It is said that spring is the birth of new beginnings. And nothing says starting a new chapter in life quite like a DIY kitchen remodel. Breathe new life into the heart of your home with a new kitchen design and the latest in kitchen appliances. While seasoned DIYers might be able to install kitchen appliances, beginner home remodelers should be aware of the dangers of installing appliances wrong.
With the help of our DIY kitchen remodel guide, we’ll give you the inside scoop about what it takes to properly install appliances when remodeling a kitchen.
At a Glance:
How to Do a DIY Kitchen Remodel
DIY Kitchen Remodel Must-Haves
How to Do a DIY Kitchen Remodel
Being one of the most important rooms in your home to host family gatherings and prep holiday meals, it’s essential to have your kitchen looking its best. However, a homeowner can expect to spend an average of $16,000 for a kitchen renovation that includes new cabinetry, flooring, countertops, and appliances. Our DIY kitchen remodel tips can keep more money in your pocket while updating your dining experience if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on renovations.
Find Inspiration & Create a Must-Have List
If you don’t have a clear idea of what you want for your kitchen, it can feel overwhelming creating a kitchen design down to the smallest details. So, before you get started on your DIY kitchen remodel, take your time to browse kitchen design ideas from sources like Pinterest or HGTV. Once you’ve pulled all the inspiration you need, plan out a style and layout that’ll make your kitchen your new happy place for years to come. Additionally, a great tip would be to list must-haves to help focus your new-kitchen vision. Here are a few questions to ask yourself while deciding on your kitchen design.
Kitchen Remodel Questions:
- Do you want a clean and modern look? Or does a cottage farmhouse aesthetic appeal to you more?
- Do you like bright, vibrant colors or prefer a monochrome motif?
- What is your ideal kitchen? Is it for gourmet, entertaining, or family purposes?
- What kitchen equipment do you use?
- Do you prefer stainless steel or colorful appliances?
- Do you want smart appliances?
- Would high-end appliances work in your kitchen?
Set a Budget for a DIY Kitchen
When it comes to kitchen renovations, the last thing you want is to run out of money halfway through. To avoid having a half-done kitchen, it is vital to determine an “all in” kitchen budget. For instance, with a DIY kitchen remodel, you are probably not trying to spend more than $10,000, so determining what is a top priority for your culinary vision would be helpful.
It would also be beneficial to get a clear understanding of where your money will be going during the remodel and whether your budget is realistic. You can do this by pricing out your budget and comparing everything that goes into a DIY kitchen remodel vs. a professional renovation.
Tip: In order to help homeowners to set a proper budget, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends budgeting no more than 15-20 percent of your home’s value for any major renovations. Once you’ve created your budget, set aside at least 25 percent as a cushion for unforeseen expenses. For example, if you own a $500,000 home, you should only be spending $75,000 to $100,000 on your kitchen remodel.
Ways to Save on a DIY Kitchen
Even with a DIY kitchen remodel, there are ways to save money on the renovation. If you opt-out of hiring a professional, you can recruit family and friends to help with demolition or installation to avoid labor costs. You can also look for product promotions and rebates on everything from cabinetry to flooring, and especially appliances.
When shopping, you can look for new light fixtures and hardware that look high-end without luxury prices. If an upscale kitchen isn’t your dream kitchen vision, we recommend skipping on the custom cabinetry option by selecting in-stock cabinets or keeping your old ones and updating the cabinet doors.
Appliance Installation
DIY kitchen remodeling allows you to do most of the renovations yourself. Still, there are parts of the remodel that involve plumbing, electrical, gas, or HVAC work, so we suggest having a professional services team complete the more technical parts of your dream kitchen. But if you want to install your new refrigerator, oven, cooktop, dishwasher, range, or hood ventilation you can easily install them yourself with the help of a professional if needed.
DIY Kitchen Remodel Must-Haves
You’ll need new appliances as you remodel your kitchen into your dream design. Take a look at some of our top picks to include in your DIY kitchen remodel.
✓ New Range
Recommendation #1: GE Profile™ 30” Stainless Steel Slide in Induction Range
If you are doing a kitchen remodel for a smaller space, this GE Profile electric range would make for a perfect fit. Make your delicious side dishes and sauces on the fast and efficient induction cooktop. You can make entire meals using the 5.3 cubic foot capacity oven with True Convection with Precise Air. The advanced convection system uses a third heating element and reversing fan for high heat levels and air circulation. You’ll also be delighted to make crisp, healthy versions of your favorite wings and snacks using the air fryer in your oven. You’ll also get the latest in cooking technology with the SmartHQ app that’ll allow you to control your smart oven features like the guided cooking and sous vide capability, all from your phone.
