Do You Need a Contractor for Your Kitchen Cabinet Project?

By Norine Farrell

How do I know if I need a contractor for my kitchen project? 

There are many projects and DIY jobs in the average home which don’t require bringing in a professional. Who doesn’t like saving money when we can successfully accomplish a project on our own, on our own schedule?

However, there are home projects that require the services of a trained, experienced, and licensed contractor. A project in the hands of someone that is not qualified could end up costing much more than hiring the correct professional in the first place. Time (and possibly money) is almost always saved when the job is done correctly the first time. And dangerous or risky conditions are better handled by the expert rather than the DIY-er. 

How will you discern the DIY project from the Contractor project? This rule of thumb is a good basic starting point: Do you have MEP issues in your project? MEP stands for mechanical, electrical, or plumbing. You might be skilled and knowledgeable enough to tackle one or more of these issues, and perhaps bring in a professional for the other items. 

I just need kitchen cabinets, do I need a contractor?

If you are only removing and replacing your existing cabinets, you might not need a contractor. This is often the case with very simple kitchen renovations. For example, if you can disconnect and reconnect the plumbing under your sink, your electrical outlets are staying and you’re not adding any new ones, you’re not changing your type of range, not adding a dishwasher, then you might not need a contractor.

Why would my renovation affect anything mechanical, electrical, or involve my plumbing?

Are you considering taking a wall down in your kitchen to create more space? Does  your kitchen design include a new island that will need an electrical outlet? Are any of your appliance locations changing? At the very least, your plumbing will need disconnecting and reconnecting. While some of these items are usually straightforward tasks, there can certainly be more involved MEP things that come up. 

If MEP is involved, the rule of thumb is that these concerns should be handled by an expert who knows how to tackle any issues that may arise. Investing in this particular aspect of your project can avoid major costs required to fix DIY mistakes or gaps. And we are talking about your home, where your family lives; another reason your investment is well spent.

What exactly is a contractor?

A contractor is an individual who helps you with either part of your new construction/remodeling project or who coordinates every aspect of your project. A contractor has knowledge of town permit requirements, available tradesmen for the particular jobs to be done, or may have his/her own skill set to accomplish the MEP needs in your project.

As you approach your project in the planning stages, it’s a good idea to prepare a list including:

1. Your project goals from top to bottom, ceiling to floor
2. Your timeline, ideal start and finish dates
3. Budget
4. DIY items you would like to keep for yourself

Hiring a contractor for your kitchen project may save a significant amount of time and money in reaching your ultimate goal, leaving you to finish other projects in your home that are perfect for your level of DIY expertise. 

Here are a few other articles we’ve written that might be helpful to you and your project:

• How do I Find the Right Contractor?
• Tips for Selecting a Contractor