Don’t Make These Common Mistakes when Remodeling your Kitchen
Embarking on a kitchen remodeling project can be a fun and exciting journey, transforming the look and feel of your entire home. However, the renovation can quickly turn into a costly, time-consuming and frustrating nightmare if you’re not careful to avoid some of the most common mistakes. C&R Building Supply in Philadelphia reveals common kitchen remodeling mistakes homeowners should be careful to avoid!
Avoid These 20 Mistakes During a Kitchen Remodeling Project
Thinking you Can do It Yourself: When it comes to plumbing, tiling, cabinet installation, etc. it is ALWAYS best to hire professional contractors.
Failing to Plan: A kitchen renovation project must have an end goal and vision that includes style and functionality.
Underestimating Cost: Sticking to a budget is important, but mid-project surprises are almost a guarantee. Keeping a 15 – 20 percent contingency will help to soften the blow of unexpected expenses.
Not Understanding Installation Order: Measurements and the order of installation is crucial in your kitchen space. The correct order of installation: flooring, cabinets, countertops and large appliances.
Ignoring the Kitchen Triangle: Key appliances (stove, sink & refrigerator) should be within a few feet of each other to make the kitchen more efficient and easier to use.
Buying Bargain for Big Ticket Items: While you may be trying to find easy ways to save money, looking for big discounts on critical items like plumbing and appliances can be a disaster. Items can show up damaged, broken or weeks past their estimated shipment date, which will delay your entire kitchen renovation project.
Being TOO Trendy: Many homeowners opt to remodel their kitchen to update key elements and make the overall look more modern. However, these styles come and go. Large pieces like flooring, cabinets and countertops should be timeless. Focus on tile backsplash, cabinet hardware and lighting to bring modern trends into the kitchen as these can be easily switched out in a few years.
Underestimating Storage Needs: If your kitchen doesn’t offer enough storage, make sure your contractor understands your need to add more storage space.
Countertop Clearance: Many homeowners like to display their air fryer, coffeemaker, stand mixer, etc. directly on top of the countertops. Make sure you have enough space in between your appliance and the bottom of the cabinets.
Selecting the Wrong Flooring: If your dream kitchen includes hardwood flooring, the wood selection is extremely important. Pre-finished, sealed hardwood is the best choice. Since hardwood can be slippery, a textured finish can provide more traction and hide wear & tear common to kitchen flooring.
Improper Kitchen Outlet Wiring: Kitchens should have two or three accessible outlets each on dedicated 20-amp outlets. To prevent electrical fires or injuries, each outlet should be on an Arc fault and ground fault circuit protector.
Not Planning for Deliveries: If you’re ordering from different companies and sources, you need a plan for when they will arrive & where you’ll store items until installation. Further, delays are very common, so it is best to start ordering ASAP if possible.
Painting vs. Purchasing Cabinets: While painting cabinets can save you a lot of money, make sure you evaluate the reason for your renovation before moving forward with the decision. If you compromise on functionality to save a few dollars you may end up regretting the decision after the project is complete.
Neglecting the Lighting: Lighting is often overlooked in a kitchen remodeling project. However, proper lighting is vital to the overall functionality of the kitchen space. Pay close attention to lighting over your stove & countertops.
Don’t Skimp on the Small Stuff: While the price tag of your new cabinets may give you sticker shock, remember this is a long-term investment! Don’t skip out on add-on features like drawer dividers, pantry pullouts, lazy Susans, etc. while will help to maximize kitchen storage & efficiency.
Stainless Steel Overload: Adding too many stainless steel appliances can make your kitchen feel cold instead of inviting. Your major appliances (fridge, oven & dishwasher) can be stainless steel, but remember you still have to add the microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots & pans, air fryer, etc. Pick and choose which are most important & opt for other colors or metal materials too.
Selecting an Oversized Island: Especially in a large kitchen an oversized island seems like an obvious option, but it is not very practical. You’ll soon grow tired of walking around the oversized island (10+ feet long) and storage is impractical. If you are set on having the extra counter and storage space ask your contractor about different options.
Making Changes During Construction: Once your remodeling is underway, making changes can be detrimental to your project! Not only does your construction come to a halt, but you’ll experience additional costs. Make sure you are 1,000% happy with the final vision before construction begins!
Letting the Stress Overwhelm You: If you’re overwhelmed by the constant sound of construction, find ways to relax, whether that is going on a walk down the street or investing in noise canceling headphones. Also remember that you have hired professionals and your kitchen is in amazing hands!
Forgetting to Have Fun: Last, but not least, you’re designing your DREAM kitchen so don’t forget to have fun and embrace all the craziness that comes with it. The result will be a kitchen you’re going to love to cook in for years to come.
C&R Building Supply works directly with kitchen remodeling contractors to help you achieve your dream space! Our Philadelphia building supply store has all the plumbing, tools, hardware, lumber, flooring, cabinets and countertops to completely transform your kitchen. If you’re not ready to fully commit to a kitchen renovation, check out some inexpensive DIY kitchen remodeling projects you can complete in a single weekend!
