Can You Build Custom Kitchen Cabinets Without Professional Help? A Comprehensive Guide
Sara Gupta
CRO at Saralbuild | 8 min read
A modular kitchen and a semi-modular kitchen are two popular options for home owners looking to renovate or design their kitchen interiors. While both these types of kitchens offer several benefits, they have some key differences that can impact a homeowner's decision while choosing the right kitchen design.
Modular Kitchen vs Semi-modular Kitchen
A modular kitchen is a pre-fabricated kitchen design that is made up of several standardized units or modules. These modules are usually made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel or engineered wood, and can be easily assembled to create a functional and stylish kitchen. Modular kitchens are popular for their convenience and ease of installation, as the modules can be easily fitted into any kitchen space, regardless of its size or shape.
As modular kitchen units can be completely dismantled and reassembled, you can easily carry them with you, if you shift homes often due to work or travel life. All that would be done at the site is assembling and fixing, it saves a lot of installation time and effort. With detachable units and fittings, cleaning and maintenance don't seem to be quite a task.
On the other hand, a semi-modular kitchen is a hybrid of a modular kitchen and a traditional kitchen. It combines the benefits of both types of kitchens, offering the convenience and ease of installation of a modular kitchen, while also allowing some customization options. In a semi-modular kitchen, the standard modules can be modified to suit the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner.
A semi-modular kitchen is a kitchen built around an existing civil structure. Some of the components, such as countertops, sinks, etc., are already built on site by construction professionals and cannot be dismantled and moved to another location.
There are several factors that can help a homeowner decide between a modular kitchen and a semi-modular kitchen. Some of these include:
Budget: Modular kitchens are generally more expensive than semi-modular kitchens as they are made of high-quality materials and are professionally designed and installed. Semi-modular kitchens, on the other hand, offer a more affordable option for homeowners looking to renovate their kitchen on a budget since it does not necessitate a great deal of care and precision. The cabinets have a common sliding door, and in many cases, the kitchen wall serves as the unit’s back. As a result, it is cost-effective.
Portability: The modular kitchen is fully portable. When shifting to a new place, you can easily disassemble the units and then reassemble them at your new location. The semi-modular kitchen is immovable when shifting to another place. Disassembling and reassembling the kitchen is not possible in this caseepair: Modular kitchens are easy to repair as the cabinets are not connected to each other, and it is easier to fix specific parts. While with semi-modular kitchen, with so many cabinets connected, it's not easy to fix a specific spot and it's a hassle to fix.
Maintenance: Modular kitchens require proper care and maintenance. Improper care will cause the surface to start fading over time. Semi-modular kitchens are relatively easy to maintain and a simple mopping is sufficient.
Ease of installation: With most of the work done at the factory, the modular kitchen installation can be completed quickly within 45 days. Comparatively, for a semi-modular kitchen, installation is a time-consuming process as it requires extensive on-site work. Therefore, it takes more than 45 days.
Site condition: Free space is the basic criterion for building a modular kitchen. Existing structures must be demolished. If your site already has countertops and sinks, you can quickly build a semi-modular kitchen without manipulating existing site conditions.
Design Flexibility: Modular kitchens offer complete design flexibility and each kitchen design can be built to suit your own choices and needs. On the other hand, due to the existing structure of the kitchen, the design options for semi-modular kitchens are not flexible. The unit should be built around an already installed worktop and sink.
Durability: Modular kitchens are known for their durability as they are made of high-quality materials and are professionally designed and installed.
Deciding a modular vs semi-modular kitchen
In conclusion, both modular and semi-modular kitchens offer several benefits for homeowners looking to renovate or design their kitchen interiors. Indian homes use "semi-modular kitchens" as a standard. That means calling in a mason/contractor to build a kitchen platform with granite countertops, then calling in a modular kitchen specialist to complete the kitchen.
While modular kitchens offer convenience and ease of installation, they may be more expensive and offer limited customization options. Semi-modular kitchens offer a more affordable option and allow for more customization at module level, but may not be as durable as modular kitchens.
Ultimately, the decision between a modular kitchen and a semi-modular kitchen will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowners.
Hope you find this insightful.
For more useful design and construction tips, please check out these helpful guides. We have taken our experience of 10 years and distilled into two easy to follow guides namely :
This is done keeping in mind that you as a home-owner feel empowered and ensuring that every step of the home renovation process is as streamlined as possible. Just follow these two comprehensive guides and be sure that your renovation is going to be beautiful AND safe—and if it needs any more help, you can always reach out to us for a free downloadable version (hello@saralbuild.com)
101 Tips for a Hassle Free Construction Process
101 Design Tips
Sign up for our newsletter now and receive a free e-book filled with practical tips for your home renovation project. Offer ends soon, so don't miss out!
Follow this link to connect with us on WhatsApp
