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DIY Kitchen Updates vs. Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

Derek Obringer • December 18, 2024

If you're a homeowner in the Pittsburgh area dreaming of a kitchen upgrade, you might be torn between tackling the job yourself or finding a professional kitchen remodeling contractor. DIY remodeling can seem tempting—endless YouTube tutorials, Pinterest boards, and TV shows make it look easy. But is it the right choice for you? Let's explore the key factors and why hiring a trusted local contractor like Obringer's Painting & Remodeling might be the better solution for your dream kitchen.

Is a DIY Kitchen Remodel the Right Solution for Me?


For many homeowners, DIY projects are a way to save money and feel accomplished. A kitchen remodel, however, isn't your typical weekend project. Before deciding to go the DIY route, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I have the time to dedicate weeks or months to this project?
  • Do I have the skills to handle tasks like plumbing, electrical work, and cabinet installation?
  • Am I prepared for unexpected challenges that will almost certainly come up?


Kitchen remodeling is complex. What starts as a money-saving effort can quickly become stressful and expensive if things go wrong. Unless you have prior remodeling experience, hiring professionals may save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.


The Risks of DIY Kitchen Remodeling


While taking on a kitchen remodel yourself can be rewarding, the risks often outweigh the rewards. Here are some common challenges homeowners face with DIY kitchen renovations:

Hidden Costs: Mistakes happen. From purchasing the wrong materials to causing damage during demolition, DIY errors can cost you more than hiring a pro.

Time Commitment: A professional team can remodel a kitchen in a matter of weeks. This timeline can stretch into months for DIYers, leaving your kitchen unusable for far too long.

Safety Hazards: Electrical wiring, gas lines, and heavy lifting can be dangerous without proper training.

Quality Concerns: A professional contractor has the expertise to ensure long-lasting work. With DIY, you risk uneven tile, improperly installed cabinets, or even structural damage.

DIY projects are often ideal for small, low-risk upgrades like painting walls or changing hardware. When it comes to a major renovation like a kitchen remodel, leaving it to the pros is often the best decision.


Why Hire a Professional Contractor?


Hiring a professional kitchen remodeling contractor provides a host of benefits that can transform your vision into reality without the stress:

Experience and Expertise: Contractors like Obringer's Painting & Remodeling have years of experience handling kitchen projects. From planning to execution, they know how to do the job right the first time.

Efficiency: Professionals follow a clear schedule and workflow to ensure your kitchen remodeling project is completed in a timely manner and within your budget.

Access to Resources: Contractors have relationships with suppliers and access better materials at competitive prices.

Permits and Codes: Navigating building permits and local codes can be confusing. Professionals take care of this for you, ensuring everything meets safety standards.

Stress-Free Process: With professionals on the job, you can sit back and enjoy watching your new kitchen take shape without the headaches of managing the project yourself.


How Obringer's Ensures Quality Work


At Obringer's Painting & Remodeling, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. Our lean business model allows us to provide top-notch results without breaking the bank. Here's why homeowners in the Pittsburgh area trust us:

Skilled Team: Our team of experts is experienced in all aspects of remodeling, from design to installation.

Attention to Detail: We take the time to understand your vision and execute every detail to perfection.

Efficient Timelines: We work efficiently to minimize disruptions to your daily life.

Customer Satisfaction: Your happiness is our priority. We work closely with you throughout your kitchen remodeling project to ensure the final result exceeds your expectations.

When you choose Obringer's Painting & Remodeling, you're choosing peace of mind, quality work, and a kitchen you'll love for years to come.


Schedule a Free Estimate Today!



Don't take on the stress of a DIY kitchen remodel when Obringer's Painting & Remodeling can make your dream kitchen a reality. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and discover how we can transform your space with expert craftsmanship, affordable pricing, and outstanding customer service.

Let Obringer's handle the hard work so you can enjoy the kitchen you deserve!

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Author: Derek Obringer


Owner & Founder of Obringer's Painting and Remodeling, Derek Obringer brings attention to detail, together with experience, and superior customer service into each and every home that his company does work.

