best deals. Moving up in price lets you take advantage of some of the latest appliance features. For example, the range (available to subscribers) we chose has a second oven, which allows you to prepare two dishes at the same time at different temperatures.

Countertops, backsplash, and floors $4,745

Stepping up to solid surfacing gives you a stain- and heat-resistant material, and the warm, welcoming colors go all the way through the material. Seams between pieces and the sink (if you use a sink made of solid surfacing) are invisible. You'll need to hire a pro to do the installation. Linoleum's all-natural makeup is worth the premium over vinyl if you're going for a green kitchen.

Cabinets $3,100

If your cabinets are too far gone to repaint or refinish but you can't afford new ones, refacing is a good middle ground. Accessorizing the base units with pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and a retractable trash can improves storage.

Sink, faucet, and lighting $720

Though it can cost more, an undermount sink offers a cleaner look. And you can wipe countertop spills directly into the sink. A pull-out faucet with an integrated sprayer helps with the dishes. We chose one with a PVD (physical vapor deposition) finish that resists scratches. As for lighting, a $15,000 budget should let you hire an electrician to install hardwired undercabinet fixtures, which are more discreet than corded fixtures.