ud83dudcda Apt.1 Kitchen Series u2014 8 of 10
u2190 Apt.1 Kitchen Wall Vol.7: Paint & Wallpaper u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.2 u2192
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2026 Update from DIY Dad: Floor Finishing, Kitchen Demo & Toilet Removal
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Modern Kitchen Cabinet Handles
New handles cost u00a53,000u20138,000 and make a kitchen feel 10 years newer instantly.
With the first-floor flooring complete, the kitchen renovation at Apartment No. 1 is next. This is where the renovation really starts to transform the space.
Overlaying the Closet Floor
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Kitchen Faucets
A faucet upgrade is the single highest-impact kitchen DIY per yen spent.
Closet floors are easy to overlook, but they matter for cleanliness and that well-maintained impression.
Steps:
- Inspect for rot or mold
- Cut plywood (5.5u20139 mm) to fit
- Lay plywood over existing floor (double-sided tape or adhesive)
- Optional: finish with vinyl sheet or paint
Even this small detail tells tenants the property is cared for. Attention to these things supports occupancy rates.
How to Remove an Old Kitchen
- Close water supply and hot water shutoff valves
- Disconnect the drain trap (watch for water spillage)
- For gas cooktops: close the gas line (may require a licensed professional)
- Remove all fasteners
- Dispose of materials properly as industrial waste
Gas line disconnection requires a licensed tradesperson. Always have a qualified professional handle that part.
Why DIY Kitchen Replacement Makes Sense
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Kitchen Backsplash Tile Kits
A tiled backsplash protects the wall and dramatically upgrades the kitchen appearance.
- System kitchen unit: u00a5100,000u2013300,000
- Demolition: u00a50 (you do it yourself)
- Installation: contract out only the plumbing and gas
A hybrid approach u2014 doing everything except the licensed work yourself u2014 dramatically reduces total cost.
Toilet Removal Basics
- Close the shutoff valve
- Flush the tank empty
- Disconnect the supply line
- Remove the flange bolts
- Lift the toilet away (two-person job for safety)
Plug the drain opening right away to block sewer gases. DIY Dad forgot this once and immediately regretted it.
Hi, this is DIY Dad. Time to tackle the kitchen renovation.
The existing kitchen as found.
Existing kitchen, another view. The plan is to remove this unit and replace it with something that has a counter-kitchen feel. Before demolishing, I tried rotating the unit in place to visualize the new layout.
Existing kitchen u2014 rotated into trial position.
Trial position, another angle.
Trial position.
Trial position.
Trial position.
Trial position.
Trial position.
Trial position. If I build a counter along the back wall, this starts to look like a proper counter kitchen u2014 well, a u201ccounter kitchen-ishu201d setup at least (laughs). The blue and pink pipes coming up from the floor are the cold water and hot water supply lines.
ud83dudcda Apt.1 Kitchen Series u2014 8 of 10
u2190 Apt.1 Kitchen Wall Vol.7: Paint & Wallpaper u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.2 u2192
DIY Renovation Quote Review Manual
How to read, compare, and negotiate contractor quotes. This manual saved me u00a5800,000 on a single renovation project.
ud83cudfe0 More from DIY Father
15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
