Completing a home renovation is a rewarding task, but only once you have ensured your project is what you wanted. Far too often homeowners make mistakes, without realizing it, only to find out after their project is complete. To make sure you’re completely happy with the final result, be sure to avoid these mistakes when renovating your kitchen.
Attempting to DIY
Attempting to DIY your kitchen renovation is a big mistake. Not only with the work itself, but also with managing the project. If you do not have any experience in managing a large project, you’re best leaving it to the pros. Not hiring a pro can lead to disorganization within your project and ultimately costly mistakes. In addition to hiring kitchen contractors to complete your reno, you should also consider hiring a general contractor to manage everything. Read about all the benefits that hiring a general contractor can offer to your project here.
Installing without Measurements
Rushing into your project can lead to details being missed, resulting in having to redo your reno.
A common example of this is installing cabinets without taking into consideration the size of your appliances. If you are ordering custom cabinets and if the size of your appliances changes at any point in the project, the cabinets will have to be adjusted. The last thing that you want is for your fridge, dishwasher, or sink to not fit into the space. Without prior planning, you can end up having to redo part of your cabinetry adding to the final cost of your project.
Lack of Storage
When it comes to storage in kitchens, the more the better! The last thing you want is unorganized, overfilled cupboards, with pots and pans falling out every time you open a door. When designing your space, be sure to include plenty of storage. Lots of cupboard space is great, but adding secret storage, such as lazy Susan’s, drawer dividers, and roll-out storage is a great way to incorporate more storage into your space. Working with a kitchen designer can help you maximize every inch of storage in your kitchen.
No Workflow
The spacing between your major appliances in your kitchen is very important for the overall workflow. Having your appliances too close together causes traffic jams, and having them too far apart results in unnecessary steps. As a rule of thumb, it is suggested that you keep the sink, fridge, and stovetop within four to nine feet of one another. This helps to keep the flow of main activity zones practical. Your kitchen pro will be aware of things like this, so they will be able to make suggestions for the best layout and workflow for your kitchen.
Undefined Purpose
When renovating your own space, you will always think about how the space is going to benefit you and your family. We tend to forget that while your household will mainly use the space, there will be times when you are entertaining. The main goal should be your comfort, but planning for having larger groups in space will prevent overcrowding when the time comes.
Major renovations can be a stressful process, and making any of these simple mistakes can make it even more frustrating and costly! When it comes time to renovate your kitchen, hire a pro and plan extensively to avoid these mistakes and finish your project with confidence.
