A kitchen renovation can be either a) fun or b) a hassle. The experience you have will largely depend on how well the project was planned out, what you expectations are, and whether common mistakes were avoided or taken on head on. From new kitchen cabinets to the paint color on the wall, there are things you want to think about as you renovate and remodel your kitchen. If you take the time to make sure things are done right, you will find that you love the space you are in and will be thankful for the project. However, if you rush the project or it does not meet your expectations, you will be unhappy with what you are left with years from now.
Below, home design and construction experts will talk about some of the BIGGEST mistakes that homeowners make when they renovate their kitchen and how you can AVOID them.
Mistake 1: Cabinets – Painting Them on Your Own
While it is not a mistake to paint your cabinets yourself, the way it is carried out, on the other hand, is where mistakes happen. Experts state that you should always have a plan in place before you take on the task. If you are painting the cabinets just for an aesthetic reason, you may find that the paint does not hold up well over time or you are unhappy a couple years into it. The last thing you want to do is paint the kitchen cabinets and have to go back in a year and redo them again.
DIY cabinet work is not recommended. It is okay to paint or stain the cabinets that you already have but let a professional do it for you. Kitchen cabinets are some of the costliest to replace, so if it is not in your budget to replace them, you do have options available to you. If you choose to paint the cabinets yourself, do NOT skimp on the quality of the materials. Trust the experts on this one.
Mistake 2: Choosing Poor-Quality Materials
If you plan to choose poor-quality materials, you might as well skip the kitchen renovation. Seriously! If you are not going to purchase high-quality or good materials, it would be a waste of time for you to even complete the project. If you are working within a budget, there are options for you, so you do not need to feel like you have to pick the crème de la crème.
Experts state that when it comes to kitchen renovations, people often opt for marble countertops, but it is not the best choice, especially if you entertain or cook. It etches, stains, and chips quite easily. You want to invest in something that is high quality that meets your individual needs.
Mistake 3: Not Making Use of Space
Arguably, one of the biggest mistakes you can use is not thinking about the kitchen space around you. You can have some of the best and most modern fixtures in your kitchen but without space, what good are they? Being able to maneuver in your kitchen and not feel crowded or overwhelmed when you go to cook is what matters.
Experts report that one of the most common errors that homeowners make when they remodel their kitchen is that they do not consider how much room their appliances and cabinets actually need when they are opened. You do not want your cabinet or appliance doors hitting other cabinets and appliances because you sacrificed space.
You should always measure your appliances and make sure they fit into the space you have. Do not try to make the space fit them. You want to also take into consideration the measurements when doors and drawers are opened. Lastly, consider where you will be the most in the kitchen and ensure that you have enough space there.
Mistake 4: Deciding You’ve Changed Your Mind
Can you imagine? Spending thousands of dollars only to change your mind? It happens. If you are not 100 percent sure about what you want, experts recommend that you wait to start your project until you are sure. Uncertainty can slowly crop back up later on, and you may find that you are unhappy with the project. In addition, changing your mind can lead to serious setbacks financially and with the project timeline.
Experts report that one of the things they hear the most is that homeowners have changed their mind about the appliances they have chosen after they have purchased the cabinets to fit those appliances. This can be quite the costly mistake. If the mistake is caught early enough, it may not make too much of a difference, but a late change will surely be expensive.
In addition, due to the COVID setbacks that some manufacturers are experiencing, it could take upwards of 6 months or so to even get your hands on certain appliances.
Mistake 5: Being Safe
While safe is a good word, sometimes you can be too safe and experts warn against this, especially when it comes to your kitchen remodel. There are areas where you do not want to back off or settle because it will show, and you will end up unhappy at the conclusion of the project. You do not want any regrets.
One of the biggest things that experts state they see is homeowners who are hesitant to change things around because they are used to the way they are. Change is a good thing, and it can really liven up your home. Trends never last forever and what was once popular in your current kitchen is now not. Experts recommend that you think out of the box and embrace the current modern and contemporary styles.
For example, a white kitchen is a boring and plain kitchen, but a dusty pink kitchen is one that screams you take life by the horns and love every minute of it. Don’t be afraid.
Mistake 6: Forgetting About Lighting and Electrical
A functional kitchen is what you want. While your renovation is to accomplish a few things, you definitely need the kitchen to be functional for you to use it. Sometimes, homeowners quickly forget about the bare bones of the kitchen and do not even consider the lighting or electricity needs during their renovation project.
As you start to plan your renovation, think about the lighting. You want your space to have plenty of light. You also want your kitchen to have plenty of outlets for you to use as well. Think about your workspaces such as the countertop, sink, and so on.
Experts say that many times, homeowners become too wrapped up in the larger aspects of the renovation that they forget about functionality and the smaller and finer details that really make your kitchen a place you want to be in.
Mistake 7: Rushing the Project
If you are one to rush projects, then you will definitely need to slow down with your kitchen renovation. A kitchen reno should never be rushed as mistakes and oversights happen this way.
Homeowners want to keep in mind that the items they choose for their kitchen from paint color scheme to appliances will look much different in their home than in the showroom. Take your time and do not rush the process. Remember how we said you need to be 100 percent certain? That applies here too.
Experts do recommend that you bring home samples when possible to see how the product looks in your space. It will allow you to visualize in real time what a paint scheme may look like.
Mistake 8: Neglecting to Connect Spaces
As you renovate your kitchen, you want to think about how it connects to other areas of your home. Your kitchen is a main focal point, but it should flow smoothly with the home’s layout too. Your rooms do not need to all match, but they should connect to one another without a choppy transition.
For example, experts advise that homeowners think about the color of the other rooms in their home as they choose the color for their kitchen. The kitchen should be treated as an extension of the other rooms in the home and not its own standalone room.
Mistake 9: Forgetting About the Triangle
What the heck is the triangle? The triangle is the three-point connection between the major appliances in your kitchen. The appliances are the sink, refrigerator, and stove. These are the most important areas, so they are part of the triangle. You want to make sure the design of the kitchen is balanced between these three appliances to ensure your happiness, functionality, and ease.
Experts state that if you follow the triangle rule, you will have a functional kitchen. Deviate from it and you may not find that your kitchen is functional or easy to cook in. Trust us, you will find yourself bouncing between these three appliances more than any others in the kitchen.
Mistake 10: Not Remembering Storage
Your kitchen is about functionality – we keep stating this to you because of how important it is. You do everything from meal prep to cooking big meals and clean up right here in this space. With that said, you need a place to store your dishes, silverware, small appliances, pans, and so on. With that said, people often underestimate what it means for them.
Experts report that homeowners often do not factor in any storage to their space and then find themselves stuck with appliances crowding their countertops and no where to put their dishes. Be aware of your space and how much storage you will need.
Plan Out Your Kitchen Renovation
The mistakes above are all the most commonly seen ones by experts who work in the field. You want to avoid these mistakes as you renovate your kitchen space to ensure that your kitchen is fully functional and that you are completely happy with it.
On a side note, when you are ready to renovate, remember that a self-storage unit can assist you in keeping your belongings out of the way during the remodeling process.