The average kitchen remodel costs $45,000 to $65,000 when you hire a general contractor. This book shows you exactly how to do it yourself for $18,000 to $28,000—saving you up to $37,000 in labor costs.
No vague advice. No “consult a professional” cop-outs on every page. This is the real playbook: a complete, numbered 79-step project plan that walks you through every phase of a kitchen remodel from demolition to final inspection.
WHAT’S INSIDE:
– A detailed 17-phase project plan with 79 numbered steps covering every task in order—demo, permits, rough-in, drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, plumbing finish, electrical finish, backsplash tile, appliances, trim, and inspections.
– Electrical rough-in guide: dedicated 20-amp circuits for every kitchen appliance per 2020 NEC code, GFCI requirements, and how to reduce your electrician’s bill by assisting with wire pulls.
– Plumbing rough-in: supply lines, drain venting, dishwasher high-loop connections, and ice maker line installation.
– Microwave exhaust fan installation: dedicated circuit, duct routing (rigid vs. recirculating), mounting bracket setup, and exterior wall cap termination.
– Backsplash tile installation: 7-step process from thinset application to grout sealing, with layout tips and material costs for subway tile, peel-and-stick, and glass mosaic options.
– Cabinet installation: the upper-first method with stud-finding, shimming, face-frame joining, and leveling—plus cost comparisons for IKEA, Home Depot, and semi-custom options.
– Real before-and-after photos from a completed kitchen remodel with an item-by-item breakdown of every change made and what it cost.
– Complete cost comparison worksheets showing exactly where contractor markups happen and where your DIY labor saves you the most money.
– A weekend-by-weekend project timeline showing how to complete the entire remodel over 13–14 weekends while still working your day job.
– Clear guidance on when to DIY versus when to hire a licensed professional—every phase is marked with a ✓ (do it yourself) or ⚠ (hire licensed trade).
This isn’t a coffee table book with pretty pictures and generic tips. It’s the step-by-step manual that a $295 renovation consultant would hand you—the same guide used by Hammond Re-Engineered LLC clients who save tens of thousands on their kitchen projects.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or an experienced DIYer, this book gives you the confidence to pick up the tools and keep the money in your own pocket. Your kitchen. Your equity. Your savings.
