You may be currently considering a kitchen renovation. Although kitchen renovations are often a significant expense for many homeowners, they are also an investment that can last for many years and may even increase the overall value of your home. However, there are some things you should consider before you begin the renovation project, such as your budget and what you want from your kitchen. Failing to do so can lead to many common kitchen renovation mistakes that many homeowners make during their remodels.
Forgetting Your Budget
Create a budget for your kitchen renovation. Decide the most essential kitchen features, such as more cabinet and drawer space, a kitchen island, a dedicated pantry for food, or additional lighting, and then allocate your finances accordingly. As you go along, keep referring to your budget to ensure you meet each renovation task.
Not Taking an Inventory of Your Kitchen
Taking a detailed inventory of your current kitchen will help you understand what you want out of your remodel. What appliances do you use the most? What is the current traffic flow like in your kitchen? How can you make your layout more efficient?
The better you do at inventory, the better you can design around how your family functions in their kitchen.
Not layering lighting
Lighting is one aspect of kitchen remodeling that shouldn’t be forgotten. Kitchens need good lighting to meet the needs of many uses while still looking sleek and crisp. To effectively light your kitchen, consider the three lighting levels (ambient, task, and accent lighting) and choose multiple lights that serve different functions.
Not considering clearances
To avoid tight spaces, plan for adequate clearances. For example, suppose there is sitting on an island behind a refrigerator. In that case, ample space should be planned for when one person is at the island, and one person is opening the refrigerator.
Not planning for storage
Storage space is necessary for any kitchen, and a remodel is the time to ensure you have room for all your kitchen utensils and appliances. Think about everything you want to store in drawers and cabinets, from pots and pans to cookie sheets and cutting boards. Measure drawers and doors, especially on lower cabinets, to ensure those tall pots have enough clearance when all is done.
Renovating Alone
The kitchen is one area of the house where you should limit the amount of DIY tasks you undertake. Going it alone could cost you more time and money than expected. Consider hiring a good contractor who has a team that can tackle more complex areas of your kitchen, such as plumbing and electrical.
