Kitchen and Bathroom Completion: Complete Guide

Overview

• Typical Duration: 2-4 weeks
• DIY Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
• Typical Cost: $25,000-$60,000 (varies enormously by selections)
• When to Hire: Cabinet install DIY-able, tile and counters often hired
• Required Inspection: Plumbing fixtures may require inspection

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms per square foot and have the biggest impact on home value. These rooms require coordinating multiple trades and finishes, with precise installation critical for function and appearance.

Most owner-builders successfully install cabinets but hire tile work and countertop fabrication. This hybrid approach saves money while ensuring quality results on specialized work.

When This Phase Happens

Kitchen and bath finishing happens near project end.

Must be complete first:

• Drywall finished and painted
• Flooring installed (or accounted for in measurements)
• Rough plumbing and electrical complete
• Tile backer board installed (if doing tile)

What comes after:

• Final painting touch-ups
• Final fixtures and hardware
• Punch list completion

Material Selection Budget Impact

Budget Kitchen (10x12):

• Stock cabinets: $3,000-$6,000
• Laminate counters: $800-$1,500
• Standard appliances: $2,000-$4,000
• Vinyl or linoleum flooring (included in flooring budget)
• Total: $6,000-$12,000

Mid-Grade Kitchen:

• Semi-custom cabinets: $8,000-$15,000
• Quartz or granite counters: $3,500-$6,500
• Mid-grade appliances: $4,000-$8,000
• Tile backsplash: $800-$1,500
• Total: $16,000-$31,000

High-End Kitchen:

• Custom cabinets: $20,000-$40,000+
• Premium stone counters: $8,000-$15,000+
• Premium appliances: $10,000-$25,000+
• Custom tile/stone work: $3,000-$8,000+
• Total: $41,000-$88,000+

Bathrooms (per bathroom):

• Budget: $3,000-$6,000
• Mid-grade: $8,000-$15,000
• High-end: $20,000-$40,000+

Step-by-Step Process

Week 1: Cabinet Installation

Kitchen cabinet installation:

Day 1-2: Upper cabinets:

1. Find high point of floor, measure up for cabinet height (typically 54" to bottom of uppers)
2. Mark level line for cabinet bottoms
3. Locate and mark all studs
4. Start with corner cabinet (if applicable)
5. Install mounting rail at line
6. Hang corner cabinet, level and shim
7. Secure through back into studs (2-3 screws top and bottom)
8. Install adjacent cabinets, securing together with clamps before fastening
9. Continue around kitchen
10. Install crown molding if specified

Day 3-4: Lower cabinets:

1. Find high point of floor
2. Mark level line for cabinet tops (typically 34-1/2" for 36" counters)
3. Start with corner cabinet
4. Level front-to-back and side-to-side with shims
5. Secure cabinets together before fastening to wall
6. Secure through back into studs
7. Install toe kick material
8. Level all cabinets to highest cabinet (creates level counter surface)

Bathroom vanities: Same process, typically 32-34" height

Common cabinet installation issues:

• Out-of-level floors (shim bottoms)
• Out-of-plumb walls (shim backs)
• Walls not square (adjust adjacent cabinets to compensate)
• Plumbing/electrical conflicts (notch cabinet backs as needed)

Week 2: Countertop Installation

Laminate countertops (DIY-friendly):

1. Measure precisely (template if post-form)
2. Cut with circular saw (finish side down, score finish side first)
3. Apply adhesive to cabinet tops
4. Set countertop, ensure overhang is even (typically 1" to 1-1/2")
5. Secure from below with screws through cabinet corner braces
6. Install backsplash (4" standard or custom height)
7. Seal edges with silicone

Stone countertops (hire fabrication, sometimes DIY install):

1. Fabricator creates template after cabinets installed
2. Fabrication takes 1-2 weeks
3. Professional installation recommended (heavy, requires precision)
4. Seams are unavoidable on large kitchens
5. Undermount sinks require professional cutting

