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Kitchen Remodel Tips: 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Kitchen Remodel Tips: 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Photo: Unsplash.com

By: Jacob Maslow

The kitchen is a key part of your home and can make it more enjoyable to live in. A well-planned kitchen remodel can add value to your home, but without careful planning, it may lead to unnecessary costs and issues. Here are 8 common mistakes to avoid when planning your kitchen remodel.

1. Inadequate Planning

Experts agree that a homeowner’s biggest kitchen renovation mistake is failing to plan effectively. A successful remodel must be visualized with an end goal in sight. Consider aesthetics and functionality.

Keep your budget in mind and have realistic expectations. Research flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and lighting options.

2. Going the DIY Route

In the quest to save money, you may think you can tackle the job with a little knowledge and lots of DIY video tutorials. In reality, remodeling a kitchen takes a crew of professional contractors and highly skilled craftsmen.

DIY shows can be inspiring, but it’s important to remember that kitchen remodeling often involves complex electrical, plumbing, and building code requirements.

3. Choosing the Wrong Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice but can be slippery. Select hardwoods with a proper finish, such as pre-sealed, and select wood with a high hardness rating, such as hickory or oak.

Reclaimed or distressed wood has a textured finish that gives more traction and will add a rustic look to your kitchen. Cork is a good choice, but it fades in the sun, so keep this in mind for sunny kitchens.

4. Installing Floors First

Experts advise installing flooring after cabinetry. If done before, the floor won’t be able to expand and contract properly, and cupping can occur. Installing floors first also makes it difficult to remove without damaging cabinets should your floor need repairs later on.

5. Choosing Appliances Last

Avoid choosing appliances after cabinets are installed. Measuring is critical and even a one-inch difference can ruin an installment. Measure appliances first before determining cabinet specifications. Additionally, it will be easier to choose materials and hardware that complement your appliances.

6. Ignoring the Chef’s Triangle

The key to a kitchen’s functionality is to create what’s known as the chef’s triangle. Accomplish this by having the stove, refrigerator, and sink installed within a few feet of each other in a work triangle pattern.

Avoid placing the stove and refrigerator side by side. It will be difficult for more than one cook to operate at the same time, and you can’t efficiently reach each appliance.

7. Impulsive Decisions

Planning a kitchen remodel can be an overwhelming process. The choices of elements for your kitchen are enormous and must be carefully considered. The process can take hours. Avoid falling in love with the first cabinets or countertops you see without considering other choices. Don’t make decisions just to get it over with.

8. Making Changes Midstream

Changing your mind after the project has started can lead to increased costs and delays. Adjustments may require work to pause new materials to be ordered and could affect your overall budget and timeline.

Published by: Josh Tatunay

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