Getting started on a kitchen remodeling project can be exciting and intimidating all at the same time. On the one hand, it’s exciting to think that in just a few weeks you could be preparing a meal in your dream kitchen or helping your child with their homework on your new island. On the other hand, the path that leads to a successful kitchen remodel can be fraught with stress, compromise, and unexpected hang ups. To help things run as smoothly as possible, this article will outline seven of the most common pitfalls that homeowners tend to make when planning out their kitchen overhaul.
Overdesigning
Have you ever heard the expression “less is more” or “too much of a good thing”? You probably have tons of ideas of what you’d like to include in your dream kitchen, but if you incorporate every idea you have, you’ll end up with a kitchen that’s expensive, but not very comfortable or functional. Knowing when to put the brakes on what elements need to make it into your final design is crucial; be sure to pause throughout your design phase and ask yourself if your kitchen will work better or worse without it, how much use you’ll get out of it, and most importantly, how much storage space will you have to give up to have it.
Neglecting the Details
Any homeowner that has gone through an extensive kitchen remodel will tell you that they spent the bulk of the design phase researching appliances, weighing the pros and cons of a granite countertop, and whether to install hardwood or tile flooring. While these are all very important considerations and certainly worth the time it takes to make them, it might mean that some of the finer details get put on the back burner, and ultimately forgotten about. Don’t forget that choosing the right backsplash can help tie together your countertop and cabinetry, drawer and cabinet pulls can help you achieve your aesthetic, and the light fixtures you’ve selected give off enough light for your space.
Saving Appliances for Last
Though it might seem like choosing the appliances for your new kitchen can be done in a single afternoon in the waning days of your kitchen remodeling project, waiting until the last minute to choose your new stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher can be a big mistake. Since a kitchen remodel often calls for custom kitchen cabinetry, you need to know the exact dimensions of all the major appliances you intend to purchase so that they fit as snuggly as possible. While it may seem premature to select your appliances at the beginning of your project, it really does make sense when you stop and think about how difficult it will be to find appliances that will fit properly once the cabinetry has been installed. Choosing appliances first ensures you get the appliances you want.
Not Being “Size Wise”
Remember that just because something looks good in a showroom, or is otherwise perfect for your aesthetic, it might not be right for the size of your kitchen. Items that don’t fit your space can really throw off how comfortable or functional it is. For example, if you fall in love with some stools that match your style without considering the height of your island, you could end up with seating that looks nice but never gets used. Be sure to keep a list of measurements with you along with your measuring tape so you can make the right call when shopping for your kitchen’s accoutrements.
Not Considering Workflow
Quick – what are your kitchen’s busiest areas? If you answered the refrigerator, the sink, and the oven, you’re in agreement with just about every other homeowner out there. Given that these are your kitchen’s busiest areas, you’ll want to make sure you consider their placement and your workflow before the installation process begins. Imagine designing a kitchen that prevents more than one person comfortably doing the dishes or preparing a meal at the same time. If you aren’t careful, you could end up with a brand new kitchen that is a pain to navigate and a greater pain to work in.
Skimping on Storage Space
When designing your new kitchen, you have the chance to really think about and capitalize on storage space. Adding things like lazy Susans, roll-out drawers, and shelf dividers will help you make use of every single square inch of space nestled within your kitchen’s walls.
Playing the Indecision Game
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking your time designing your kitchen. Kitchen remodeling jobs are expensive, so it makes sense that you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck and that you end up with the kitchen you want at the end of the day. To that end, make sure that there is no doubt left in your mind once you’ve given your contractor the green light to begin work. Changing your mind mid-project will add additional costs and time to the project – not to mention frustration for all those involved.
In short, enjoy the kitchen remodeling process but make sure you go into it with a clear head so that you can avoid the common remodeling pitfalls outlined above and while you’re getting all your ducks in a row, be sure to check out Builder’s Cabinet Supply for all your custom kitchen cabinet needs.
