Kitchen Renovations Section
DIY Kitchens
DIY kitchens do not endanger business of kitchen manufacturers despite the obvious impression. In fact, many kitchen producers and installers sell DIY kitchens as a major part of their business. This means that the kitchen manufacturers are not keen on the installation themselves. Probably, it is simpler to sell the ready product to you rather then to search for reliable and efficient tradesmen to install the kit. The question is: should you DIY kitchens yourself?
DIY Kitchens Regulations
You do not need council approval to do kitchen renovations.
There are no limitations to your kitchen designs except for plumbing and electrical works.
If you decide on DIY kitchens then ensure that your plan keeps the pipes and electrical wires in the old location.
Small wiring and plumbing alterations are permitted but larger changes require the council expertise.
What's more, try to limit your renovations to 12000.
It may not keep your wife happy, but you will avoid additional home warranty insurance.
All building works worth more than 12000 are subject to the insurance approval.
In this case almost always you will be required to purchase an additional cover.
Finally, let the licensed plumber do the plumbing and the licensed electrician deal with "voltages and currents".
Only licensed tradesmen can issue a certificate which will protect you from unforeseen future liabilities.
DIY Kitchens Cost
If you decide to go for DIY kitchen then you can safe between 20-40% of the total cost.
However, the work involved can be substantial to reach these percentages.
You will have to design the layout, demolish cabinetry, remove old appliances, paint and tile the entire place - all by yourself (well... you can involve family members for free).
However, for 20% savings the DIY kitchens maybe controversial.
Nonetheless, the higher savings will certainly make DIY kitchens a very attractive idea.
And the monetary value of those savings are substantial.
A kitchen renovator will charge $10000-$15000 to replace a small kitchen to the basic functionality and quality.
To replace a window or a wall, you have to dig-in for an extra $3000.
By doing a basic carpentry, joinery, painting and tiling, you can easily safe $2000-$9000.
DIY Kitchens Products
There are plenty of businesses which offer DIY kitchens and are more then happy to discuss the product with you.
However, do not be afraid of the general stores.
Even hardware stores (like Bunnings) have a selection of DIY kitchens to meet decent standards.
They have comprehensive installation guides and sometimes provide DIY training themselves.
The main DIY kitchens products are: kitchen cabinets, benches and benchtops.
It is smart to order sinks, water tubs and rangehoods together with the furniture.
However, you do not need to purchase kitchen appliances such as microwaves, ovens and fridges from the DIY supplier.
It is cheaper to look for these items in the specialised stores and fit them into your DIY kitchen.
DIY Kitchen Prices
On average, the total renovation with DIY kitchen should cost in the region of $4000 - $5000.
The price of cabinets 700mmX600mmX500mm is about $120 for laminated doors and $200 for poly-doors.
The laminated benchtops with a standard finish are about $100 per meter (with the width of 0.6 meters).
The same product in the high-shine finish will cost $30 more.
Kitchen splashbacks are great addition to the modern kitchen.
In the DIY model you can get the one made of a glass with a metallic paint for $180 (dimensions: 6mmX600mmX1000mm).
This should give you an overall idea about the price of components.
Remember, DIY kitchens are great, save a lot of money but do require the commitment of time.
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