Kitchen2 Vol.17: Floor Repair

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2017-02-03 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

2026 Update u2014 Kitchen Phase 2 Work: Outlets and Floor Repair

After completing the bathroom, I turned to the kitchen’s second phase: adding outlets and repairing the floor. Kitchen floors deteriorate quickly, so thorough repair before relaying the finish is a must. ^ ^

Adding Kitchen Outlets

Older properties often have too few kitchen outlets u2014 running a microwave, rice cooker, and electric kettle at the same time trips the breaker. I added outlets to bring the kitchen up to modern standards.

Methods for Adding Outlets

• u2460 Branch from an existing circuit (if capacity allows)
• u2461 Run a new dedicated circuit (for high-draw appliances)
• u2462 Install a new 20A dedicated kitchen circuit

Adding outlets requires a Type 2 Electrical Work License. DIY Dad holds the license. Without it, a licensed contractor is required.

About the Type 2 Electrical Work License

Highly recommended for landlords. Written exam plus practical skills test u2014 once you pass, you can add outlets, swap light fixtures, and replace switches on your own.

Exams are held twice a year. DIY Dad self-studied. Total cost around 30,000 yen, saving enormous sums on outsourced electrical work over time. ^ ^

Kitchen Floor Repair

Kitchens take the most punishment from water, oil, and heat. The plywood subfloor under the cushion floor frequently rots out.

Floor Repair Steps

• u2460 Remove the existing CF and inspect the subfloor
• u2461 Remove rotted or soft plywood
• u2462 Install 12mm plywood as a new subfloor
• u2463 Level height differences with compound
• u2464 Lay the new CF

Leaving the rotted subfloor in place and just relaying CF will result in a spongy floor again within a few years. Rebuilding from the subfloor is the right approach, tedious as it is.

As a Landlord u2014 Investment Priority

Insufficient outlets and spongy floors are among the top two tenant complaints. “Not enough sockets” and “the floor feels soft” should be addressed promptly. Getting ahead of these issues through proactive renovation reduces post-move-in complaints and encourages long-term tenancies. ^ ^

Now to the Step-by-Step u2014 Grinding Out Rot

Hi, it’s DIY Dad! ^ ^

February starts today! It feels like New Year’s was just yesterday, and already January is over. Time flies! And the severe cold has suddenly eased u2014 spring is just around the corner. Looking forward to the warmth! (^O^)

Continuing with the 1F kitchen renovation. Next: repairing the floor under where the refrigerator stands. Tools and materials used: angle grinder, leather gloves, safety goggles, dust mask.

First, grind out the rotted section of the floor. Before starting, I remembered the lesson learned in the washroom u2014 I’d gone in unprepared and ended up covered from head to toe in dust, as did the whole house. This time: all interior doors closed tight. Full protective gear on. (^^)

In the washroom, the rot had reached all the way into the floor joists u2014 a washing machine leak is not something to underestimate. How bad is the kitchen damage?

^ Rot under the refrigerator space.

^ A closer look. It appears to be surface-level only u2014 likely from refrigerator condensation leaking over time. Doesn’t look too serious. ^ ^

First, I removed the base molding. Then I started grinding with the angle grinder. The noise was something else!

Even though I was only grinding the surface, the room still ended up thick with dust. The rot was fully removed. Success! d(^_^o)

That’s all for today! (^^)/~~~

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