Kitchen remodeling is one part charm and ten parts function. That’s why it’s so hard to get everything right, especially if this is your first kitchen renovation. There are so many things to consider and there are so many traps along the way that avoiding mistakes is rather a feat.
Knowing what to watch out for in a kitchen remodel is like wishing you were twenty again only with the brains you had when you reached forty. It’s quite impossible. But when it comes to a home remodeling project that costs a lot of money, the fewer mistakes you make the better. Right? And so, if you are planning to renovate the kitchen and wish you knew how to avoid some traps, here are a few tips – just food for thought.
The initial kitchen design may not be the last
Your very first kitchen design may be subject to several changes. And so, don’t build a detailed plan before a contractor takes over. Sometimes, there are structural obstacles that stand in the way. Or, maybe an experienced kitchen remodeler would be able to offer a better layout for your own needs.
It’s easy to lose the trees and never find the forest
Before a kitchen makeover, you need to think of simply everything. But if you think of each item separately – appliances, countertop, cabinets, flooring, some pieces of the jigsaw puzzle may not fit. A common mistake is to think that by getting everything you like and bringing them together, everything will fall into place but this is not usually the case. In order to find the trees, you need to consider the forest.
The kitchen renovation will take some time
Kitchen remodeling projects take a while. You need to be prepared that you won’t have a kitchen for quite some time. The longevity of such projects is not fixed. It depends on the size of the kitchen, how challenging the remodeling is, and what you agree with the contractor. And don’t forget that there are always unforeseen factors, which may prolong the end of the project.
The kitchen remodeling cost will be higher than estimated
Remodeling the kitchen is an expensive home improvement. Of course, the price depends on several factors – the chosen materials, hardware, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and ventilation. Plus, the contractor’s fees and installations. And although you may be very strict with the estimates and your calculations, some prices go up while your kitchen is renovated. The countertop price, for example, may change from the time you inquire about it to the moment you actually buy it. And as we already said, there are usually unforeseen obstacles that may need fixing and thus raise the budget. For example, if you aren’t going to change plumbing but a pipe bursts, it’ll be an extra expense. Be prepared for such things because they happen.
The kitchen remodel decisions must be taken in peace
A kitchen remodeling is a way to increase function and aesthetics, often address problems, and make your life better. It’s not a way to get back to your old kitchen because you didn’t like it. Or a way to put all ideas you love for your home to work for your kitchen. For example, if your kitchen was dark and you always wished to get white cabinets, go for it – by all means, but also consider all other options. Don’t let the past define the future. Let your needs and current taste guide you.
Plumbing & electrical should be priority number one
Electrical and plumbing should be given top priority in a room like your kitchen. This is, in fact, something you shouldn’t bother with and let the kitchen remodelers take over. What should you do though today so that you won’t have regrets later is change the old cables, pipes, and all things relevant since kitchens are not remodeled every other year!
Kitchen lighting fixtures make all the difference
Focus on the kitchen lighting fixtures and the brightness in the room. It’s better to have more lights than you need instead of not having sufficient lighting. And don’t forget that you need task lights, especially over the kitchen island, over the countertop, and inside the cabinets. Get dimmable lights to create ambiance too.
A kitchen without enough storage room is hardly functional
Insist on having enough kitchen cabinets, even if you don’t need them today. Once more, better more than fewer. In lower sections, like under the countertop or under the island’s counter, drawers will work better.
Choosing a resistant kitchen counter material is a must
Be careful what you choose when it comes to kitchen countertops. Natural stone slabs are wonderful – marble countertops, for instance, but can etch and stain easily. They need to be sealed often and will make your life difficult. Cheap materials that look expensive won’t work either. It’s vital to get resistant countertops for the kitchen, even if you have to pay more. Better get something less expensive when it comes to cabinet handles but get quality countertops. It’s not only a matter of keeping it for years – hence, convenience but also a matter of good health – hence, your family’s safety.
