Kitchen2 Vol.1: Project Overview u2014 What We’re Doing

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2016-12-19 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

u270fufe0f 2026 Update from DIY Dad: The Big Picture for Kitchen Renovation

At last u2014 the kitchen chapter. Of all the spaces DIY Dad has tackled, the kitchen is the one he approached with the most caution. Gas, water, and electricity all converge in one place, after all. (Ha!)

Defining the Scope of the Kitchen Renovation

Here’s what DIY Dad actually did (and was able to do) in this kitchen:

• Removing and reinstalling switch and outlet covers
• Disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the range hood
• Replacing the wall wallpaper
• Replacing the floor cushion flooring
• Removing and cleaning the overhead cabinets

And here’s what he did NOT do (left to the professionals):

• Removing and installing the gas stove (gas work requires a licensed technician)
• Relocating gas piping (same reason)
• Converting to IH induction (requires a licensed electrician)

Never DIY Gas Work u2014 Period

Any work involving gas equipment u2014 connecting, disconnecting, or relocating gas lines u2014 requires a certified Gas Works Technician or LP Gas Equipment Technician. Doing it without a license is not only illegal; it creates real risk of gas leaks and explosions.

DIY Dad’s rule is absolute: gas-related work always goes to a professional. This isn’t a question of ability u2014 it’s a question of what must never be attempted. m(_ _)m

Cleaning and Disassembling the Range Hood u2014 Totally DIY-able

Kitchen range hoods accumulate heavy grease, but a thorough disassembly and cleaning can bring them back to near-new condition.

DIY Dad’s range hood cleaning process:

1. Turn off the circuit breaker
2. Disassemble the filter, propeller, and casing
3. Soak in a baking soda + hot water (80u00b0C) solution for 30 minutes
4. Scrub the fine details with an old toothbrush
5. Dry completely, reassemble, and do an operation check

Just cleaning the range hood transforms the entire feel of the kitchen. It’s cheaper than replacing it u2014 and fully adequate in performance. ^ ^

As a Landlord: The Cost-Effectiveness of Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen is one of the three elements that define a property’s value (along with the entrance and the bathroom). Improving it measurably boosts rent sustainability and occupancy rates.

That said, replacing a full system kitchen (including installation) can run anywhere from 1 to 3 million yen. DIY Dad’s approach: keep the kitchen unit itself, and maximize cleanliness. Just refreshing the wallpaper, range hood, cushion flooring, and caulking can dramatically change the visual impression. m(_ _)m

ud83cudf73 For Anyone Considering a Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen is the most challenging area of any renovation u2014 gas, electricity, and water all meet here. DIY Dad’s firm rule: gas equipment always goes to a professional. Gas is a matter of life and safety. (Ha!)

Visiting a showroom to see the actual products in person helps avoid the “not what I expected” disappointment. Most showrooms are free u2014 make use of them. ^ ^

Marutoku Shop | Find lumber and materials for your kitchen u00bb

Hello, this is DIY Dad. ^ ^

We’re diving into the first-floor kitchen renovation. On the floor plan, the kitchen sits roughly in the middle of the unit.

u2191 Floor plan.

The kitchen is, as they say, a woman’s castle u2014 the space where Mom holds absolute authority. My goal is to hear out her wishes and reflect them as fully as possible.

Here’s how DIY Dad sees it:

• The kitchen becomes sparkling clean.
• Grumpy Mom becomes smiling Mom.
• DIY Dad’s daily life becomes happy. u266a (v^_^)v

So I went in with a survey. Here’s how that conversation went:

DIY Dad: “So, about the kitchen renovation.”
Mom: “Yeah.”
DIY Dad: “Do you have any ideas about how you’d like it to look?” ^ ^
Mom: “I don’t really know.”
DIY Dad (internal): “Yeah, I figured.”

As expected. She hasn’t even started thinking about it. (uffe3^uffe3)

But DIY Dad persisted, aiming for that ideal scenario:

DIY Dad: “Right now, anything you want is possible u2014 I’m taking requests!” (u2579u25e1u2579)u2661
Mom: “But I don’t know what I want.”
DIY Dad (internal): “Come on, think a little harder.” u0ca0_u0ca0

Slightly annoyed, but then I realized u2014 asking vague open-ended questions to someone who has no idea what’s even possible will never work. She doesn’t know what options exist, so she has no starting point. (uff61-_-uff61)

So I switched to a suggestion-based approach:

DIY Dad: “Okay, what about specific things? Like a dishwasher?” (u2312-u2312; )
Mom: “Oh, a dishwasher would be nice~u266a”
DIY Dad: “Countertop or built-in?” ^ ^
Mom: “What’s a built-in?”
DIY Dad: “It fits inside the kitchen unit u2014 like a drawer.” (^^)/
Mom: “Oh, those are nice~ But can you actually do that?”
DIY Dad: “Well, there’s no reason we can’t try!?” u0669( ‘u03c9’ )u0648 ////

DIY Dad: “What about the stove? Replace with a new gas one, or switch to IH?” ^ ^
Mom: “I’d like IH.”
DIY Dad: “Got it! u266a Anything else?” d(^_^o)
Mom: “Nope.”
DIY Dad (internal): “…Fine.” (u2212_u2212#)
DIY Dad: “Okay! I’ll take care of the rest myself. u266a” (u2312u25bdu2312)
Mom: “Go for it~”

And there we have it u2014 DIY Dad successfully (sort of) extracted Mom’s wishes.

The Full Task List for the Kitchen

• Full wallpaper replacement
• Silicone caulking renewal
• Range hood disassembly and cleaning
• New 100V outlets for dishwasher and refrigerator; new 200V outlet for IH cooktop
• Floor repair under refrigerator + cushion flooring finish
• Swap gas stove for IH cooktop
• Install built-in dishwasher
• Replace single-lever faucet and under-cabinet light
• Switch panels upgraded to wide-style

It’s a substantial list. Water-related work alone carries a lot of volume u2014 kitchens accumulate grime at an extraordinary rate. The cleaning stage alone could take hours. ^^;

But DIY Dad is fully committed to making Mom smile! u0669( u141b )u0648

Will she be happy with the result? Stay tuned u2014 that’s it for today! (^^)/~~~

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