How to Make a Kitchenette Space

Select a space with several electrical outlets near a bathroom to take advantage of the existing plumbing. If this is not possible, have a plumber run lines for a sink.

Replace the outlets with ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. GFCIs monitor the electricity in the outlet. If the appliance that's plugged into the outlet malfunctions, the outlet switches off. A reset button switches the electricity back on once the problem with the appliance is solved. Add an outlet with 60-amp service for an apartment-sized stove.

Purchase a 60-inch-long base cabinet from the home improvement store. A base cabinet typically has no top and has an open space inside for plumbing. Buy a cabinet with doors that match the decor of the rest of the room.

Have a piece of 5/8-inch plywood cut to the size of the top of the base cabinet at the home improvement store. Most home improvement stores do this for free. Do-it-yourselfers should use a circular saw to cut the plywood to size.

Buy a small sink to drop into the countertop. Use a jigsaw to cut a hole in the countertop in the spot over the sink plumbing. The hole should be slightly smaller than the outer lip of the sink so that the lip of the sink rests on the counter when it's in place. Remove the sink while you finish the countertop.

Finish the countertop. If you're using laminate, apply it to the countertop with contact cement and finish the edges before installing the countertop. Leave the space for the sink uncovered. Install tile after the countertop is in place.

Install the countertop by screwing it into place. Prefab base countertops have built-in supports for this purpose. Drop the sink into place, and use the supplied clamps to secure it to the countertop. Connect the sink to the plumbing, and install the faucet and faucet handles.

Build shelves inside the base cabinet on both sides of the plumbing area. Paint or stain the cabinet. Add a 20-inch apartment-sized stove to one end of the cabinet and a dorm-sized fridge on the other end. Set a microwave oven on top of the fridge.