If you're considering remodeling your kitchen, you can do it yourself, or hire a professional contractor to do it for you. If you aren't handy, you might end up spending more on your remodel than you intended. Installing kitchen cabinets in your home is an investment. It should be done correctly.
Installing base cabinets
While you do not need to hire someone to install your new kitchen cabinets base cabinets, you will need to be able to perform the task correctly. Before you start the installation, make sure your cabinet boxes are level. You may have problems fitting the appliances or closing the cabinets properly if they are not level and plumb. To lift and hold the cabinets, you will need at most one person.
Once you have made your decision on the layout, you can proceed to the next step: installing upper cabinets. The height of the upper cabinets should not exceed 36 inches from the ground. The height of the base cabinets must not be lower than 24 inches above the countertop. You can use a studfinder to determine the height and mark the studs on your wall.
Side-by-side cabinet installation
Installing side-by-side cabinets in the kitchen requires some preparation and planning. First, measure the space and mark the layout. To create the perfect plan, you can either use the existing cabinets as guides or find a template at a design center.
The next step is to align both the cabinets' face frames. Then, use C-clamps to secure them in place. Attach the next cabinet to the base using 2 1/2 inch, #8 screws. To ensure an even appearance, countersink the screws.
Install drawer fronts
Before installing new drawer faces, you need to remove the screws that held the old drawer fronts to the drawerbox. The edges of the front panel can be cut with a handsaw so it aligns with the drawer box. Next, place screws in the holes. Start with the top hinge. Make sure you have the right length of screws
You can install one drawer front at a given time if you have separate cabinet drawer fronts. It is also a good idea to install hardware to attach your front to the drawer boxes. This makes it much easier to replace the front.
Level Check
When installing kitchen cabinets make sure the cabinet faces are parallel with the reference line. Use shims to align the cabinet with the wall or at stud locations. Once the cabinet is leveled, attach it using two 1/2-inch washers and deck screws.
The level can be checked by using a level that measures the height between the wall and base cabinets. To measure the height on the wall adjacent to the cabinets, you can use a 2-foot ruler.
Self-drilling screws
When using self-drilling screws to install new kitchen cabinets, make sure that the screws are the right size. Before you start measuring the openings in the wall panels and face frames, be sure to measure their length and width. Add filler strips if necessary. Make sure that all water supply lines and built-in appliances are centered so you don't have any problems with cabinets splintering.
Use self-drilling screws with care. Follow all instructions. The screws are typically only two-1/2" long, which means that you can embed up to one-1/2 inches of fastener into each wall panel. You can also purchase screws that are brown coated so that they blend into the color of the cabinets. When drilling the screws into cabinet rails, ensure that you align the heads with the rails. The screws will now bite into the wood rail and feel as if they are a stud in wall.
Permanent blocks
To get a smooth, level surface, it is crucial to think about the location of the blocks when installing new kitchen cabinets. The exact location of the block will vary depending on the type of cabinet. However, there are some general rules for all cases. Base cabinets: The top of the block should be placed at the top. The bottom should be at its bottom.
Start by measuring the cabinet's height. Next, drill holes about 1 inch apart at the corners. Once you've drilled the holes, use a ratchet or socket to drive the screws into the inserts and secure the cabinet to the cinder-block wall.
FAQ
Which order should you do your home renovations?
The first thing you need to do when renovating your home is to decide where you want to put everything. If you're planning on selling your home soon, it is important to consider how you wish to present your home for potential buyers. The next step is to plan the layout of your living, kitchen, and bathroom. After you have selected the rooms you wish to renovate you can begin searching for contractors who specialize. You can then begin your renovations once you have hired an expert contractor.
What room should first be renovated?
The heart and soul of any home is the kitchen. It's where you spend most of your time eating, cooking, entertaining, and relaxing. It's where you will find the best ways to make your home more functional and beautiful.
The bathroom is also an important part of any home. The bathroom provides privacy and comfort while you do everyday chores like brushing your teeth, shaving and bathing. You can improve the function and appearance of these rooms by adding storage, installing a bathtub instead of a bath, and replacing outdated fixtures with moderner ones.