Butcher block (very DIY-friendly):

1. Cut to size with circular saw
2. Sand edges smooth
3. Install with construction adhesive and screws from below
4. Apply food-safe finish (mineral oil or polyurethane)
5. Regular maintenance required (oil periodically)

Week 2-3: Tile Work

Tile backsplash (most DIY-able tile project):

Day 1: Preparation:

1. Ensure walls are clean, dry, flat
2. Plan tile layout (avoid small pieces at edges)
3. Mark level line for first row
4. Gather materials (thin-set, tiles, spacers, grout)

Day 2-3: Tile installation:

1. Apply thin-set to wall with notched trowel (cover 3-4 sq ft at a time)
2. Set tiles with spacers
3. Keep level and plumb
4. Cut edge pieces with wet saw or tile cutter
5. Let set 24-48 hours

Day 4: Grouting:

1. Mix grout to peanut butter consistency
2. Apply with rubber float at 45° angle
3. Force grout into joints
4. Wipe excess with damp sponge (don't remove from joints)
5. Buff haze after drying (30-60 min)
6. Seal grout after 48-72 hours (sanded grout only)

Shower tile (much more complex - often hired):

• Requires waterproof backer board (cement board or Kerdi board)
• Must have proper slope to drain (1/4" per foot minimum)
• Waterproofing membrane critical
• Complex cuts around fixtures
• Mistakes cause water damage
• Consider hiring unless you have tile experience

Week 3-4: Plumbing Fixture Installation

Kitchen sink:

1. Cut hole in counter per template (undermount) or drop-in
2. Undermount: Apply silicone to underside rim, clamp from below
3. Drop-in: Set in opening, secure with clips
4. Connect supply lines (3/8" braided steel)
5. Install drain with basket strainer
6. Connect P-trap to drain rough-in
7. Install garbage disposal if applicable
8. Test for leaks

Kitchen faucet:

1. Thread supply lines through sink holes
2. Secure faucet from below with mounting hardware
3. Connect supply lines to shut-off valves
4. Install sprayer if separate
5. Test for leaks

Bathroom vanity:

1. Set vanity in place, level and secure
2. Cut hole in counter for sink (if not pre-cut)
3. Install sink (undermount or drop-in)
4. Install faucet
5. Connect supply lines
6. Install drain assembly and P-trap
7. Test for leaks

Toilets:

1. Install new wax ring on flange (or wax-free gasket)
2. Set toilet on flange, align closet bolts
3. Press down firmly to compress wax ring
4. Install washers and nuts on closet bolts (hand tight plus 1/4 turn)
5. Connect water supply line
6. Test for leaks
7. Caulk around base (leave back gap for leak detection)

Showers/tubs:

• Most already installed during rough-in
• Install faucet trim and showerhead
• Install glass doors or curtain rod
• Caulk all penetrations with 100% silicone

Week 4: Final Details

Cabinet hardware:

1. Plan hardware locations (measure or use template)
2. Drill holes for knobs/pulls
3. Install hardware consistently throughout

Lighting:

• Under-cabinet lighting (LED strips or pucks)
• Pendant lights over islands
• Vanity lights over mirrors
• Install after counters to avoid damage

Accessories:

• Towel bars and toilet paper holders
• Soap dispensers
• Mirror installation
• Medicine cabinets
• Shower caddies

Code Requirements

• IRC P2701.1 - Fixture clearances: Minimum clearances for toilets, showers, etc.

