Installing new kitchen cabinets can make a huge difference in the look and functionality of your kitchen. But before starting a kitchen cabinet installation project, many homeowners wonder – do you need a license to install kitchen cabinets?
The short answer is, in most cases, no. You do not need a license to install kitchen cabinets in your own home. However, there are some exceptions and considerations to keep in mind.
When You Don’t Need a License to Install Kitchen Cabinets
In general, a homeowner does not need a contractor’s license to install kitchen cabinets if:
- You are installing cabinets in your own single-family home.
- You are not planning to sell the home immediately after the remodel.
- The home is not a rental property or Airbnb.
- You are doing the work yourself or using unpaid help from friends/family.
Kitchen cabinet installation is considered a standard DIY home improvement project, similar to painting or installing new flooring. So if you meet the criteria above, you can legally install new cabinets without any special licensing or credentials.
Advantages of Doing It Yourself
Tackling a kitchen cabinet install without hiring a pro has some great advantages:
- Save money – No paying for labor and contractor fees.
- Personalization – Choose your own materials and layout.
- Learn new skills – Gain confidence doing home upgrades yourself.
- No scheduling hassles – Work at your own pace and convenience.
As long as you feel comfortable with basic tools and have the physical ability to install cabinets, doing it yourself can be an empowering DIY project.
When Licensing or Permits Are Required
However, there are some scenarios where you do need special permissions or credentials to install kitchen cabinets legally:
Hiring Contractors or Electricians
If you plan to hire a general contractor, carpenter, or electrician to assist with the kitchen remodel, they will need the proper licenses to work in your home, such as:
- General contractor’s license
- Electrical contractor’s license
- Local business license
Be sure to verify all licenses and insurance before hiring any workers or professionals.
Structural Changes
If the cabinet installation involves any major structural changes, such as:
- Knocking down walls
- Moving plumbing or gas lines
- Adding a kitchen island
You will likely need building permits from your local city or town building department before starting work.
Selling Soon After Remodel
In some areas, if you complete a major kitchen remodel and then sell the home very quickly afterwards, you may be required to disclose that unlicensed DIY work was done.
Check your local laws to understand requirements if you plan to sell within a few months of a kitchen cabinet install.
Rental or Airbnb Properties
Most places require any construction work done on rental properties or Airbnbs to be completed by a licensed professional or contractor.
So make sure you follow all rules for your specific rental or short-term rental property before installing new cabinets yourself.
When in Doubt, Ask Your Local Building Department
If you are unsure if your specific kitchen cabinet install project requires permits or professional licensing, it’s always best to call your local town, city, or county building department.
Explain your plans for the kitchen remodel and they can tell you all necessary requirements and paperwork. It’s better to check and be sure, than risk fines down the line for non-permitted work.
Can You Save Money by Doing Some Work Yourself?
If you need to pull permits or your local laws require using licensed pros for certain aspects of the remodel, all is not lost.
There are still ways to save money on your kitchen cabinet installation by doing portions of the work yourself:
Demo and Prep Work
You can do demolition of old cabinets, countertops, and flooring yourself without permits or licenses in most cases. Just make sure to prep the area so it’s clean and ready for the pros.
Painting and Decor
While you may need to hire licensed electricians and plumbers, you can probably paint the cabinets yourself after installation. You can also decorate the finished kitchen.
Organizing and Shopping
Even if you need to hire contractors for the installation, you can shop for the best cabinet deals and organize all the materials and appliances yourself beforehand.
Cleanup and Minor Tweaks
When the pros are done, you can save money by doing your own thorough cleanup. You can also do minor adjustments like tightening hinges or adjusting cabinet doors yourself.
So even if DIY cabinet installation is limited by your local regulations, look for ways to take on the peripheral work yourself and minimize contractor hours.
5 Key Steps to DIY Kitchen Cabinet Installation
If you’ve determined you do NOT need any special licensing or permits for your kitchen remodel, congratulations! You can move forward with a DIY cabinet install.
