Most property owners won’t remodel multiple kitchens throughout their years of homeownership. With minimal experience, it’s only natural that you won’t be an expert in the planning and remodeling process. As a result, setbacks and mistakes are more common than you think.
However, awareness of the mistakes that people make when remodeling their kitchens can be helpful. The more you know, the easier it can be to avoid making the same ones! In this article, we’ve covered some of the most common mistakes to assist you on your remodeling journey.
Not Setting a Realistic Budget
When beginning the remodeling process, money will be a major consideration. Most people don’t have an open-ended budget for refreshing their kitchen. However, it’s all too easy to underestimate just how much kitchen remodeling costs. The risk with underestimating the costs is that you’ll likely need to cut corners because you’ve run out of money before the kitchen is finished.
Before renovations get underway, plan out the costs associated with all parts of the process and allow a 10% to 20% buffer to cover unexpected expenses. You can then improve your chances of creating your dream kitchen.
Forgetting the Kitchen Work Triangle Rule
When you have a specific area to plan your kitchen remodel in, making sure everything fits is going to be your priority. While that’s still an important part of the remodeling process, you also need to remember the kitchen work triangle rule to ensure efficiency and convenience while you cook.
The kitchen work triangle is a design principle that creates an efficient workflow. The stove, refrigerator, and sink form the three points of the triangle. This layout minimizes unnecessary steps and traffic flow. Forgetting it can result in a less efficient kitchen.
Overlooking Custom Kitchen Design for Your Family’s Needs
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not customizing their kitchen design to fit their family’s specific needs and lifestyle. Custom kitchen design takes into account how you use the space and create solutions tailored to your daily routine. This could mean a built-in breakfast nook, specialized storage for your cookware or even a section of counter space dedicated solely to meal prep.
Whether you’re an avid baker or someone who loves to entertain, a custom design will ensure your kitchen is not only stylish but also functional. Work with a designer who understands how to maximize your space and make every corner of your kitchen work harder for you.
Prioritizing Style Over Function
We all deserve to have a beautiful kitchen that we’re proud to cook in. However, as you choose the features you want, there can be a risk of prioritizing style over function. Your kitchen should always suit your daily needs, so be sure to factor storage, easy-to-clean materials, and durability into your design.
Not Creating Enough Storage
Many people choose to upgrade their kitchen when their existing one doesn’t have enough storage. The most practical kitchens have generous pantries, deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and organizers.
The worst thing you can do when planning your new kitchen is fail to resolve your previous storage problems. Write a list of the storage shortfalls your current kitchen has and attempt to resolve them in your new kitchen design.
Choosing the Wrong Materials
Most kitchen surfaces will be used and cleaned every day. As a result, they need to withstand heavy wear and plenty of different cleaning products. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is choosing materials that aren’t suitable for a kitchen environment. Some types of granite, bamboo, and inexpensive laminate fall into this category. If you’re unsure which materials will be easy to clean and withstand heavy use, consult a kitchen specialist for help.
The more kitchen remodeling mistakes you’re aware of, the easier it can be to avoid them. Take note of these common mistakes above when the time comes to plan your kitchen transformation.