We’ve talked before in our blog about serving as your own contractor on a home remodeling project, but in this blog post, we wanted to talk specifically about being your own kitchen remodel contractor.
A full kitchen remodel can get expensive very quickly—especially if you are changing the floorplan, knocking out walls, adding a pantry, and/or choosing high-end finishes, as most homeowners in the Mission Viejo/Laguna Hills/Laguna Beach area tend to do. After all, they reason, if they’re going to go through all the trouble and expense of remodeling their kitchen, they might as well go all in and get everything they want! “Go big, or go home,” as they say!
Once they get the first quote or two that includes everything they want to do, homeowners sometimes realize their dreams may be bigger than their budget, and they have to either change their vision to something simpler, or find other ways to cut costs.
We’ve seen some homeowners decide to hire a local handyman, rather than a licensed general contractor, to save money. Not many people know this, but it’s actually not legal for a handyman to take on a project the size of a kitchen remodel. In the State of California, a handyman is only allowed to complete projects that cost less than $500—inclusive of materials. This means that a handyman cannot legally complete a kitchen remodel. If a handyman claims to be licensed, he is probably just referring to the fact that he or she has a business license, because there is no such thing as a licensed handyman in California. If you want to be sure that the person you are hiring as a kitchen remodel contractor is actually licensed, check with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
We’ve also seen homeowners try to manage the kitchen remodeling process on their own. This is a viable option for homeowners who are familiar with the various trades involved in a kitchen remodel—as well as for someone who has a good amount of time on their hands during working hours. But this isn’t the best option for most people. They tend to quickly realize that they are in over their heads and end up hiring a general contractor anyway. Kitchen remodels typically involve everything from electrical to plumbing to drywall work. They also need someone to install flooring, cabinets, countertops, and tile. It’s a lot for a homeowner to take on.
We fully appreciate that kitchen remodels can get expensive. However, homeowners should also consider that a good kitchen remodel—one that is well thought out and well executed—can be a great investment in their homes. Not only will a good kitchen remodel make the most-used room in a home more functional and enjoyable, but it can also increase the home’s value substantially.
Let the team at Scott McKee Construction help you with your kitchen remodel. We promise you won’t be disappointed! We will keep your project on budget and make sure you have a great experience in the process! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
