Most homeowners remodel only one or two kitchens over the years they own their homes. As a
result, there’s a great deal of room for error. Fortunately, research and planning can go a long
way toward remedying or reducing the risk of the most costly mistakes. If you’re in the process
of planning a kitchen renovation, knowledge of these common mistakes may make you less
likely to make them:
Not Having a Contingency Fund
When you’re completing a comprehensive kitchen renovation from the ground up, it’s not
uncommon to encounter unexpected challenges. Water damage, damaged pipes, and failing
appliances are just a few of the many issues you may come across. While expenses like your
kitchen countertop cost are often fixed for peace of mind, unexpected repairs can quickly add
thousands to your remodeling budget.
That’s why having a contingency fund is so important. You should always set aside an
additional 10% to 20% of your project’s cost to cover unexpected expenses. Failure to do so
might mean you need to scramble at the last minute to find money to complete your renovation.
Going Down the DIY Route
Knowing how much any home renovation can cost, it can be tempting to manage your own
construction project to save money. However, going down the DIY route when you don’t have
any experience isn’t always the best idea.
It’s easy to make a range of mistakes, some of which can be so severe that homeowners end
up paying more to have an expert remedy them. Instead, involve kitchen remodeling experts
from the beginning. They have the skills, experience, and knowledge to help your project go off
without a hitch.
Not Creating Enough Storage Space
If storage space was an issue in your old kitchen, remodeling it using the same footprint, without
an extension, won’t remedy those issues. Instead, you simply end up with a new kitchen with
the same old problems.
Knowing that you don’t have enough storage space for everyday essentials and bulky
appliances, it’s important to factor this into your new design. Some great ideas can include wall-
mounted pot rails, wall cabinets, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, and plinth drawers.
Forgetting the Work Triangle
The work triangle is a fundamental element of a well-functioning kitchen. It’s a design layout that
connects your refrigerator, stove, and sink to maximize efficiency and workflow. Kitchen experts
understand the importance of the work triangle, but everyday kitchen users may not give it much
thought.
Forgetting the work triangle when installing a new kitchen can be a detrimental mistake. Your
movements between your cooking, preparation, and cleaning zones can feel disconnected,
cluttered, and inefficient.
Not Layering Lighting
Since most rooms in a house typically only have one set of lights, it’s easy to assume that your
kitchen is no different. However, layered lighting is crucial in this area. Relying on a single
central light means your benchtops may be thrust into darkness when you need them well-lit for
tasks like chopping and dicing. Instead, invest in ambient lighting to illuminate the entire space,
task lighting for kitchen preparation, and decorative lighting to highlight special features such as
a backsplash or artwork.
When you’re spending money to upgrade your kitchen, you want it to suit your needs in every
way. As planning gets underway, learn more about the common mistakes listed above to
improve the chances of your kitchen remodel going off without a hitch.