Features:
- 5.3 cu. ft. capacity
- True Convection with Precise Air
- Wi-Fi connectivity
✓ New Cooktop
Recommendation #2: Bosch 800® Series 30” Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
If you are an aspiring chef remodeling for a gourmet kitchen, this Bosch gas cooktop will complete the look. Cook your grandma’s famous sauce using the adjustable FlameSelect to allow precise flame control. It takes the guesswork out of cooking with an open flame using nine defined power levels ranging from a low simmer to a rolling boil. You can also make a great mole sauce for lunch over the OptiSim burner that offers home chefs accurate flame control down to its lowest setting. Best of all are the premium heavy-duty metal knobs and a control knob with a red LED light line safety feature that indicates if the burner is still on or if there’s residual heat.
Features:
- FlameSelect
- OptiSim burner
- Control knobs with red LED light lines
Recommendation #3: Frigidaire Professional® 30” Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop
Equip your kitchen with an electric cooktop from the Frigidaire Professional series for a sleek and modern look. Whether you are boiling, searing, or sauteing, do it with the unparalleled power of the PowerPlus burner. Or use the SpacePro Bridge Element for cooking separate dishes at once or a large dish like a griddle by combining the two elements. Once you finish cooking, you can consistently keep it warm in the Keep Warm zone to serve it how it was intended — hot.
Features:
- SpacePro bridge element
- PrecisionPro controls
- Keep Warm zone
✓ New Oven
Recommendation #5: KitchenAid® 30” Stainless Steel Electric Built in Double Oven
Pair your sleek cooktop with a KitchenAid double oven with 10 cu. ft. of oven capacity split evenly between the top upper and lower ovens. Whether you are baking, roasting, or broiling, you can simultaneously cook multiple dishes using each compartment. You won’t have to worry about temperature inconsistency since this double oven is an Even-Heat True Convection Oven that guarantees flawless and consistent heating. If you usually peek in the oven to check on meals, then in that case, the Temperature Probe feature will check for you by accurately measuring the internal temperatures of meats, poultry, and casseroles. Another remarkable feature of this built-in electric double oven is its EasyConvect Conversion System which takes the guesswork out of using a convection oven.
Features:
- 10 cu. ft. total oven capacity
- EasyConvect conversion system
- Even-Heat True Convection
✓ New Refrigerator
Recommendation #4: Samsung 22.2 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Of course, you’ll need to a place to store all of your ingredients and leftovers in your new kitchen. And with this Samsung French door refrigerator, you will have plenty of room. Designed with a 22.2 cu. ft. of storage space, organize your favorite snacks, veggies, fruits, and drinks on the adjustable shelves. You can also house your cheeses, meats, and fresh herbs in the FlexZone drawer that offers four temperature settings and an adjustable Smart Divider for your preferred configuration. Additionally, this fridge is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control temperature settings and monitor your refrigerator from your smartphone. The Family Hub feature will enable you to see inside your fridge, stream music while you cook, and manage the family calendar.
Features:
- 22.2 cu. ft. capacity
- Family Hub
- FlexZone drawer
✓ New Dishwasher
Recommendation #6: KitchenAid® 24” Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish Built in Dishwasher
After making your first meal in your newly remodeled kitchen, wash your dishes in this stylish KitchenAid dishwasher. Resistant to smudges and fingerprints, this dishwasher’s exterior makes cleaning it a breeze, giving you time back in your day to do more meaningful things. With the ProWash feature, the ideal cycle is determined for dishes based on soil levels, and real-time adjustments are made to achieve the best cleaning performance.
Features:
- 14 place settings
- PrintShield finish
- ProWash cycle
*These recommendations come from our friends at BrandSource. Availability of products is not guaranteed.
DIY Kitchen Remodel FAQs
A lot of thought and time goes into creating the perfect kitchen for you and your home. Whether you are a DIY kitchen remodeling expert or a beginner, you want to make sure you dot your Is and cross your Ts, so we’ve compiled our shoppers’ top DIY kitchen remodels.
Q: Can I install a fridge myself?
A: Yes, you are able to install a freestanding refrigerator by yourself. Doing so will save you money. However, it is essential to note that refrigerators are heavy. You will want to take special care when installing these appliances.
Q: How much does it cost to install a cooktop?
A: The national average for gas cooktop installation is $75–$150.
Q: How to install a dishwasher
A: Before you begin installing your dishwasher, disconnect the power connection, shut off the valve to the water supply connection, and connect the drain hose. Now you can install the dishwasher.
Check Out Luxury Kitchen Appliance Brands for Your Home Remodel at Spencer’s Luxury Design Center
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Appliances at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop kitchen appliances online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help make your DIY kitchen remodel come true. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: How to Spend Less with Appliance Rebates