What are my considerations when purchasing a new house?
You need to ensure you have enough funds available to cover closing costs before you buy a home. Refinancing your mortgage might be an option if you don’t have enough cash.
Are permits necessary to renovate my property?
Yes. Permits will be required for any home-improvement project. You will require a building permit as well as a plumbing permit in most cases. You might also require a zoning permission depending on which type of construction is being undertaken.
Is it cheaper to build a new house or remodel an old one?
There are two options available to you if you're considering building a home. Pre-built homes are another option. This type of home is already built and ready to move in to. You can also build your own home. To build your dream home, you will need to hire an architect.
The cost of building a new home depends on how much time and money you spend designing and planning it. It will take more effort to build a custom-built home because you'll be required to do most construction work. But you can choose the materials you want and where you want them to be placed. It may be easier to find a contractor who is skilled in building custom homes.
A new home is usually more expensive than a remodeled home. This is because you will have to pay more for the land as well as any improvements that you make to it. Plus, you'll need to pay for permits and inspections. On average, the difference in price between a new and remodeled house is $10,000 to $20,000.
Can I rent a dumpster?
A dumpster can be rented to dispose of your debris after you have completed your home renovation. Renting a dumpster will help you keep your yard clear of debris and trash.
Statistics
- A final payment of, say, 5% to 10% will be due when the space is livable and usable (your contract probably will say "substantial completion"). (kiplinger.com)
- On jumbo loans of more than $636,150, you'll be able to borrow up to 80% of the home's completed value. (kiplinger.com)
- Design-builders may ask for a down payment of up to 25% or 33% of the job cost, says the NARI. (kiplinger.com)
- Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (kiplinger.com)
- ‘The potential added value of a loft conversion, which could create an extra bedroom and ensuite, could be as much as 20 per cent and 15 per cent for a garage conversion.' (realhomes.com)
External Links
How To
How do I plan for a whole house renovation?
Planning a home remodel takes planning and research. Before you begin your project, there are many things to think about. First, you must decide what type of home improvement you want. There are many categories that you could choose from: kitchen, bathroom or bedroom; living room or dining room. Once you have decided which category you wish to work in, you will need to determine how much money you have to spend on your project. It's best to budget at least $5,000 per room if you don't have any experience working on homes. If you have more experience, you might be able spend less.
After you have determined how much money you have available, you can decide how big of a project you would like to undertake. If you have only enough money to remodel a small kitchen, you may not be able add new flooring, countertops, or paint the walls. If you have the money to do a complete kitchen remodel, you will be able to handle almost anything.
Next, look for a contractor with experience in the type or project you are looking to tackle. You will be able to get great results and avoid a lot more headaches down in the future. You should begin gathering materials and supplies after you've found a competent contractor. You might need to make everything from scratch depending upon the size of your project. However, you won't have to worry about finding the exact item you are looking for in the many pre-made shops.
Once you've gathered the supplies needed, it's now time to start planning. First, you'll want to draw up a rough sketch of where you want to place furniture and appliances. The next step is to design the layout of the rooms. It is important to allow for electrical and plumbing outlets. Make sure to position the most visited areas close to the front door. Visitors can also easily access them. Final touches to your design include choosing the right colors and finishes. You can save money by using neutral colors and simple designs.
Now that your plan is complete, it's time you start building! Before you begin construction, it's important to check your local codes. Some cities require permits. Others allow homeowners to build without permits. To begin construction you will first need to take down all walls and floors. To protect your flooring, you will lay plywood sheets. You will then attach or nail pieces of wood together to make the cabinet frame. Lastly, you'll attach doors and windows to the frame.
There are some final touches that you will need to make after you are done. You will likely need to cover exposed wires and pipes. For this, you will use plastic sheeting or tape. Mirrors and pictures can also be hung. Keep your work area tidy and clean at all times.
This guide will show you how to create a functional, beautiful home. It will also save you a lot of money. Now that you have a basic understanding of how to plan a house remodel, it's time to get started.