Kitchen installs are usually appliance swaps, fixture replacements, or storage additions. Most are within reach of a homeowner with basic tools.
01Faucet replacement
Shut off the hot and cold supply valves under the sink. Disconnect the supply lines and the drain connections if replacing a faucet with a sprayer. Remove the mounting nuts from below using a basin wrench — this is the tool that makes under-sink access manageable and worth renting if you don't own one. Drop in the new faucet, connect the supply lines hand-tight then a quarter turn with a wrench, and restore supply. Check for leaks at all connections.
02Under-cabinet lighting
LED strip lights are the current standard — they're low-profile, low-heat, and easy to install with adhesive backing and a plug-in transformer. Clean the underside of the cabinet with isopropyl alcohol before adhering. Run the strip to the back inside corner of the cabinet underside for the cleanest look from below. Hardwired under-cabinet lighting requires running a switch-leg to a new switch — worth the electrician cost if you're doing the kitchen.
03Range hood installation
A range hood that vents to the exterior requires either an existing duct run or cutting a new one. Match the duct diameter to the hood specification — undersizing the duct reduces the hood's effectiveness. An externally vented range hood is significantly more effective than a recirculating one. Installation involves securing the hood to the underside of the upper cabinet, connecting the ductwork, and wiring to a nearby circuit. A recirculating hood is a simpler install — no ductwork required, just mounting and wiring.
04Cabinet hardware installation
Mark the hole locations with a hardware template — a simple jig that positions the holes consistently across all cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Drill through the door face using a brad-point bit at slow speed to prevent tear-out on the exit side. Install the pull or knob from the front with machine screws from behind.
Marcus Webb is a general contractor and home maintenance writer based in Columbus, Ohio. He writes about the repairs and installs that come up every year in every house — the practical, repeating work that keeps a home livable.