Kitchen Remodel
August 26, 2021
7 Kitchen Remodeling Trends For 2022
October 19, 2021
Did you know that kitchen remodels are the second most popular home renovation project? Remodeling your kitchen can add significant value to your home.
Kitchens are also one of the places in your home that gets the most traffic. People love to gather and socialize where meals are prepared and served. Most families eat in the kitchen. It is the central hub of a home.
If you are planning a kitchen renovation, make sure you consider these kitchen remodel mistakes first. Keep reading to find out what to avoid.
1. Layout Change Is Not Always Necessary
Many people assume that when they are remodeling a kitchen, they have to change the layout. A completely new layout is not always necessary though.
Does the work triangle already exist (cooking, fridge, sink)? Is the triangle small enough to move between the stations easily? If it’s fine, don’t mess with it.
You can make tweaks to the layout that make it more functional. Add an island or breakfast bar. Add more storage space.
The best part is that not changing the layout can save you time and money.
2. Forgetting About Functionality
One of the biggest kitchen remodeling mistakes that people make is forgetting to make sure their kitchens are functional. It’s great to have a pretty kitchen but it can be very frustrating to work in one that cannot easily be used.
Make sure cabinet doors and ovens and fridges open in the right direction. Think about how many people will be cooking at once and consider whether or not they will be able to move around easily. No one wants to get a cabinet door to the head!
3. Not Measuring Appliances
One of the worst kitchen remodel mistakes is purchasing appliances that just don’t fit in your kitchen. It’s great to have a big double fridge but if it’s getting in the way it will just disrupt the workflow
Too often, people buy new appliances when they are doing kitchen remodeling and find out on delivery day that one or more of the pieces do not fit the space. Avoid kitchen model mistakes like this by:
- measuring several times
- removing existing appliances to check for unseen structural issues
- checking that the electrical connections and plumbing will work with modern appliances
4. DIY Kitchen Remodels
Some people love home renovation shows. They watch them and think, “I can do that.” Keep in mind that these shows make it look much easier than it is.
If you are trying to save money, at least consult with professionals before you start your kitchen renovation. The things you can do for yourself will depend on the amount of experience you have. Get advice first.
There are some things you definitely should not do on your own unless you have advanced skills. Hire a plumber and electrician if you plan on moving appliances around. If you avoid working with professionals and do it all yourself, it could cost you more money in the long run.
5. Losing Sight of the Big Picture
It’s easy to hyperfocus on your vision for your new kitchen. Kitchen remodel mistakes often start with overlooking important factors like placement, materials, or functionality to get your dream kitchen.
This is another good reason to work with professionals. They can often see things you are tempted to ignore, or just don’t notice because of your vision.
6. Poor Lighting Choices
Lighting matters. Think about all the things you do in your kitchen. Now imagine doing them in the dark.
Make sure that light is in the right places and can provide enough light to do your work. Remember that you can always install dimmers when you want a more intimate setting, but working in the shadows is a good way to have accidents.
Position lights so that they are slightly in front of your workspace. Make sure they can use bulbs that provide enough light for chopping and cutting. Save sconces and pendant lights for the dining area.
7. Poor Choice of Kitchen Islands
Not every kitchen should have an island. In a small kitchen, it can take up unnecessary space.
Kitchen islands can be great for giving you additional prep and storage space. It is important that you place it properly and don’t place it where it can obstruct the workspace.
There should be about 40 inches on either side of the island to keep adequate workflow.
If your kitchen is small, consider using a moveable workstation instead of an island. Make sure it has locking wheels and it can be a good solution for extra storage and working space. When you’re done using it, it can go back against a wall.
8. Forgetting to Maximize Wall Space
Your kitchen walls are important in a kitchen remodel. The walls can be used for storage space.
If you feel that closed cabinets that go to the ceiling make the room look smaller, consider using open shelving or glass doors.
9. Making Last Minute Changes
One of the huge kitchen remodel mistakes that people don’t talk about is those last-minute changes. Once the project begins, try not to add in new ideas or ditch ideas.
Making changes at the last minute when you are renovating your kitchen can cost a lot of money. It can bring the work to a halt while you or your designer try to find a way to work around the changes.
This can also cause delays in your remodeling projects. You may need to find new materials or reschedule labor.
Avoid Kitchen Remodel Mistakes With a Professional
If you want to avoid kitchen remodel mistakes, consider working with a professional. Our experienced kitchen designers have years of experience working with Indiana homeowners on projects of all sizes. Visit our showroom to learn more.
Need some kitchen inspiration? Click here to check out some beautiful before and after photos.
