9 Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

Remodeling the kitchen is a big job and there are many potential mistakes along the way that will need to be avoided. Kitchen remodeling in the Utica or Royal Oak area should start with an understanding of some of these common mistakes so that homeowners will be able to avoid them.Mistake #1: Not Considering the BudgetWhen many homeowners start to think about kitchen remodeling, they get excited about all of the possibilities. While it is exciting, it is also important that the homeowners are able to temper their expectations with the reality of their budget. It is essential that they keep their budget firmly in mind throughout the process and when approaching the professional contractors. Even though they might want to have the best possible upgrades to their kitchen, it is important that they stay in budget to avoid going into debt.Mistake #2: Not Considering SizeOne of the other mistakes that many homeowners make is not considering the size of their kitchen based on what they actually want in the kitchen. Even with a full remodel, there will only be a certain amount of space available. Overstuffing the kitchen with too many appliances, an island when there is no room, or including too many other features will make the place feel cramped. It is important to consider the size of different elements of the kitchen, as well as the appliances, which are discussed further below.Mistake #3: Not Thinking About How the Kitchen Will Be UsedHomeowners should have an idea of how they are going to actually use the kitchen and this should inform the type of remodel they are doing. If they like to entertain and have people come to visit, they might want to have an area in the kitchen where people can comfortably sit and talk with one another while cooking. Those who do not plan to spend as much time in the kitchen may not need to have a seating area. Understanding how the kitchen will be used is helpful in determining the types of upgrades that will need to be made.Mistake #4: Not Thinking About StorageProper storage is essential, but it also happens to be one of the areas where many kitchens fail. Having storage space for not only dishes and cookware, but also countertop appliances, is very important. Kitchens that are on the smaller side can still have a substantial amount of storage when it is added properly. Owners should think about all of the elements that they plan to store in the kitchen and then ask the professionals about which options will work best for their storage needs.Mistake #5: Making It Too TightWhile many who are considering kitchen remodeling will want to get as much use out of their space as possible, there is a danger of trying to cram too much into the space. Having an island in a kitchen that is too small is just going to make it more difficult to get around and actually use the kitchen. Having plenty of floorspace is always better than turning around and running into a bar or a kitchen island.Mistake #6: Making Form More Important than FunctionThere is also the danger of homeowners who only care about the look of the kitchen. They are going for a certain style, but they do not stop to think about whether it actually provides the functionality they need in the kitchen. This ties in with the previous issue of trying to add too much to the space. Ultimately, the kitchen should be able to perform its duties well, while still managing to meet the homeowner’s aesthetic taste.Mistake #7: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Choose AppliancesAppliances are important to the remodel, but some homeowners treat them as an afterthought. This means that they wait until they are nearly done with the kitchen design ideas, or even part of the remodel, to start thinking about the appliances. They will find that this often means they are limited in the options available. They need to choose appliances that fit into the space they have designed and that will work with the color schemes they have created. Starting with appliances in mind allows for a better workflow for their remodel.Mistake #8: Not Being DecisiveThere are big decisions homeowners have to make when they are choosing the design, appliances, color, hardware, etc. for the remodel. This can sometimes lead to owners changing their minds at the last minute or not ever being firm in any of the decisions they make. They always worry that they are making a mistake with their choices. It can be difficult, but owners should make it a point to get rid of their indecisiveness early into the project so there aren’t any last-minute changes that could add to the cost. They need to come up with a plan they like and stick to it unless there is something major that truly needs to be reevaluated.Mistake #9: Trying to Do It AloneOne of the biggest mistakes is attempting kitchen remodeling without using professional help. Remodeling is a huge job that requires the experience and expertise that only professional contractors can bring. By hiring a professional right at the start, homeowners can negate the possibility of any of the above mistakes from being able to take root in the first place. The contractors can provide ideas, let owners know what will and won’t work, and can take care of all of the hard work.These are some of the biggest mistakes that people tend to make in regard to remodeling the kitchen. Those who are looking for kitchen remodeling in Royal Oak or who need kitchen remodeling in Utica will want to make sure they take the time to find the best contractors for the job. They need to find those who have experience and who can help with the overall kitchen design from start to finish.