Most homeowners spend between $12,562 and $34,048 on kitchen remodels. This is a huge financial commitment, so it’s important to make sure you are happy with the outcome so your money does not go to waste. Unfortunately, many homeowners make mistakes during the remodel that leave them less than satisfied when the project is complete. How can you prevent this problem? Avoid these 7 common kitchen remodeling mistakes:
Failing to Consider the Workflow
The refrigerator, stove, and sink are the three busiest areas in the kitchen. These three features should not be placed side-by-side in a kitchen, or it will be impossible for more than one person to cook or prepare food at once. Instead, create a triangle with the refrigerator, stove, and sink so there is plenty of room for you to work efficiently in your new kitchen.
Choosing Appliances Last
Pick your new appliances early on in the process instead of putting this off until the last minute. Why? The appliances should fit snugly between cabinets in your kitchen, but you won’t know their exact measurements until you select them. So, if you wait too long, you will have to decide where your cabinets will go and how much room to leave for your appliances without knowing their exact sizes.
Picking the Wrong Size
Using items that are not the right size can make the entire kitchen look sloppy and incomplete. For example, if you choose bar stools that are much shorter than the height of your island, it will be impossible for your family to comfortably use this area of your kitchen. Another example is choosing light fixtures to hang above your island without measuring the island first. If the light fixtures are not the right size, they can make the entire kitchen look slightly off. Keep a tape measure handy and get in the habit of taking measurements before making purchases in order to avoid this problem.
Being Indecisive
Do not give your contractor the green light until you are absolutely certain that you are happy with the remodeling plans. Changing your mind in the middle of the remodel can lead to delays, unexpected expenses, and frustration. Save yourself the trouble by making sure you’re satisfied with the plans before the work begins.
Skimping on Storage
You can never have too much storage space, so don’t skimp on storage when designing your new kitchen. Incorporate lazy Susans, roll out drawers, tray dividers, and inserts inside your cabinets and drawers so you can maximize every inch of storage space.
Forgetting About the Details
A lot of homeowners are so focused on choosing countertops, flooring, and appliances that they forget about minor design details. Countertops, flooring, and appliances are important, but so are backsplashes, cabinet pulls, and other small design details. These may seem insignificant, but they can have a significant impact on how the kitchen looks after the remodel.
Overdesigning
Some people incorporate dozens of ideas into their remodeling plans without thinking about how the kitchen will look when it all comes together. The result is an overdesigned kitchen that is not welcoming, comfortable, or functional. It’s important to know when to stop when remodeling the kitchen so you don’t make this mistake. Don’t plan on incorporating every idea of yours into the remodel–some will work and some will not. You should also leave plenty of open space so the kitchen doesn’t feel crowded when the remodel is complete.
These simple mistakes can cause a lot of additional stress and frustration. Make an effort to avoid these mistakes so you can complete your remodel faster, stay within budget, and design the kitchen of your dreams.