Follow these 5 key steps to tackle the project like a pro:
1. Careful Planning
First, plan every detail of your new kitchen:
- Cabinet layout
- Cabinet height, depth, color etc
- Countertop material
- Appliances
- Flooring
- Lighting and electrical
Accurate measurements and a scale drawing are vital to get cabinets that fit perfectly.
2. Order Cabinets and Materials
Order all of your cabinets, countertops, and other materials based on your plan. Build extra time into your timeline for potential shipping delays or item backorders.
Tip: Order 5-10% extra cabinetry to allow for errors and replacements!
3. Prep the Space
Remove old cabinets, countertops, and flooring if needed. Repair walls and paint. Create a clean slate for cabinet installation.
4. Install Your Cabinets
Using the kitchen plan as your guide, assemble and hang all cabinets level and plumb. Secure to wall studs and reinforce.
Tip: Start with upper corner cabinets and work outward to set your layout.
5. Add Countertops and Finish Details
Install your countertop and backsplash. Add doors, handles, lighting, and final touches. Enjoy your beautiful new DIY kitchen!
Following detailed plans and safety precautions through each step allows you to get professional-looking results installing cabinets yourself.
Finding Reliable Resources for Your DIY Project
Completing a major kitchen remodel involves many intricate steps. Don’t worry though – you can absolutely do it yourself with good planning and the right help!
Here are some excellent resources to guide you through the process:
YouTube Tutorials
There is a wealth of detailed kitchen cabinet installation videos on YouTube. Watch a few to understand the full process before getting started.
Some of the best YouTube channels for cabinet installs include:
DIY Websites
Home improvement websites offer step-by-step cabinet installation guides, tips, and photos:
DIY Books
Grab a detailed DIY book from the library or bookstore that includes kitchen cabinet installation guides, wiring diagrams, safety tips, and photos.
Home Improvement Stores
Visit your local hardware store or home improvement center to speak with knowledgeable salespeople about planning a kitchen remodel.
They can also advise you on specialty tools needed for cabinet installs.
Summon Handy Friends or Family
If you need a bit of extra help during the install, don’t be shy! Many hands make lighter work.
Call on handy friends or family members to assist with some steps – no special skills needed. Promise them a great meal in your beautiful new kitchen when the job is done!
5 Specialized Tools to Make Installing Cabinets Easier
While you likely already have access to basic tools – drill, screwdriver, saw, etc – installing kitchen cabinets benefits from a few special tools.
Investing in the right gear makes the demanding install process safer and gives you professional-looking results.
Here are 5 must-have tools for DIY kitchen cabinet installation:
1. Stud Finder
A quality stud finder allows you to locate hidden wall studs to properly anchor the cabinets. Look for one with deep wall scanning capability.
2. Laser Level
A laser level projects a perfectly straight laser guideline on the wall to align cabinets during hanging. Choose one that is self-leveling.
3. Cabinet Jacks
Jacks hold upper cabinets in place against the wall while you anchor them. Look for jacks with a wide padded cradle.
4. Pry Bar
A pry bar helps remove old cabinets without damaging walls. Choose one at least 24 inches long.
5. Impact Driver
An impact driver is easier to control than a drill for driving long cabinet screws. Pick a 12-volt model for best performance.
Investing in the proper specialty tools makes cabinet installation much simpler and reduces mistakes. Don’t forget to use safety glasses during the install as well!
11 Tips for Hanging Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro
Installing kitchen cabinets requires careful attention to detail. Follow these 11 pro tips when hanging cabinets for flawless results:
1. Confirm Cabinet Measurements
Double and triple check all cabinet sizes against your plans before hanging!
2. Mark Stud Locations
Use a stud finder to mark all wall studs for attaching cabinets to anchors.
3. Use Level and Laser Guides
Check for level and use laser lines to draw reference points for perfect alignment.
4. Reinforce Walls
Add plywood backing to reinforce thin or uneven walls.
5. Lift Safely
Use carpenter’s helpers, dollies, lifts, or another person to safely lift heavy cabinets. Never lift more than 50 pounds yourself.
6. Allow Overhang
Leave 1/8 to 1/4 inch spacing above the base cabinet for the counter.
7. Shim Generously
Use large shims between cabinets, walls, and floors to plumb and level.