Painting And Remodeling Blog

By Derek Obringer March 27, 2025
General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers: Key Differences When planning your kitchen renovation, choosing the right professional is crucial. Should you hire a general contractor or a kitchen remodeling contractor ? While both handle renovations, their expertise and scope of work differ significantly. General Contractors General contractors oversee large-scale remodeling projects, such as whole-home renovations or additions. They handle structural changes, electrical and plumbing work, and permit approvals. Because they manage multiple subcontractors and coordinate various trades, hiring a general contractor is typically more expensive. They are best suited for projects that go beyond just the kitchen. Kitchen Remodeling Contractors Kitchen remodelers specialize in kitchen-specific renovations, focusing on layout, design, and materials. They often work directly on the kitchen, rather than overseeing multiple subcontractors. Because their expertise is limited to one area of the home, they provide more cost-effective solutions for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens without altering other spaces. Which One Do You Need? If your project involves multiple rooms or structural changes, a general contractor is the best choice. However, if your renovation is kitchen-focused and you want a more budget-friendly approach, a kitchen remodeling contractor is the way to go. Understanding these differences can help you make the right decision for your home renovation needs. Key Differences: General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers When planning a home renovation, it's essential to understand the key differences between general contractors and kitchen remodelers to ensure you hire the right professional for the job. While both play crucial roles in home improvement, their scope of work, expertise, cost, and project management styles vary significantly. 1. Scope of Work The primary difference between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler is the scope of work they handle: General Contractors: General contractors oversee broad renovation projects that may involve multiple rooms, entire home remodels, or structural changes. Their responsibilities often include: Managing large-scale renovations, including home expansions and floor plan modifications. Overseeing structural changes such as removing walls or adding new rooms. Coordinating various subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, to complete the project efficiently. Kitchen Remodelers: Kitchen remodelers, on the other hand, specialize exclusively in kitchen renovations. Their work is focused on: Optimizing kitchen layout design for better functionality and efficiency. Installing cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, and appliances. Choosing the best materials, finishes, and storage solutions for an aesthetically pleasing and practical kitchen. If your project involves multiple rooms or structural modifications, a general contractor is necessary. However, if your focus is solely on updating or redesigning the kitchen, a kitchen remodeler is the better choice. 2. Expertise & Specialization The level of expertise required for a renovation depends on the type and complexity of the project. General Contractors: These professionals have broad knowledge across multiple trades, including: Structural modifications (e.g., knocking down walls or adding load-bearing beams). Electrical and plumbing work to support home expansions. Permitting and building code compliance for large-scale projects. Kitchen Remodelers: In contrast, kitchen remodelers focus specifically on kitchen design, materials, and functionality, which includes: Understanding the latest kitchen trends and space-saving solutions. Customizing cabinets, countertops, and islands for improved workflow. Ensuring optimal appliance placement to enhance efficiency. If your renovation requires significant structural changes, a general contractor is the right choice. However, if you want a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle and design preferences, a kitchen remodeler's specialized knowledge is more beneficial. 3. Cost Considerations Cost is a major factor when choosing between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler. General Contractor: In most cases, they will charge a percentage of the total project cost, often ranging between 10% and 25%. Their services are more expensive due to the larger scale of work and involvement of multiple trades. Costs may include permits, labor for structural changes, and extensive material selections. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Offer a more budget-friendly option for homeowners focusing solely on the kitchen. Since they specialize in one area, their labor and material costs are often more predictable and controlled. Homeowners can choose from different levels of renovation, from minor upgrades to high-end, custom kitchen designs. If you're planning a whole-home remodel or structural work, a general contractor's higher costs are justified. However, if you need a cost-effective kitchen transformation, a kitchen remodeler is the smarter financial choice. 4. Project & Subcontractor Management Managing a renovation project requires careful coordination, and the approach differs between general contractors and kitchen remodelers. General Contractor: Act as project manager, hiring and overseeing subcontractors for various tasks such as flooring, plumbing, and HVAC installation. Ensure all trades work in sync to meet project deadlines. Handle any unexpected construction challenges, such as hidden electrical issues or outdated plumbing. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Typically, they work with a smaller, more specialized team of designers and craftsmen. Provide a hands-on approach by focusing on specific kitchen elements, ensuring quality control throughout the project. May still work with subcontractors (e.g., electricians or plumbers) but on a much smaller scale than general contractors. If your renovation involves multiple professionals across different areas, a general contractor is necessary. However, if you prefer a more direct and focused approach for your kitchen, a kitchen remodeler provides the expertise needed. Both general contractors and kitchen remodelers bring valuable skills to the table, but their expertise is suited for different types of projects. Why Choose Obringer's Painting & Remodeling? When it comes to kitchen renovations, you need a team with experience, craftsmanship, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Obringer's Painting & Remodeling stands out as a trusted name in the industry, offering: Expert Kitchen Design & Craftsmanship: From modern updates to timeless styles, our team specializes in creating stunning, functional kitchen spaces tailored to your needs. Quality Materials & Workmanship: We use only high-quality materials, ensuring your kitchen remodel stands the test of time. Affordable, Transparent Pricing: We provide clear estimates with no hidden costs, helping you get the best value for your investment. Personalized Service & Attention to Detail – Every project is handled with care, and we work closely with homeowners to bring their vision to life. Timely Project Completion: Our team is dedicated to finishing projects efficiently without sacrificing quality so you can enjoy your new kitchen sooner. Call Obringer's Today for Your Next Kitchen Remodel! Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact Obringer's Painting & Remodeling today for a consultation with a kitchen renovation expert who can bring your vision to life. Whether you're making small updates or planning a complete remodel, our team is here to deliver exceptional results with expert craftsmanship and outstanding service. Let's create the kitchen of your dreams!
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