ud83dudcda Apt.1 Kitchen Series u2014 10 of 10
u2190 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.2 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 (last article) u2192
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2026 Update from DIY Dad: Floor Finishing, Kitchen Demo & Toilet Removal
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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 picking up momentum.
Overlaying the Closet Floor (Final Step in Floor Renovation)
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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 how clean and well-maintained the unit looks once tenants move in.
Steps for overlaying a closet floor:
- Inspect the existing floor for rot or mold
- Cut plywood (5.5u20139 mm) to fit the closet dimensions
- Lay the plywood over the existing floor (double-sided tape or construction adhesive)
- Finish the surface with vinyl sheet flooring or paint (optional)
Refreshing even the closet floor sends tenants a message that the property is carefully maintained. Attention to detail like this supports vacancy reduction.
How to Remove an Old Kitchen
Pulling out an old kitchen (sink unit + cooktop cabinet) takes more effort than you might expect:
- Close the shutoff valves on the water supply and hot water lines
- Disconnect the drain trap (watch for water spillage)
- For gas cooktops: shut off the gas line (may require a licensed professional)
- Remove all screws and fasteners holding the kitchen in place
- Dispose of demolished materials properly as industrial waste
Plumbing and gas work may require licensed tradespeople. Gas line disconnection in particular should be handled by a qualified professional or licensed contractor.
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.
Hiring a contractor to replace a kitchen can cost u00a5500,000u20131,500,000 including labor. Going the DIY route:
- System kitchen unit: u00a5100,000u2013300,000
- Demolition cost: u00a50 (you do it yourself)
- Installation: hire out the plumbing and gas; do everything else yourself
A hybrid approach u2014 contracting out only the licensed work and doing the rest yourself u2014 cuts costs dramatically.
Toilet Removal Basics
Removing an old toilet is a job most handy homeowners can tackle:
- Close the shutoff valve (stops water flowing to the tank)
- Empty the tank (flush until itu2019s dry)
- Disconnect the supply line
- Remove the flange bolts connecting the toilet to the floor
- Lift the toilet off (two people is safer u2014 itu2019s heavy)
Sewer gases will rise from the open drain immediately after removal. Plug the opening with a rag or masking tape right away. DIY Dad forgot this step once and immediately regretted it.
Hi, this is DIY Dad. Continuing the kitchen renovation at Apartment No. 1 first floor.
The work today: remove the old kitchen and finish the front face of the counter area.
Kitchen panel finish on the counter face. The panel-look treatment covers the front of the counter. The section without panel will be hidden behind the new kitchen unit.
New kitchen lighting wiring.
When we created the new bathroom/laundry room adjacent to the kitchen, the original kitchen ceiling light was lost. I ran new wiring for kitchen lighting, which will also serve as under-sink illumination.
Brand-new ventilation fan installed. In fact, nearly all the equipment in this room is now new. Canu2019t wait to get the new kitchen in there!
ud83dudcda Apt.1 Kitchen Series u2014 10 of 10
u2190 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.2 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 (last article) 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
