10 Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes To Avoid

BonnieKitchen Renovations

avoid mistakes during kitchen renovation can save your time and money

Be it a significant expense for most homeowners, upgrading your kitchen is also a great way to increase the overall value of your house. Thus, there are some tips you’ll want to remind yourself of before beginning your kitchen renovation adventure. Doing so will aid the amount of time, effort and money spent on a space that is known as “the heart of your home.”

 

Avoid 10 Mistakes During Kitchen Renovations

1. Second-guessing your game plan

To begin with, plan your kitchen accordingly. Meaning, take the time to consider your family’s needs and lifestyle. This will determine how to get the most of the space. Perhaps you have an open layout and your kitchen is your family’s main space for socializing, or for multiple activities such as homework or games; you would need to focus some attention on your seating and counter space, or you might want to dedicate a certain area which serves as more than one purpose. This is a very important step that many homeowners feel can be adjusted throughout the process. However, this can lead to costly and complicated solutions to an unexpected problem. Once this pre-planning has been completed you will then be ready to commence your Kitchen reno journey.

 

2. Doing it alone

Even though you may be a self–proclaimed pro-DIYer, one of the best tips is to at least consult with a kitchen design expert before beginning your project. A professional should be able to help fine-tune your remodelling plan, make suggestions and may even have unique ideas you hadn’t already thought of.

 

3. Opting for “inexpensive” and “fast” work

After you feel settled about your style and design decisions, now you must decide if a contractor is necessary and for which aspects. This task may be the most daunting of all. There are many horror stories about contractors as well as delightful ones, so make your choice wisely. It is highly recommended to choose a contractor who has many years of experience, multiple references included with a portfolio of their previous work. Another very important tip is to make sure the person or company you are paying is fully insured and capable of doing the job. Also, it is always good to choose someone you trust and can build a successful, professional relationship with.

 

4. Neglecting Workflow & Counterspace

When planning your remodel, don’t forget about your kitchen’s most utilized areas: the fridge, the sink and the stove. Make sure these areas and appliances are in an efficient location to optimize workflow and counter space; “work triangle” is the term many designers use.

 

5. Overlooking Storage Details

Another detail many homeowners overlook is the capacity for storage. There are many seemingly small add-ons and storage features being invented every year. For example, drawer dividers, or cabinet expansions like a pantry pullout or a modern, custom “lazy Susan.”

 

6. Underutilized spaces

Additionally, you should take advantage of the typically unused areas in your kitchen. Some ideas may be toe-kick storage located beneath cabinet doors or a custom spice rack that disappears into the cabinets. Maximizing your kitchen’s layout to find additional storage opportunities will add a unique flair as well as keep your countertops clutter-free.

 

7. Only thinking “in the box”

When designing your new kitchen, make sure to consider creative ways to transform traditional pieces, like cupboards, into something unique yet functional. For example, there are many stand-alone cabinets that could function not only as storage but also as a reminder station with additional dry-erase board inserts, or wall art which also may hold cups creating a one-of-a-kind art installation.

 

8. Disregarding the Backsplash

Many homeowners tend not to realize how much of a focal point a backsplash can be. This is your opportunity to play with the colour, shapes and theme of your kitchen. These choices can add a sophisticated and cohesive look not only to your kitchen but to your home.

 

9. Budget, budget and budget

Determining a budget is an integral part of your remodel. Decide what features of your kitchen are most important and then allocate your money accordingly. Keep in mind the cabinetry you choose will most likely take up about one-third of the remodelling budget.

 

10. Choosing and ordering appliances last

Finally, do not leave your choice and order of appliances until the end. This will affect your countertops and cabinet’s ability to fit the appliances used for the project. Also, if any changes need to be made the sooner you know the better.

If you have any questions about kitchen renovation, please contact Craftsmen Contracting.