8. Check Diagonals
Measure diagonal cabinet corners – they should be equal if square.
9. Anchor Securely
Use at least 3 screws in wall studs per cabinet for sturdy support.
10. Use Fillers
Fill gaps between cabinets with extra wood pieces cut to fit.
11. Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions
Read the cabinet install manual! Follow all brand guidelines and directions.
Carefully following cabinet hanging best practices results in a kitchen that looks like it was installed by seasoned professionals.
8 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Kitchen Cabinets
While installing your own kitchen cabinets can save thousands in labor costs, beginners often make some common mistakes. Be aware of these pitfalls before you begin:
1. Forgetting required building permits
Remember to get permits if structural changes are involved!
2. Buying the wrong cabinet sizes
Carefully measure your space and order cabinets to fit. Include extra for potential replacements.
3. Not anchoring into wall studs
Always use screwing into studs for strength – not just drywall anchors!
4. Neglecting to shim and level
Improperly shimmed cabinets lead to alignment and closing issues.
5. Forgetting reinforced backing
Add plywood backing to stabilize thin or uneven walls.
6. Assuming cabinets are interchangeable
Standard, corner, and other specialty cabinets are NOT interchangeable. Follow original kitchen plans for placement!
7. Not leaving room for countertop overhang
Leave a 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap above base cabinets for counter overhang.
8. Forgetting fillers and scribes
Fill all gaps between cabinets and ceilings/floors for a seamless look.
Avoiding common mistakes like these ensures your DIY cabinets look professionally installed. Careful planning is key!
6 Tips for Measuring Kitchens Accurately
The first step for a smooth install is taking extremely accurate kitchen measurements. These 6 pro tips get perfect measurements:
1. Create a Detailed Floor Plan
Sketch your existing kitchen layout and take measurements to create a detailed floor plan.
2. Measure Multiple Times
Re-measure everything 2-3 times to verify accuracy. Have a helper double check measurements as well.
3. Note Down to 1/16 Inch
Record measurements down to 1/16 of an inch. Small differences matter for cabinet clearances.
4. Use the Right Tools
Use a quality tape measure, laser measure, and 4′ level for precision.
5. Account for Irregular Walls
Note any high points, low points, or uneven areas on walls.
6. Photograph Everything
Take lots of photos of the existing kitchen from all angles to reference later.
Following a methodical approach to taking kitchen measurements helps you create an accurate cabinet installation plan.
How to Plan Kitchen Cabinet Layouts Like a Designer
Once measurements are complete, use these pro design tips to plan perfect cabinet layouts:
Focus on Work Triangles
Arrange cabinets to optimize workflow between sink, fridge, and stove.
Combine Cabinet Sizes
Mix standard cabinet widths like 18″, 24″, and 36″ to maximize storage.
Include Specialty Storage
Consider roll-outs, lazy susans, and pull-out cabinets for efficiency.
Adjust Heights as Needed
Standard is 36″ upper and 24″ base cabinets, but you can customize.
Leave Clearances for Openings
Allow proper clearance for appliances, doors, and windows.
Use Design Software or Sketch
Use cabinet design software or hand-sketch multiple options to refine the layout.
Double Check Measurements
Confirm cabinet sizes selected align with your room measurements before ordering.
Design for Accessibility as Needed
If needed, allow accessible clear floor space and lower countertop heights.
Careful planning and maximize kitchen functionality. Review the final layout from all angles before purchasing materials.
12 Essential Kitchen Cabinet Installation Tools
A successful DIY kitchen cabinet install requires having the right tools on hand. Here are 12 absolute essentials:
Safety Equipment
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Dust mask
- Ear protection
Measuring Tools
- Tape measure
- 4′ level
- Stud finder
- Laser level
Lifting Tools
- Carpenters helper handles
- Furniture dolly
- Forearm forklift
Installation Tools
- Pry bar
- Impact driver
- Hammer
- Nail set
- Router (for hinges)
Leveling and Alignment
- Shims
- Cabinet jacks
- Wooden dowels and clamps
Having proper safety gear plus specialty cabinet install tools allows you to tackle the DIY project with confidence. Don’t forget the shims, jacks, and clamps!