In our previous blog post, we looked at how to save money on your kitchen remodel. You’re ready to get started on the project at this point. However, it’s imperative to consider the most common kitchen remodeling mistakes before jumping into the first step. Here are the top 10:
- Rushing into the project – Maybe you’re selling the house and want to make improvements as quickly as possible. On the other hand, maybe you’re just sick and tired of the way the kitchen looks. Whatever the case, be sure to have a plan and work your way through it. The kitchen is one of the more popular spaces in the entire house. You probably won’t achieve the ideal result should you decide to cut corners and take a haphazard approach.
- Ignoring rules and regulations – Some homeowners are required to check permits or notify developers prior to embarking on such a renovation. It never hurts to get in touch with local authorities on processes and other regulations you may not have originally considered. We are often asked, “What happens if I don’t abide by rules and regulations? How is someone going to find out?” Here’s the thing: ignoring any permits and regulations could lead to costly penalties down the road, such as when you go to sell the house.
- Hiring the wrong person – There are plenty of kitchen remodeling contractors out there. How do you know which one is right for your project? Let’s start with the fact that nothing throws a wrench into a home improvement project quite like the wrong contractor. Give yourself some time to interview multiple candidates and do additional research online. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to ask for references. One thing we can’t stress enough here is to avoid hiring the cheapest contractor. Obviously, we’re all trying to pinch pennies whenever possible. That said, contractors who charge significantly less than others are either inexperienced or use lower quality materials. Our piece of advice is to use the best contractor you can afford.
- Wasting valuable space – There’s no question that you and your family spend a good deal of time in the kitchen. Ideally, you want to get the most out of every bit of space. Prior to getting started on the project, remember to account for appliances and where they will be situated upon completion. Ask a professional how to best maximize cabinets and storage space. Another option is to combine rooms so that you have more of an open kitchen/dining setup.
- Forgetting about function – It’s one thing to have a beautiful kitchen that aligns with your style. It’s another thing to enjoy an attractive space that maximizes the layout of proximity of the sink, stove, and refrigerator. As difficult as it may be at times, avoid getting caught up in how the final product looks. Functionality is critical when it comes to kitchen makeovers.
- Failing to account for proper ventilation – Many homeowners don’t realize that a high indoor temperature can shorten the life of some appliances. Not only that, but the warmer it is inside, the more expensive your A/C costs will be. This is why it’s so important to invest in good ventilation for your kitchen. As you already know, spaces that are properly ventilated tend to be more pleasant and cleaner than those that are not.
- Settling for poor lighting – Are you really looking to take your kitchen to the next level? Then the right lighting is an absolute must. We’re not just talking about lighting for design and ambiance reasons, either. Take a moment to consider how often you prepare meals. If you cook fairly regularly, then be sure to opt for good lighting. Work with your contractor in deciding on general lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. Trust us when we say that the right lighting makes a world of difference.
- Wanting a look that’s overly trendy – There are some pretty incredible modern kitchen designs in 2018. However, ask yourself how a particular design will look five years from now. It seems as though popular trends and colors change every year. The safe bet is to focus on a look that’s timeless and classic while incorporating a few modern touches here and there. Doing so makes it easier and less costly to change them when they’re no longer in style.
- Being too cheap – We briefly touched on this earlier in the post. Quality matters when looking at the vital elements of the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit on major areas such as the floor, cabinets, countertops, and major appliances. It doesn’t make much financial sense to take a cheap approach and then wind up replacing everything after a few years. Especially if you’re thinking of selling your house relatively soon, be sure to choose high-quality products.
- Downplaying the cabinets – What’s the first thing you notice in a kitchen? Probably not the flooring or even the appliances. For most people, it’s the cabinets. At St. Croix Cabinet Solutions, we believe that custom cabinets should be affordable for everyone. Our experienced team is proud to have beautiful, functional options for every budget.
From kitchen cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing to replacement cabinet doors, St. Croix Cabinet Solutions is here to make your dreams attainable. For years, our staff has been helping Hudson residents transform their kitchen. See what we can do for your family. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.