Avoid These 6 Kitchen Reno Mistakes

Kitchen renovations are the opportunity to turn your current kitchen into your dream kitchen. But that reno project can turn into a kitchen nightmare if certain mistakes are made. Avoid these six kitchen reno mistakes in your upcoming project.

Don’t jump ahead of yourself.

It's easy to get caught up in things like kitchen aesthetics, and while it’s totally fine to browse Pinterest or Houzz for inspiration, planning what your kitchen will look like is putting the cart before the horse. The first thing you should do is define the goals of your kitchen renovation project. This includes pinpointing the ways your kitchen lets you down along with listing your desires and needs for your kitchen.

Consult with a professional kitchen designer to determine how to incorporate your wants and needs into a design that actually works for your kitchen’s space. Some mistakenly believe that hiring a designer to work with you on your project is an expense they can’t afford. But working with a designer actually saves you money in the long run.

Budget responsibly.

We suggest setting a renovation budget that equals 10 to 15 percent of your home’s current value. Basing your kitchen reno budget on the worth of your home helps prevent over and under-spending.

Be mindful and careful of how you allocate your reno budget. Don’t spend too much on one portion, like new appliances. Sure, that $6,000 smart fridge seems nice but the $3000 fridge right next to it is just as nice and durable and costs half the price. That’s $3000 you have to spend on other areas of your project. Be sure to budget for unexpected expenses, especially if you live in an older home.

Don’t get caught up in the latest trends.

Like we said earlier, it’s totally fine to consult Pinterest and your favorite home design magazines for inspiration. But don’t get too caught up in the latest trends. Instead, go for a timeless design that will maintain its value in the long term. Use accent pieces and other easily changeable decor items to bring the trends you like into your design. That way you can change it up easily when you are ready for a decor refresh.

Don’t overlook the layout.

Before you decide on a cabinet design or countertop, you need to design your layout. Your kitchen’s functionality depends on the layout you choose. Generally speaking, most kitchen layouts are designed with the kitchen triangle method or the zone method. You can learn more about kitchen layouts here. (link to kitchen layouts blog)

Don’t have tunnel vision.

In most cases, you get what you pay for. But choosing the most expensive cabinetry, countertops, or flooring materials doesn’t always equate to long durability. You want to choose materials that will stand up to the challenge of serving your household for many years to come. Again, consulting with a designer on your material choices is the best way to choose the best materials for your kitchen.

Don’t try to DIY.

Unless you’re a regular DIY-er with building experience, leave your renovation up to the pros. The quality of your project depends on the contractors you hire. Do your due diligence when it comes to selecting contractors for your project. Research potential candidates thoroughly both online and in the real world. Ask your friends and neighbors to find out which local contractors truly have the best reputations.

Ready to kick off your kitchen renovation plans? We’re ready to help. Get started designing your dream kitchen with us today by requesting your free project quote here.