In our experience as Colorado Springs' premier custom kitchen design and renovation company, we have repeatedly seen the same mistakes homeowners make during a kitchen remodel. A kitchen revamp is an exciting opportunity to transform one of the most used spaces in your home. However, it's a complex process involving several components, and ignoring even minor details can result in significant issues later.
This article discusses the top ten mistakes homeowners make during a kitchen remodel and offers our expert advice on how to avoid them.
Poor Planning: The Root of All Remodeling Mistakes
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "Failing to plan is planning to fail." This quote applies perfectly to kitchen remodeling and is easily the most frequent mistake made during a kitchen remodel.
The key to successful kitchen remodeling is a clear vision and end goal. Your new kitchen must combine your ideal of beautiful design with how your life and your family's life will function in this new space.
When planning, always remember to be realistic about your budget, existing space, and the maintenance requirements of your chosen materials.
Misjudging the Budget: The Financial Pitfall
The second of the most common mistakes homeowners make during a kitchen remodel is underestimating the cost.
Before starting the renovation, spend ample time researching the costs of flooring, countertops, cabinetry, lighting, accessories, and appliances. Many homeowners rush through this process, often leading to miscalculations and an inflated budget.
Incorrect Appliance Selection: The Order Matters
A vital component of kitchen design is ordering new appliances. Rather than selecting your appliances after the cabinet installation, we recommend selecting your premier appliances early in the process. When your appliance measurements are in hand before you determine cabinet specifications, you can avoid minor differences in measurements that can result in significant installation problems.
Flooring: The Misplacement Error
Because flooring is not at eye level, there could be a temptation to leave this decision until the end of the project, but doing so is another of the common mistakes homeowners make during a kitchen remodel. There are good reasons why you should avoid making this mistake. For instance, installing cabinets on top of a hardwood floor can restrict the floor's ability to expand and contract, increasing the risk of cupping or peaking, and if you don't like your flooring, replacing it without damaging the cabinets can be problematic in the extreme.
Ignoring Storage: The Usability Mistake
One of the most overlooked aspects of kitchen renovation is storage. Understanding your daily routine can help you design a kitchen that fits your aesthetic and functional needs.
For four tips on how to have a place for everything you need, read our article: How to Ensure You Have Enough Storage in Your Kitchen Remodel.
Neglecting Space: The Layout Blunder
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make during a kitchen remodel involve not considering the space layout. The latest appliances and trendiest features will do you no good if they hinder your movement around the kitchen. For this reason, we recommend that anyone considering a kitchen remodel invest in a custom kitchen rendering. This is the easiest way to ensure enough clearance space for cabinets and appliances once they are open.
Being Tied to the 'Triangle': The Design Fault
In kitchen design, the golden triangle refers to the three-point connection between your main appliances: the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Many kitchen designers believe deviating from this time-tested layout rule can lead to inefficiency and frustration. While that may be true for some homeowners, at Designer Kitchens, a custom kitchen design should be just that - custom to you, your needs, your lifestyle, and your aesthetic preferences.
Hasty or Prolonged Decisions: The Timing Misstep
Rushing through decisions can often lead to regret and dissatisfaction. Taking time to choose suitable materials and colors for your kitchen can significantly affect the final outcome.
On the other hand, getting stuck in a cycle of continual indecision can lead to kitchen design perfection, which can keep you from ever achieving the functional and beautiful design you dream of.
Overlooking Electric and Lighting: The Safety Oversight
During a kitchen renovation, it's easy to get carried away with the aesthetics and overlook practical aspects such as lighting and electrical placements. Proper lighting and sufficient electrical outlets and device charging stations are crucial for functionality. In recent years, we have seen a trend towards installing outlets in pull-out drawers and cabinets so small appliances can stay plugged in when not in use.
You Might Like: 5 Ways to Maximize Natural Light in the Kitchen
Playing a Lone Hand: The Amateur Mistake
Of all the mistakes homeowners make during a kitchen remodel, the biggest is believing they should play a lone hand, handling this major home project without the help of professionals.
The team at Designer Kitchens is ready to help you create your dream kitchen today. From the moment we enter your home for the design consultation to the last day of your remodel, we ensure you are left to enjoy the kitchen of your dreams. We have decades of experience and are CKD and NKBA certified, ensuring quality and up-to-date knowledge of every design.
Call us today to schedule your in-home design consultation, or drop by our showroom in Colorado Springs. We look forward to making your kitchen dreams come true!