When Austin bought a 1967 split-level in Charlottesville, he knew right away that the kitchen needed serious love. As a passionate home cook, he saw the kitchen as the heart of the house, and decided to take on a full remodel to make it work better for everyday life.
While the tile floor and countertops were professionally installed, the cabinet assembly and installation were 100% DIY. That’s where the Cville Tool Library really came into play. With a corded jigsaw, laser level (a huge help), random orbit sander, power planers, and a trusty 6-foot ladder, he tackled the reality every old-house owner eventually discovers: walls are almost never square. Getting all the cabinet faces flush took patience, precision, and the right tools, along with plenty of learning along the way.
The payoff was big. Austin estimated that pre-assembled cabinets and installation would have cost around $15,000, and doing the work himself made the project far more affordable. Just as important, the process sparked a new interest in taking on home upgrades independently, and avoiding full retail prices whenever possible.
Beyond the tools, Austin highlighted what we all love most about the Cville Tool Library: the people. Conversations with knowledgeable volunteers helped him problem-solve along the way and made the whole experience more enjoyable.
With a beautiful new kitchen complete, Austin is already eyeing his next challenge: a full basement remodel! We can’t wait to see what he builds next—and we’re honored to have been part of this one.
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