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Anyone here brave enough to re-model the kitchen by themself??

Elite

Elite

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I'm thinking about doing it myself. Am I looking for trouble?? :|

I need to replace the cabinets, countertop .. (everything freaking thing in the kitchen) ... I don't think I will have much problem installing the cabinets. The countertop could be a problem. I want to go with the prefab granite. This require cutting the hole for the sink and cutting it into smaller pieces. Anyone here cutting these before?? What kind of tool will I need? I know I need a wet saw with a diamond blade. Any other tool? Any feedback on what brand I should get? If this is too hard, I might have to go with the granite tile but my wife wants the prefab ones.

If you have any experiences, please give me some feedback 8) TIA!!
 
Well I quasi-did it by myself.

The linoleum floor, at $1.30 per sqft installed I almost would be stupid to save an extra few bucks to do it myself.

Counter top, quartz-stone counter top something like $50/sqft installed... worth every fricking penny. Doubly so because it's not just a straight counter, it's an "L" shape. You don't want to have to drill out the sink hole.. trust me. If you do, you need a diamond hole saw for the 4 corners, and wet saw w/ diamond blade.
 
So I would definitely do it....BUT....I don't own. So it's easy to say yes to that when there's nothing needed to back it up :D That being said, if you do it yourself make sure you budget a VERY long time to get it done. If you get done sooner, then your wife will get surprised. If you get done after your projected end-time...well we know how that can go. But hey, at least you'll have some great fragging tools after it's all said and done :)
 
sfsuphysics said:
Well I quasi-did it by myself.

The linoleum floor, at $1.30 per sqft installed I almost would be stupid to save an extra few bucks to do it myself.

Counter top, quartz-stone counter top something like $50/sqft installed... worth every fricking penny. Doubly so because it's not just a straight counter, it's an "L" shape. You don't want to have to drill out the sink hole.. trust me. If you do, you need a diamond hole saw for the 4 corners, and wet saw w/ diamond blade.
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Well, I have to install the wood floor for the whole house. Replace the tiles in the kitchen and "dinning" room. Paint the whole house. Remodel the whole kitchen. It's a lot of $ that I don't have now. I have plenty of time though :bigsmile: ..

After I'm done, I will have a bunch of tools that I always wanted. :bigsmile:
 
The actual work is not a big deal.

But remodeling a kitchen is one of the best ways to get a divorce.

If you want to make extra sure, remodel a bathroom at the same time.

p.s. Someone was telling me last weekend about some super cheap granite place in/near SF. The owner speaks english, but nobody else there does :D Yah, have them do all the cutouts and polishing for you.
 
Most spouses can't deal with the stress of the disruption.

They usually have a different perception and expectation of the construction and renovation process which can be a problem as well.

Well documented issues there :D

Google is your marriage's friend :D
 
Mr. Ugly said:
Most spouses can't deal with the stress of the disruption.

They usually have a different perception and expectation of the construction and renovation process which can be a problem as well.

Well documented issues there :D

Google is your marriage's friend :D
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My house is in a constant state of renovation. This is probably why I should never get married. :D
 
Oh we won't move into the house until it's done with most of the remodeling. I have about 1 month to do everything :O :tired: .. She picks out most of the stuff.. I just put them together .
 
I sorta remodeled a couple of kitchens.

My wife and I put in a new vinyl floor in our first house and a new laminate counter top. Hired an electrician to add new breakers and outlets (after I kept blowing a fuse in the fuse box).

In another house, I demo'd the kitchen. Hired an electrician and plumber to fix/upgrade. Hired a cabinet guy to install the cabinets. Hired my wife's cousin to install the tile floor. Hired a counter guy to fabricate and install the counter. I drywalled, painted, put down cement board, installed appliances, sink (& appurtenances) and a hood with my brother-in-law.

Lesson learned - never be too proud to hire a professional. You may have the time, but you'll be at the mercy of your wife's patience. :)
 
Best thing we did was to install more electrical outlets in the kitchen. Only had two in the whole kichen to start with. Now a lot, but it's hardly enough. If you go with a undermount sink, have it professionally done. Topmount sink is less critical. If you get into permits, each appliance will need a separate breaker, pretty much.
 
The current sink is overmounted. It's still in pretty condition. I think I will reuse it to save a bit of $. I don't really like undermount anyway. More electrical outlets sound good. I might have to remove the sheet-rock so installing more outlets wouldn't be a problem.
 
Cutting granite is not too hard to do with the right tool.
Over mount sink is the way to go to save $.
A good skill saw with a dry cut diamond blade works perfect.
I would use water on the blade when cutting. It cuts faster and creates less dust that way.
Use masking tape, make a line, and cut!
Use a water bottle with a sport top to put water on the blade.
You kinda need a second person.
Always support all the pieces when cutting.
Treat it like a piece of glass when transporting it or carrying.
 
What brand/model would you recommend Jar? I have about $300-$400 to spend. Most place want $200 just to cut the sink hole.
 
Mr. Ugly said:
We use a worm drive skilsaw with diamond blades for cutting epoxy resin and synthetic stone lab tops at work.
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Can it be wet? What model is it? I search for skilsaw but don't see any wet saw.
 
I agree with Norm on spouses and remodeling. Be careful with the granite you use also. Some of the prefab stuff tends to be a lot less forgiving when you cut it. It is also not as thick. Also keep in mind, polishing the rough edges can be tricky. I did my kitchen, but ended up contracting the granite part out. I ended up cracking one piece and ended up with two extra pieces. Also make sure you use gfi plugs around the sink.
 
I do construction for a living and I have done some granite cutting before. You need to get a wet saw with a dimond blade, make sure the blade is not dull. MK and dewalt are a couple of brands that I know to be a good quality tool. Quite expensive I suggest you go to a tool rental place and rent it ( would be cheaper) with the rest of the project if you have any questions or need advise let me know. I have done a lot of kitchen and bathrooms remodeling jobs in the last 15 years.

Gus

Ps. for the drilling of the holes for the kitchen faucet used also a hole saw drll bit with diamond and a electric drill. While drilling the holes go slow (take your time) so you do not crack the rest of the piece.

I also know a place in San Leandro where they sell and install granite slabs at a very reasonable prices. I used them all the time in my jobs. They are very realiable and very good job they do.
 
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