Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Need Help with Kitchen

I have never remodeled anything before and now am starting to embark on remodeling the kitchen with a small budget. Can anyone tell me what I should do myself to cut the price. Thanks

Regardless of who does the work, what all are you planning on doing?

If you think you will need the extra help you might find a contractor that will let you help - demo, clean up, completion of simple tasks [maybe with instruction] etc.

btw - welcome to the forums!

If you find the remodel too expensive at the onset, trim down what you "want" to what you "need". Don't skimp on any phase of it. Do quality work, and you will be pleased with the outcome and can do other parts as money becomes available. A kitchen remodel will result in a larger percentage return on your money when you put your house on the market. If we can help, let us know.

Research research research all your options and then do it again to make sure you made good decisions. Borrow books from the library and read them - copy pages of items you like. Surf the web for ideas (more fun than TV!) Take your time on the planning and try to foresee any problems that may arise (and they will!) and determine how you will solve them.

Shop around and shop around hard. We got very very lucky and found a kitchen design shop that offered cabinets at half the cost of the big box stores (which is generally your least expensive option). But don't just go for "cheap", this guy came recommended by several folks. He has been a godsend (see more on contractors below).

Look for stuff on Craigslist, Freecycle, and Habitat for Humanity outlet stores - we found a $200 undermount sink for $40 brand new just because someone had an extra. Our hand made Mexican backsplash tiles were leftovers a friend gave us for free. Consider unusual materials that may add visual punch or functionality while keeping costs low (our island countertop is an old piece of bowling lane - take off the finish and it becomes 2 inch thick rock maple butcher block!). Make friends with local contractors who may have access to materials from demos - hubby does electrical and comes home with all sorts of interesting items (including that bowling lane).

Talk to friends and neighbors who have remodeled their kitchens and/or baths for advice on local contractors and stores. A good contractor is worth his or her weight in gold - ours have become friends as well.

Take a class on tile, wiring, etc at a local big box store - they are free and you can see the process in action and ask all sorts of questions. Don't be afraid to try something new - you may find a new hobby or surprise yourself at your skills!

Good luck and do not give up hope. Again, take your time to find the materials that will really make your kitchen what you want, and in the end you will have a unique statement of you that elicits oohs and aaahs and makes you love your kitchen!

Remodel covers a whole spectrum of work. It can be as little as painting cabinets to a complete demo of the kitchen down to the framing.

Kitchens are the costliest renovations. The most important part is planning. Decide on a budget and then decide what renovations your budget will allow.

There are lots of different skills involved in a complete remodel. Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, finish carpentry, tiling, sheetrock etc. During the planning stage you should seriously consider what skills you have and how much time you can devote to the remodel.

DIYers can usually do things like demo, tiling, painting flooring and hanging cabinets. Plumbing and electrical should be left to the pros unl;ess you have the skills.

One way to save money is to act as your own GC and hire those trades where you don't have the skills. Doing the project in stages is another way to reduce the strain on the budget but if you do it this way planning is even more important.