6 Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

So you’ve decided that it’s time to take the plunge and get the kitchen you’ve always wanted. While deciding to go ahead with your kitchen remodel is the first step, getting the kitchen of your dreams takes money and time to get right. Before you start your renovation, here are six common kitchen renovation mistakes you’ll want to avoid. 1. Going the DIY Route A kitchen remodel is a time-consuming and costly project that shouldn’t be underestimated. While you might be handy with a saw and a paintbrush for simple DIY projects, a kitchen remodel is one project best left to professionals. If you’re still set on doing it yourself, make sure to at least consult with a kitchen expert before you start. They can help you fine-tune your remodel and point out small details you may have overlooked.

2. Hiring an Inexperienced Contractor Before hiring a contractor, make sure to do your homework and find out everything you can about his or her work. While a new contractor might charge less than a well-known one, you don’t want to put your kitchen or money into the hands of someone who doesn’t have the experience behind them to get the job done right. Also, don’t be afraid to ask to see a copy of their license and insurance papers with a state seal on them to make sure they are legitimate.

3. Paying up Front Once you do decide on a contractor, never pay for all of your renovations up front. A good rule of thumb is never to pay more than 30% of the total cost before starting the project.

4. Not Sticking to the Budget Creating and sticking to your budget are essential in a kitchen remodel. Decide what features are most important to you and plan your money around these things. Being realistic about your design choices is another important aspect of your budget. If you eat out more than you stay in, chances are you don’t need this $47,00 stove. Remember, build the kitchen that works for you and your budget.

5. Not Keeping Your Workflow in Mind A good interior designer will design with the “kitchen triangle” in mind. The sink, stove, and refrigerator are the three areas that will get the most use, so you want to make sure you’ll have unobstructed access to these areas and that they are in efficient locations that are relevant to one another. 6. Forgetting About Storage Storage problems are one of the biggest reasons for a kitchen remodel, so make sure to maximize your cabinet space and think about solutions like a pantry or extra cabinets for added space.