DIY vs Professional Kitchen Renovation: Which is best?

Renovating your kitchen is a large project, no question about it. Often being labelled as the hub of the home, and in constant use, it’s important to have a kitchen that ticks all the boxes in terms of functionality and design.

More often than not, a big project indicates high costs. For this reason, DIY can be a very tempting option when compared to professional kitchen installations.

But what’s the best way to renovate your kitchen: DIY or professional?

We will compare the two with regard to the planning and design stage, the installation, and budgeting, to help you get a better idea of which option will best suit your personal situation.

DIY vs Professional Kitchen: Planning and Design Stages

The planning and design stages are really important and carrying them out correctly ensure that everything ends up as you want it to.

The benefits of a DIY kitchen…

You may be under the impression that DIY-ing your kitchen will give you the utmost freedom to make your vision come to life.

Of course, there is some truth to this. Doing it all yourself allows you to change your mind on the spot, make new decisions whenever you want, re-paint, switch anything up without having to run it by anyone or back-track on previous agreements.

But it’s important to remember that finding your dream kitchen reference photo on Pinterest and being able to replicate it to a perfect standard in a DIY project are two very different things. It all depends on your experience level and the difficulty of the task, and it’s vital to be mindful of this.

The benefits of a professional kitchen…

Professional kitchen installers are not trying to make decisions for you, but simply enable you to achieve the best outcome possible, by supporting you throughout the entire process – taking the feelings of overwhelm away.

At Millers, we are kitchen specialists, and it’s our job to think of everything.

We come prepared with a list of questions to ask before starting the process which ensures your kitchen is perfectly personalised and can achieve the highest level of functionality.

We think about everything and plan accordingly. For example, if you’re an avid cook or prefer a ready meal situation, this will impact the amount of storage and surface areas you’ll need.

If you love to throw parties and entertain guests in the kitchen, then you may be more likely to go for an open plan design, with additional touches such as a wine fridg e. We may have options and ideas you didn’t even know were possible.

Related reading: Meet our kitchen designer – Brian Dywer

DIY vs Professional Kitchen: The Installation

Now it’s time for the actual installation process, so let’s look at the differences between the two.

The benefits of a DIY kitchen…

In theory, the idea of DIY-ing your kitchen is great. You can save money, go at your own pace, be your own boss, and feel a huge sense of achievement at the end.

However, if you’re not experienced with construction, the job may just be too complex and cause more stress than it’s worth. Plus, the results might not be perfect and you could be disappointed with the finish after all that time and effort. Don’t forget the hidden costs too, such as the tools required to get the job done!

Still, if you want to cut costs, there are definitely a number of things you can do. In this case, it’s best to DIY aspects which are easier, such as; painting the walls, skirting boards, and window sills.

The benefits of a professional kitchen…

In a room as frequently used as the kitchen, it is essential that the space is durable, secure, and safely constructed.

With a professional team, you can rest assured that the installation will be smooth, as they know exactly what they’re doing. Plus, you know how it can be when you’re trying to juggle a DIY project alongside work and social life, things can drag on with no set finish date. A professional installation minimises and in some cases eliminates this risk, as you will have a dedicated start and finish date, with a team in place to ensure this happens.

Having a kitchen built well will give it a longer lifespan, so you can really get your money’s worth. There is also usually the added peace of mind of a guarantee in place.

DIY vs Professional Kitchen: Budgeting

The cost of renovating your kitchen is often the deciding factor when it comes to choosing between DIY and professional help.

The benefits of a DIY kitchen…

For most people, the main motivator for DIY jobs is the appeal of saving money. That said, unless you’re experienced with kitchen renovations, you may find that your budget is harder to manage.

You could have some unexpected costs spring up that you weren’t prepared for, or even just lose track of expenses, and as a result, are more likely to end up with a half-finished job. Remember, a kitchen is a multi-trade job requirement usually including a plumber and electrician along the way.

The benefits of a professional kitchen…

A professional team who is experienced with kitchens will know exactly what you need and will make you aware of any hidden costs.

At Millers, we thoroughly discuss and consider your kitchen goals and budget and stick to this, which is a huge weight lifted from your shoulders in terms of organisation and money management.

Related reading: What factors affect the price of a kitchen?

DIY vs Professional Kitchen: Which should you choose?

So, all in all, which is best?

How successful your DIY kitchen is will largely depend on your planning and building experience.

It’s possible to do a great job yourself and save some pennies in the process, but going with a professional kitchen team will take off a huge amount of stress and guarantee that every step of the project is completed to the highest standard.

The price for a professional installation will inevitably be higher than DIY, but you are paying for excellent service, support and advice from start to finish, and installation by an extremely experienced team. All of which will ensure longevity and enjoyment in your kitchen for years to come.

To learn more about Millers kitchen design and installation, either have a look at our dedicated website page or pop into our showroom to view our kitchen range and book your consultation.