Everyone loves to remodel their homes, but how many people actually know how to do it? Not very many, it turns out. It’s far easier and more cost-effective to hire a professional contractor than it is to learn the hard way. So what should you do if you want to remodel your kitchen on your own? Here we offer tips on how you can make this happen — safely and successfully — in no time at all.

Master the Basics

Just about everything you do in the kitchen is intimidating and even a little unnerving to most people. Replacing your cabinets, for example, can be a daunting task. There are so many different kinds of materials and styles that you’re likely to get overwhelmed and lose your focus on what really matters: the tools you need to complete the job. So before you start digging deep into your wallet in search of professional help, take a look at some essential home improvement basics.

Prepare Your Space Before You Dig

This time-consuming but important step is the first step toward successfully remodeling your kitchen. If you have limited space, it can be hard to visualize the effect of all those changes on the overall design and layout of your kitchen. Taking a few moments to make sure you have space for everything you want to install is a good idea, too.

Remove everything from the kitchen that’s attached to the cabinets. If you are replacing your countertops, make sure to take those out first, too. This means the sink, stovetop, and cupboards. You don’t have to be overly aggressive when you do this; just remove as many things as possible so you can work quickly and efficiently. This is the single step that will save you the most money and time.

After you’re done taking everything out, take a good look around to determine whether you have space for any components you want to add. If there isn’t, consider an alternative layout and plan how to incorporate more storage in the area where they will stay once your remodeling project is complete.