Are you considering a home renovation project like a kitchen extension? You’re not alone.
Roughly 75% of American homeowners attempt do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to upgrade their homes. Around 62% of them say that the primary reason to DIY is to save money. In addition, 77% believed home upgrades enhance the future sale value. Other reasons include having something to do or learning a new skill.
While most homeowners, or 70%, do not change the size of their kitchen during renovation, around 24% made their kitchen 50% larger, while 6% increased the size by over 50%, according to a Houzz report. Hence, a kitchen extension is still an important part of a kitchen remodel. But should you do it yourself, or is it better to hire professionals to undertake the project? The answer depends on several factors, such as your level of experience, time, budget, and project complexity.
Your Skill Sets
Bear in mind that although a DIY kitchen extension is a challenging and rewarding project, it involves meticulous planning and a good level of experience. So, honestly assess your plumbing, electrical work, bricklaying, or carpentry skills. If you are only learning to do these things, you might lose more time and money. Plus, you also have to navigate building regulations, which can be complex and tedious. For example, tiling a kitchen extension is critical to the project.
Choosing the right tiles is vital for durability, stain, slip, heat resistance, easy maintenance, and aesthetics. One of the most popular tiles for modern rustic-style homes is flooring terracotta. Its natural, earthy tones bring warmth and character. Each tile has subtle variations in color and texture, offering a unique and handmade look.
Terracotta is a durable material that can withstand daily wear and tear, including spills, scratches, and heat. A natural material available in a range of colors and finishes, terracotta is suitable for both floors and backsplashes, creating a cohesive look.
Glazed terracotta works well for backsplashes because its rugged durability increases stain resistance and reduces water absorption. The glazed surface makes it easier to clean and maintain. However, both types of tiles must be cut and fitted accurately around corners, pipes, and electrical wirings.
Once you find the right tile, then it’s important to decide if you want to find a professional tile installer or go or DIY the floor installation yourself. There are pros and cons to both. However, tile installation is a project that most ‘handy’ folks can do with proper instructions.
In fact, prior to installation, subfloor preparation is key to ensure that the floor is level and solid. You will also need to bring in construction machinery and tools. Shipping construction equipment might not be as straightforward for a DIY person. Luckily, some freight companies specialize in this type of cargo, so you don’t have to deal with the complexities and hassles.
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Take a look at our tile samples store. You can order samples to see how they look in your space. Check out our assortment of Mexican tile and stone samples.
Project Complexity
A kitchen extension that involves structural changes in a modern rustic decor style, including significant plumbing or electrical connections, is best left to professionals. Installing services to the new extension is also not an appropriate DIY undertaking. Mounting boilers and heating appliances need to be completed by qualified and competent individuals whose work is certified under building regulations.
So, unless you are a trade specialist in plumbing, gas, or electricity, attempting to do electrical work is dangerous and may be the cause of fires and electrocution, to name some, while incorrectly installed plumbing and boilers can lead to leaks, water damage, and structural problems. Even if you plan to do the most electrical or plumbing work, consult with the pros for guidance.
Experts say that a contractor best does the construction of your rustic kitchen extension’s main casing or shell because the groundwork must be done accurately and requires coordination with other professionals. There might be hidden pipes and underground services that must be dealt with, and amateur builders may ruin the groundwork. Furthermore, renovation work can be hazardous, and as such, you must prioritize safety by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring compliance with building regulations. The necessary permits must also be obtained in line with laws and regulations.
So What Can You DIY?
Depending on your skills, there are things that you can tackle yourself, such as hot and cold pipework or installing light fittings. Insulation is an area where there is no specific profession or trade. It is not uncommon for this part of a renovation project to be delegated ‘onsite’ to a member of the contractor’s team. Hence, experts say that you can do this yourself. An expert DIYer may install floor coverings such as vinyl, laminate, and tiles.
Furthermore, fitting a kitchen is something that you can do by purchasing a flatpack kitchen from a supplier. You can cut and install wood worktops using professional tools. Unfortunately, the supplier must cut these if you’re using natural stone and granite worktops. Installing a kitchen also requires basic plumbing and electrical skills so that you can connect sinks, faucets, lighting, stoves, and extractor hoods. Lastly, painting your new kitchen extension is a task that you can easily do, even for those with little experience. However, if you have never painted anything in your life, make sure to get advice and practice on smaller projects to achieve a good finish.
A kitchen extension is an exciting project you can do yourself, provided you have the necessary skills and experience. It also depends on the project’s complexity, such as size and scope, and structural changes, including plumbing, electrical, and gas installations.
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