ud83dudcda Apt.1 Kitchen Series u2014 9 of 10
u2190 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.1 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.3 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 next phase at Apartment No. 1 is replacing the kitchen fixtures and removing the old toilet. The renovation is moving fast now.
Overlaying the Closet Floor
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Kitchen Faucets
A faucet upgrade is the single highest-impact kitchen DIY per yen spent.
Closet floors are easy to overlook, but they affect the impression tenants get once they move in.
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 surface with vinyl sheet or paint
Even this small detail signals to tenants that the property is well cared for. Attention to detail supports occupancy rates.
How to Remove an Old Kitchen
- Close water supply and hot water shutoff valves
- Disconnect the drain trap
- For gas: close the gas line (may require a licensed professional)
- Remove all fasteners and screws
- Dispose of materials as industrial waste
Gas line work requires a licensed tradesperson. Always have a qualified professional handle gas disconnection.
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
- Installation: contract out plumbing and gas only
A hybrid approach u2014 contracting only the licensed portions u2014 slashes total cost.
Toilet Removal Basics
- Close the shutoff valve
- Empty the tank by flushing
- Disconnect the supply line
- Remove flange bolts
- Lift the toilet away (two-person job)
Plug the drain opening immediately after removal to block sewer gases. DIY Dad forgot this step once and paid for it.
Hi, this is DIY Dad. Continuing the kitchen renovation.
Counter in progress.
Counter in progress.
Counter in progress. By rotating the existing kitchen unit and using the newly freed space, I was able to carve out a separate bathroom/laundry room. The kitchen aisle is a bit narrow, but itu2019s within acceptable range.
The water supply and hot water lines are capped with plugs for now.
Partition wall. The existing ventilation fan outlet is just barely accessible u2014 the socket should still be usable. Also discovered an unexplained hole in the floor.
The floor hole. No idea why it was cut. My best guess: someone drilled it to route a washing machine water supply line u2014 but itu2019s not under the partition wall where it would need to be.
Another hole on the kitchen side of the floor. No idea what this one was for either. Iu2019ll patch both later.
Counter, viewed from the front.
Counter, another angle.
View from behind. Looking good.
Counter, additional view.
Counter complete. The water supply and hot water pipes are now neatly hidden behind it.
ud83dudcda Apt.1 Kitchen Series u2014 9 of 10
u2190 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.1 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.3 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
