7 Costly Kitchen Remodel Mistakes To Avoid
Home Remodel

7 Costly Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

Kim J. , , ,

Planning a kitchen remodel can be an exciting time. However, don’t let your excitement for your dream remodel turn into an expensive nightmare. Many homeowners make costly errors during the remodeling process that can lead to frustration, delays, and overspending. Avoid these kitchen remodel mistakes others have made. Here are seven things not to do for a kitchen remodel:

Kitchen Remodel Mistakes To Avoid

1. Ignoring Your Budget or Not Setting One

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not establishing a realistic budget before starting their kitchen remodel. Without a clear budget in mind, it’s easy to overspend on upgrades and features that may not be necessary. Take the time to determine how much you can afford to spend on your remodel and stick to it. Make sure to account for unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process.

Keep it simple: a budget doesn’t have to be an exhaustive process and instead should be fun. We like to start with a total project budget then break down the major items. We made a handy planner you can download or recreate on your own to plan your dream kitchen remodel.

2. Not Planning For During The Remodel: Where Will You Cook?!

Often overlooked is how you will manage your day-to-day life without your kitchen. Work with your contractor or yourself to plan the remodel to minimize your kitchen downtime.

When you do need a separate space, get creative. Warm weather days mean you can often cook or grill outside, perhaps even eat on the patio. We have seen people convert an unused bathroom into a workspace using a work sink hooked up to the shower for dishes and a hot plate on a table for cooking. Dishes and daily kitchen tasks using a sink are often the biggest headache during a remodel.

3. Overlooking Storage Needs

Beyond just storage, what look and function do you want your kitchen to solve for in your daily lives? Plan ahead for those items and tools you use often and organize around that. Especially how your stove is coordinated with your oven and/or refrigerator.

For example: if you cook a lot with spices, choosing a specific drawer or a custom cabinet feature to hold spices and tools near your stove will be a game changer. Another point is do you want clear countertops for a minimalistic look or a highly functional kitchen where appliances live freely in the open? There is often a happy middle ground too, but budget can play a factor for how your appliances, tools and daily needs are stored and accessed.

A few ideas we love is an appliance or coffee bar. For those on a budget or limited space having a stand alone area for coffee, tea & drinks can remove some clutter from counters and free up space in a small kitchen. If budget is no concern, a full butler’s pantry where appliances and food are stored is a dream. Most butler’s pantries are equipped with ovens, sinks, and microwaves to keep daily food prep hidden so homeowners don’t have to keep up with the mess and have a beautiful kitchen without the daily cleanup hassle.

Failing to plan for sufficient storage space can result in cluttered countertops and difficulty accessing essential items. When designing your kitchen remodel, prioritize storage solutions such as cabinets, drawers, pantry space, and built-in organizers. Maximize vertical storage to make the most of your available space and keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. Avoid one of the key kitchen remodel mistakes and plan ahead for your storage needs & type!

4. Trying to DIY Too Much – Hire A Professional

DIY projects can be rewarding, but when it comes to a major undertaking like a kitchen remodel, hiring professionals is often the wisest choice. Attempting to tackle complex tasks without the necessary expertise can lead to costly mistakes and safety hazards. Hire experienced professionals, such as designers, contractors, electricians, and plumbers, to ensure that your kitchen remodel is completed to the highest standards.

Unable to to hire the entire project out? Take the most critical areas and either hire out the project or seek advice from a professional. Major items like plumbing, tile or floor work, or even electrical are not just headaches for the best DIYer but can make or break your remodel project.

5. Choosing Style Over Functionality – Kitchen Remodel Mistakes

Related to choosing your storage is choosing style over the functionality. While aesthetics are important, prioritizing style over functionality can result in a kitchen that looks great but lacks practicality. Consider how you use your kitchen on a daily basis and choose design elements that enhance its functionality. Opt for durable materials, ample storage solutions, and efficient layout configurations that suit your lifestyle and cooking habits.

For example, marble countertops can be beautiful and provide gorgeous design. The downside is that they make stain more easily. Leaving a water cup on the counter with even a hint of moisture can result in a stain that is forever imprinted on your marble.

Another example is for appliances and finishes. Stainless steel is a wonderful choice for many but fingerprints on highly used appliances may make some people crazy keeping up with the cleaning. Investing a little in a fingerprint resistant material can be a wise choice or an appliance with a finish less prone to showing its dirt and grime.

Appliances can be swapped fairly easily but knowing this common kitchen remodel mistake before you buy will hopefully save you money and improve your enjoyment.

6. Underestimating the Importance of Lighting:

Lighting plays a crucial role in the functionality and ambiance of your kitchen. Failing to incorporate adequate lighting can result in a dark and uninviting space that hampers both cooking and entertaining. Incorporate a mix of task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting to illuminate your kitchen effectively. Consider natural light sources such as windows and skylights, as well as artificial lighting options like recessed lights, pendant lights, and under-cabinet lighting.

Pro Tip: When choosing lighting decide what you want the lighting to do. Sounds odd but think of it this way: if you have a counter top with pendant lights: do you want the light to fill the room or be directed down? If the kitchen is in a well lit room with lots of natural light, you may want the light from pendants to be directed down to help with cutting or washing dishes. Choosing a light with a shade will help direct this down versus a light with a clear cover that will allow light to fill the room.

7. Doing Too Little / Cutting Corners on Quality

The cosmetics of a kitchen are important, but what about the “bones” of it? Is the plumbing ok or does it act up? What about behind the walls, any potential for mold or mildew with prior leaks or humidity? The time to address some foundational elements of a dream kitchen is during the remodel and budget process.

While it may be tempting to cut costs by opting for cheaper materials and labor, skimping on quality can backfire in the long run. Low-quality materials may wear out quickly and require frequent repairs or replacements, ultimately costing you more in the long term. Take the time to invest in high-quality materials where it makes sense: like appliances or countertops. Also invest where you can in skilled professionals to ensure a durable and well-executed kitchen remodel that stands the test of time.

Kitchen Remodel Mistakes – Get Ahead Of Your Project

In conclusion, a successful kitchen remodel requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a realistic approach. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth and successful renovation that enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen for years to come.