• IRC P2705.1 - Bathtubs: Floor under bathtub required

• IRC P3105.1 - Fixture traps: Each fixture requires properly sized trap

• IRC E3902.13 - GFCI: Kitchen and bathroom receptacles require GFCI protection

• IRC P2706 - Laundry: Laundry tray or washer box with trap required

• IRC M1507.3 - Kitchen ventilation: Range hood or other exhaust required

Subcontractor Considerations

Typical pricing:

• Cabinet installation: $75-$150 per cabinet or $1,000-$3,000 total
• Countertop fabrication and install: $50-$150 per sq ft (material dependent)
• Tile installation: $10-$25 per sq ft (complexity dependent)
• Plumbing fixture install: $200-$500 per fixture

Timeline:

• Cabinet install: 1-3 days
• Countertop template to install: 2-3 weeks
• Tile work: 3-7 days
• Plumbing fixtures: 1-2 days

Common Mistakes

1. Cabinets Not Level

Why it's a problem: Countertops won't install properly, doors don't close, unprofessional appearance. How to avoid: Use level religiously. Shim to level. Take your time. Cost if you don't: $1,000-$3,000 to remove and reinstall.

2. Wrong Cabinet Height

Why it's a problem: Counters at wrong height, uppers too high or low, affects function. How to avoid: Standard is 34-1/2" for lowers (36" counter height), 18" between counter and uppers. Cost if you don't: $500-$2,000 to adjust or replace.

3. Not Accounting for Appliances

Why it's a problem: Dishwasher, fridge, or range don't fit in openings. How to avoid: Verify appliance dimensions before cabinet ordering. Leave proper clearances. Cost if you don't: $1,000-$5,000 reordering cabinets or appliances.

4. Poor Waterproofing in Showers

Why it's a problem: Water damage, mold, structural issues, very expensive repairs. How to avoid: Use proper waterproofing membrane. Follow manufacturer instructions exactly. Cost if you don't: $5,000-$20,000 tear-out and rebuild.

5. Unsealed Stone Counters

Why it's a problem: Staining, water damage, deterioration. How to avoid: Seal granite, marble, and other porous stones per manufacturer instructions. Cost if you don't: Permanent staining, damaged counters.

6. Improper Sink Installation

Why it's a problem: Leaks, water damage to cabinets, mold. How to avoid: Follow manufacturer instructions. Test for leaks before declaring complete. Cost if you don't: $500-$3,000 water damage and repairs.

7. Wrong Grout Type

Why it's a problem: Staining, deterioration, poor performance. How to avoid: Use sanded grout for joints 1/8" or wider, unsanded for smaller. Epoxy grout in showers. Cost if you don't: $1,000-$3,000 to remove and re-grout.

8. Tile Not Level/Plumb

Why it's a problem: Looks terrible, lips between tiles, water pools. How to avoid: Use level constantly. Check flatness with straight edge. Adjust as you go. Cost if you don't: $2,000-$8,000 to remove and reinstall.

Quality Checkpoints

• [ ] All cabinets level and plumb
• [ ] All cabinets secured to studs
• [ ] Cabinet doors aligned and close properly
• [ ] Countertops level with even overhang
• [ ] All seams tight (stone counters)
• [ ] Sink installed properly, no leaks
• [ ] Faucets installed and functional
• [ ] All tile level, plumb, and properly spaced
• [ ] Grout consistent color, no voids
• [ ] All plumbing fixtures installed and tested
• [ ] No leaks at any connection
• [ ] Hardware installed consistently
• [ ] Proper caulking at all wet areas
• [ ] GFCI outlets tested and functional

Budget Breakdown

Example for 2,000 sq ft house (1 kitchen, 2.5 baths):

Timeline Tips

Scheduling critical path:

• Order cabinets 8-12 weeks before needed (long lead time)
• Order countertops after cabinets installed (need exact measurements)
• Order appliances 4-6 weeks ahead
• Coordinate all trades (cabinet installer, countertop installer, tile setter, plumber)

What Comes Next

After kitchen and bath complete:

1. Final painting touch-ups
2. Final fixtures and hardware
3. Punch list completion

Link to: Painting Phase

Related Resources

• Cabinet Selection Guide
• Countertop Comparison
• Tile Installation Guide

Need Kitchen and Bath Help?

Kitchens and bathrooms are complex, expensive rooms. If you're unsure about tile work or plumbing connections, a consultation can help you avoid costly mistakes.